Termites in Utah

In Utah, termites can be found in more than three-quarters of the State, from Salt Lake City to Logan, Moab, and St. George. In the Northeastern parts of Utah, termites are not as likely to infest a Utah home or cause damage to decorative or structural wood.

Our article will discuss which termites you will find in Utah and what to look out for.

Let’s get started!

What are termites?

Termites are beneficial insects in their natural environment, breaking down decaying wood and other cellulose-containing materials as food sources. Homeowners, however, do not see it like that when they destroy wooden structures and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.

What Types of Termites Are in Utah?

Two main termite species infest Utah homes, Subterranean termites and Drywood termites. Please read on to find out about these pests.

Subterranean termites

Subterranean termites and arid land Subterranean termites live in the soil in termite colonies and will come up to the ground level to get behind walls and under hardwood floors to feed on the cellulose found in wood.

Drywood termites

Drywood termites live in a termite colony and eat inside any ground-level dry wood areas. They can be challenging to detect and do not need a lot of moisture to survive. The water in the wood they eat gives them all the moisture they need.

Drywood termites are usually pale brown but can be light to dark brown. They like a warm, humid environment and mild winters.

Here are some indications of a drywood termite infestation

• If you see frass or fecal pellets on the ground that look like sawdust pushed out of their tunnels, it could be down to a drywood termite infestation.

• Drywood termites eat inside the wood. If you tap some and it makes a hollow sound, it could be due to a colony of drywood termites feasting away at the inside.

• Cracked wall paint on surfaces is another sign of drywood termite activity.

Are there Formosan Termites in Utah?

To date, Formosan termites have not been found in Utah.

Signs you may have a termite infestation

Utah homeowners may find it challenging to notice termite activity in its early stages. Should you see any early signs of termite activity, seek advice from a pest control company on termite treatment available as soon as possible before there is any structural damage.

Here are some warning signs of a Subterranean termite infestation:

• An obvious sign is the presence of the termites themselves. If you notice termites near your home, take action. If you can, keep a termite in a container as evidence to show a pest control expert. Pest control will then be able to identify the culprit.

• If you have had flooding recently, which has caused the wood to get damp near your property, keep a close watch on any water-damaged wood. Termites need moisture in the wood to digest the cellulose; wet wood can attract a termite infestation.

• If you discover a swarm of winged termites, they are from a mature colony, looking for a mate and then establishing a new colony. There is a possibility that a hidden colony nearby has previously gone undetected.

• After mating, they discard their wings, and you might discover new colonies if you see piles of wings near your home. Ants swarm also, and proper identification is crucial for termite activity.

• Termites create mud tunnels or mud tubes, as they are also known; they are a sign of termites nearby. Termites construct the mud tubes from clay and look out for a hardened coating on a surface. Mud tubes are tunnels termites use to travel through from their extensive underground colonies. They protect them from the sun, air, and other conditions that could dry them out. They are made of soil and termite feces. You may see them inside the house or on the wall near the basement walls or the home’s foundation.

• Drywood termites create frass as a waste product, frass looks like sawdust, and the drywood termites push the frass out of their tunnels. If you discover piles of what looks like sawdust appearing in the house or yard, it may be due to a termite infestation.

• Surprisingly they can be heard chewing wood; listen to the walls of your house. If you hear this noise, it could be termites or even rodents.

• In the advanced stages of termite damage, the damage is visible. The damage can make wood look discolored and warped. Drywood termites leave small holes visible. When termites hollow out the wood, it will become brittle, breaking easily.

Vulnerable places that attract termites in Utah

• Structural features, like support posts, wooden foundations, and joists.

• Window sills and frames.

• Roof eaves, gutters, and downspouts.

• Crawl spaces, attics, and basements.

• Outdoor features like decks, trellises, porches, and gazebos.

When Do Termites Swarm in Utah?

Termites are often misidentified as flying ants and other pests during swarms. They often swarm on a warm day after rainfall. Swarming can also occur in the winter inside heated buildings. Below are the swarming habits of the most common species in Utah.

The arid land subterranean termite usually swarms in the spring and fall.

The Eastern subterranean termite swarms from March to May.

The Western drywood termite will swarm during the daytime in the fall.

Interesting facts about termites in Utah

The only area in the United States that does not have any termite species is Alaska.

Termite damage, termite treatment, and termite infestations cause $5 billion in the United States and affect 600,000 U.S. homes.

A Termite does not sleep; it chews and causes damage 24/7.

Most homes in the United States are not covered for termite damage on their insurance policy.

How can I prevent termites and protect my home from termite damage?

Keep logs, debris, and water sprinklers away from your property. Check regularly for evidence of these pests.

Call a pest control professional for a free quote. A pest control expert will provide treatment options. The treatment options available could be a barrier of pesticide, bait stations, wood treatments, and the treatment of nests. They will also discuss future termite control, which could include yearly inspections.

And finally,

We presented in our article, ‘Termites in Utah,’ we discussed the signs of a termite infestation and what to look for, and how to avoid termite infestations. We hope it has been helpful.

Good luck!