TERMITE FAQs

1. I don’t think we’ve ever had termites on our property. Why should I be worried?

Even if you have never had a termite infestation previously, there is no guarantee you won’t encounter them this year. Our homes provide shelter, food and moisture for termites to thrive in. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Early detection and annual inspections will keep you armed against these pests that have the ability to allude the naked eye. Ky-Ko provides Free Termite Inspections to Arizona residents. Call us today and gain peace of mind.

2. How do I tell termites apart from ants?

Many get these two pests confused but there are ways to tell them apart. From the image below, we can see that termites have thick waists while ants have a more pinched-in waist. The antennae of termites look like a string of beads while ants possess distinctive elbowed antennae. The wings of termite swamers are long, narrow and the front and back are about the same length while those of ants resemble long triangles and the front pair of wings is much longer than the back pair.

3. I don’t understand how they got in. I keep a very clean house.

Termites are not drawn to filth and refuse such as cockroaches. They are foragers looking for cellulose rich food – primarily wood. Termites can enter a structure without direct wood contact through mud tubes. They can enter through foam insulation below the ground, hollow concrete blocks or bricks, plumbing spaces, expansion joints, and the like. An opening as small as 1/32 of an inch is all they need to penetrate. Practically any building is at risk of a termite infestation.

4. What signs should I look for?

If you spot any of the following, a termite infestation may be present.

• Mud tubes that run across masonry or concrete; between the soil and up to any wooden part of the building. These tubes are about the diameter of a pencil or larger.
• Small, thin paper-like wings, that are the same shape and size (3/8 – 1/2 inch long) found on your floor, counter top or window sill.
• Wooden parts of the building that begin to unexpectedly sag. Special attention should be paid if those wooden parts belong to important support structures.
• Wood that has become thin or brittle.
• Paint on wooden surfaces that appear thin and/or bubbled.

Often times, termites go undetected for a long period of time. When they are uncovered, plenty of damage has already occurred to the property. This is why it is so important to have trained professionals come in and inspect your home or place of business.

5. Are there any preventative measures I can take to protect my home?

The following are some smart steps homeowners can take to avoid termite infestations.

• Keep firewood, lumber and other wooden items, from coming in direct contact with your building. Several feet away is best.
• Keep wood supports of patios, porches, decks or other separate buildings at least one foot away from the foundation of your home.
• Use pressure-treated wood for your construction. Keep in mind that even treated wood have a limited protection period.
• All mulch (even redwood and cedar) and wood chips should be moved at least one foot from your home’s foundation. Consider using sand and stone for decorative purposes as they discourage pests from taking up residence next to your building.
• Repair leaks around your property, especially those that cause wooden parts of your house to become wet.
• Relocate gardens or flower beds that are frequently watered as far away as possible from the perimiter of your home.
• Monitor and reduce any moisture build-ups in places such as crawl spaces.

6. Can I Treat My Home Myself?

Unfortunately do-it-yourself treatments are not effective and rarely rid the owner of an existing termite infestation. Termite extermination and management require a special set of skills. A knowledge of building construction, the different termite types in Arizona and the best strategies to deal with them are what the professionals are trained in.

Ky-Ko’s experienced, courteous specialists:

• Will identify the critical areas of your home where termites have already entered or are likely to enter. [Most points of entry are hidden and difficult to see or access]
• Will be able to design a specific plan of action for your property to address not only present infestation problems but to protect you against future invasions.
• Have the necessary specialized equipment required for termite control (e.g. masonry drills, soil treatment rods, large-capacity tanks, and pumps).
• Can back up our work with a worry-free Guarantee!

7. There are a lot of pest control companies in Arizona. Why should I choose Ky-Ko?

The KY-KO name has been in the valley for over 18 years and is known for its excellent customer service. KY-KO’s termite specialist will respond fast to all inquires and has over 22 years of experience. KY-KO only uses Termidor which is the best termiticide available on the market. KY-KO is crazy about Quality.