Most of the yards in Phoenix homes are filled with rocks and cactus. But some older neighborhoods like Arcadia and Central Phoenix are very different as they use “flood irrigation.” This is when a lot of water is sent into the yard to keep the grass green and the trees big.
While these green yards look beautiful, they also create a big problem. In the dry desert, termites are always searching for water. A flooded yard is like a giant sign telling them to come visit. If you live in one of these green neighborhoods, you should hire Green Mango Pest Control to check your home for termites today.
Do not let your beautiful green yard bring termites into your walls. Protect your property and call a professional for a specialized termite yard audit!
The Desert Oasis Effect for Pests
The first reason these neighborhoods have more termites is because of the “oasis effect.” In most of Phoenix, the ground is hard and dry, which makes it difficult for termites to move around.
But flood irrigation turns the soil into a soft sponge. This wet dirt is exactly what subterranean termites are looking for. They can build their nests deep in the ground and stay cool even when it is 110 degrees outside.
Because the water comes on a regular schedule, the termites never have to worry about running out of moisture. They build large colonies that can hold millions of bugs. In a typical desert yard, a colony might stay small because there is not enough water to support more bugs.
In an irrigated yard, the population can explode. These large groups are much more likely to find a way into your home because they are constantly looking for new places to expand.
How Mud Tubes Form in Wet Soil
Another reason for the high termite pressure is how easily they can travel. Termites in Phoenix build “mud tubes.” These are small tunnels made of dirt and spit that protect them from the air.
When the ground is wet and soft from irrigation, it is very easy for termites to gather the mud they need. They can build these tubes along your foundation much faster than they could in a dry yard.
Water Pooling Against the Foundation
The way flood irrigation works is by filling the entire yard with several inches of water. This water often sits against the concrete foundation of the house for many hours. While concrete is strong, it often has tiny cracks that you cannot see.
Termites are experts at finding these small openings. They follow the moisture as it soaks into the cracks and leads them directly to the wood inside your walls.
When water stays near the foundation, it also makes the wood in your home softer. This “damp wood” is much easier for a termite to eat than dry wood. They can chew through it quickly and cause a lot of damage in a short time.
Most people do not realize their foundation is a doorway for pests until they see the damage inside. Keeping the area near your walls dry is very hard when the whole yard is underwater. This is why these homes need extra protection to stay safe.
Protect Your Phoenix Home and Your Green Yard!
Living in a green neighborhood is one of the best parts of staying in Phoenix. You should be able to enjoy your grass and your trees without worrying about your house being eaten.
To keep your yard a beautiful and relaxing place, call Green Mango Pest Control. Their team can come out and check your yard, your trees, and your foundation to make sure everything is secure!