Desert subterranean termite
Heterotermes aureus
The desert Southwest's monsoon-season swarmer.
Where they live
An arid-land subterranean termite of the low deserts of Arizona, southern Nevada, the far-southeastern California deserts, and far-west Texas. It is well adapted to heat and drought.
When they swarm
It swarms on warm nights after the summer monsoon rains, roughly July into September across the desert Southwest.
Signs of an infestation
Thin mud tubes and mud sheeting on structures and desert wood, most active after monsoon rain, and nighttime swarms drawn to outdoor lights.
How they're treated
Treated like other subterraneans with a liquid soil barrier or baiting system suited to desert soils.
Think you have desert subterranean termites?
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Other termites: Subterranean termite, Formosan termite, Drywood termite.