Subterranean termite workers are small (1/8 inch), soft-bodied, and creamy white — they are rarely seen because they avoid light. Soldiers have larger, darker heads with strong mandibles. Swarmers (alates) are dark brown to black with two pairs of equal-length wings and are the caste most homeowners actually see, typically during spring swarms after rain.

The clearest sign of subterranean termites is mud tubes — pencil-width tunnels of soil and wood particles running along your foundation, walls, or piers. Drywood termites do not build mud tubes and leave behind small pellets of frass (droppings) that look like sawdust. If you see mud tubes, you almost certainly have subterranean termites.

Yes — subterranean termites are the most destructive pest in North America. A mature colony can consume a foot of 2x4 lumber in as little as six months. Because they work inside wood and avoid light, infestations often go undetected for years. The resulting structural damage to floor joists, wall studs, and framing is rarely covered by homeowner's insurance.

Subterranean termite swarms in Arizona typically occur from March through June, often triggered by warm temperatures and rain events. Swarms usually happen in the morning and last only 30–40 minutes. Finding discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures after a swarm is a strong indicator of an active colony nearby.

Eliminate wood-to-soil contact around your foundation, fix all moisture sources (leaky pipes, AC condensate, poor drainage), keep mulch and wood piles at least 18 inches from the house, and schedule annual professional termite inspections. Arizona's warm climate means termites are active year-round, so prevention is an ongoing effort.

We use liquid soil barrier treatments (termiticides applied around and beneath the foundation) and/or termite bait station systems depending on the severity and location of the infestation. Both methods are highly effective. We also offer annual inspection programs to catch new activity before it becomes a costly problem.

Immediately. Unlike most pests, subterranean termites cause damage that compounds silently over time — there is no safe 'wait and see' window. If you spot mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, swarmer wings, or bubbling paint, call Pest Control Bros for a free inspection. We serve the entire Phoenix metro area with same-week availability.