Arizona species
Desert subterranean termite
Heterotermes aureus
Arizona's most destructive termite. The risk is wood damage, not a health risk to people.
Moderate
Source: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Arizona Termites of Economic Importance (AZ1369)
How to identify
- Creamy workers and pale swarmers.
- Soldiers have long rectangular yellow-tan heads.
- Light-colored, sturdy mud shelter tubes.
- Shelter tubes can hang from ceilings.
- Size
- Workers and soldiers: about 0.2 inch long.
- Habitat
- Soil colonies reaching wood through mud shelter tubes.
- Where in Arizona
- Low and mid desert, including Gila Valley and Sierra Vista areas.
Look-alikes
Prevention
- Keep wood away from soil.
- Fix leaks near the foundation.
- Keep irrigation away from stem walls.
- Leave foundation edges visible for checks.
Call Hydra for mud tubes on stem walls, damaged drywall paper or damaged baseboards. Our Service Pros can identify the termite and discuss treatment.
When to call Hydra
Call or text us, we answer both. Or send us your details and we'll come back with a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
When does it swarm?
After summer monsoon rains, usually at dusk or night.
Are hanging mud tubes a warning sign?
Yes. This species can build tubes from ceilings as well as along walls.