Hydra Pest Control

    Arizona species

    Desert termite

    Gnathamitermes (G. perplexus)

    Generally not a structural pest, according to UA. Common in yards and desert landscapes.

    Desert termite workers and yellow-headed soldiers on soil
    Photo: Jake Nitta, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist
    Low

    Source: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Arizona Termites of Economic Importance (AZ1369)

    How to identify

    • Thin sheets of dried mud cover dead plants and grass.
    • Mud casing also covers cactus skeletons and ground wood.
    • Soldiers have yellow heads and long curved jaws.
    Size
    Small workers and soldiers, identify by jaws and mud casing.
    Habitat
    Dead grass, plants, cactus skeletons and wood on the ground.
    Where in Arizona
    Common in desert yards and landscapes.

    Look-alikes

    Desert subterranean termite workers and a soldier with a long yellow head on soil

    Desert subterranean termite

    Heterotermes aureus

    Moderate
    Desert dampwood termite soldier with a dark plug-shaped head

    Desert dampwood termite

    Paraneotermes simplicicornis

    Low
    Western drywood termite swarmer with reddish head and dark smoky wings

    Western drywood termite

    Incisitermes minor

    Moderate

    Prevention

    • Keep dead plant debris away from the house.
    • Store firewood off the ground.
    • Keep foundation edges visible.
    • Check wall tubes separately from yard mud casing.

    Yard mud casing alone usually does not mean structural damage. Call Hydra if shelter tubes reach your home or identification is uncertain.

    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.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Is it a structural pest?

    Generally not, according to UA. Do not confuse yard mud casing with destructive subterranean termite tubes.

    When does it swarm?

    After monsoon rains.