Blog
Are Winter Termites Real? What Arizona Homeowners Should Know
When most people think of termites, they picture swarms emerging in the spring or summer. But Arizona homeowners know our desert climate doesn’t always follow traditional seasonal rules, and neither do our pests. That leads many to ask the big question: Are winter termites real?
The short answer? Absolutely. And in Arizona, they can be just as active and destructive during the cooler months.
Here’s what every homeowner should know about winter termites, why they remain a threat, and how scheduling a termite inspection or receiving regular termite treatments in Mesa or the surrounding areas can protect your home year-round.
Why Cold Weather is Bad News for Termite Control
Termites in warmer climates can often be a nuisance all year round, but colder weather could mean even more termites. Termite season is usually in cold temperatures in the fall or winter because termites, like all insects, are cold-blooded: below temperatures of 25 degrees Fahrenheit, a termite can die within just a few minutes. Because of this, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees, termites will begin searching for the warmer areas, such as burrowing underground (some as many as three feet underground), finding dead tree stumps to hibernate in, or-- alternately-- inside your building. Unfortunately, the basements often approach the optimal temperature for termites, and so if there are any that are nearby, they will attempt to inhabit and ultimately infest the home or business where they have taken up residence.
Scorpion-Proofing Your Home Before Fall: October Homeowners
As the summer heat begins to wind down, Arizona homeowners face a different challenge — scorpions looking for a cool, safe place to hide. If you live in Mesa or the surrounding areas, September and October are the perfect time to get ahead of the problem and start scorpion-proofing your home. By acting now, you can prevent these pests from sneaking inside as temperatures begin to drop.
Must-Know Scorpion Facts for Arizona Homeowners
Scorpions are a serious concern for Arizona homeowners, especially in Mesa. Learn how to identify them, where they hide, and what you can do to keep your home safe.
The Difference between Pest Control Companies and Termite Control Companies
When you have termites, you can’t hire just any pest control company to take care of the problem. You need a company that is dedicated to or has specific training in termite control. General pest control measures are very different from effective termite treatment, so you need a company that understands the difference and has the skills and materials to apply those treatments.
Top Reasons Mosquitoes Still Bite With Repellent On
We’ve all been there: you’ve applied bug spray, followed the directions on the label, but stepped outside only to get swarmed by mosquitoes. If you’re wondering why mosquitoes still bite even when you’re wearing repellent, you’re not alone. At Varsity Termite and Pest Control, we frequently hear this complaint, especially during the peak of mosquito season in Arizona.
Homeowners’ Guide to Preventing Pigeon Damage
Pigeons might seem harmless at first glance, but if they decide to call your roof or balcony home, they can quickly turn into a costly and messy problem. From blocked vents to unsightly droppings and unpleasant odors, pigeon infestations can do more than just ruin curb appeal; they can seriously impact your property’s value and even your health.
Why Termite Control is Crucial Year-Round in Arizona
Year-round termite control in Arizona is essential due to the state's mild winters, as termites remain active underground, causing costly structural damage if not detected early through regular inspections and preventive treatments.
Why Valley Homes Are Prone to Winter Cockroach Infestations
When people think of cockroach infestations, they often associate them with the heat of summer. However, in Arizona, cockroaches remain a year-round problem, including the winter months. As temperatures drop, these resilient pests seek warmth, moisture, and food, making Valley homes the perfect retreat. Understanding why winter infestations happen and how to prevent them is key to keeping your home roach-free.
Can Termites Affect Your Health?
Having a pest problem with these little creatures is not awful because they bite, but by how they can damage your property. If you are in Arizona, contact Varsity Termite and Pest Control, whenever you find termites in your home so we can inspect it thoroughly and evaluate what type of termite treatment in Queen Creek you need as soon as possible.
Desert Winter Termites: Protect Your Mesa Home from Hidden Damage
When temperatures drop in Arizona, many homeowners assume pests like termites become inactive. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Desert termites remain active year-round, quietly causing damage to homes across Mesa and Phoenix. To protect your home, it’s crucial to understand their behavior, recognize signs of infestation, and take proactive steps for termite control.
How to Prevent Winter Rodent Infestations
As temperatures drop in winter, rats and mice begin searching for warm, safe places to nest—and your home could be their ideal destination. Rodents are not only a nuisance but can also pose significant health risks and cause structural damage to your property. This guide will help you understand rodent wintering behavior and offer practical tips to keep your home pest-free.
Effective Rodent Control Tips for Mesa This Winter
As winter sets in, Mesa residents often find themselves facing an influx of unwanted houseguests—namely, rodents. Rats and mice seek warmth, food, and shelter, which makes homes and businesses in Mesa ideal locations for winter nesting. Not only can rodents cause extensive structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and walls, but they are also carriers of harmful diseases and parasites. Preventing a rodent infestation is essential to safeguarding your property and your health. Here are some effective, expert-backed rodent control tips to help keep your Mesa property rodent-free this winter.
Protect Your Valley Home from Fall Termite Infestations
Fall in Arizona brings cooler temperatures, making it the perfect season to spend time outdoors and enjoy the crisp, pleasant weather. However, while you’re enjoying the change in season, termites are busy preparing for their own activities—invading homes throughout the Valley. Termites are notorious for causing extensive structural damage if left undetected and untreated, and they can be particularly active during the fall months. Learn the signs of termite infestation, why fall is a crucial time for termite inspections in Arizona, and how termite control can protect your home year-round.
Get Rid of Termites: Three Smells They Hate
Termites are one of the most common pests in Arizona, so it’s not surprising that many people want to get rid of them. However, most DIY forms of extermination will only kill the insects, not the colony. The best way to keep termites away is to use organic ingredients they hate. This way, you don’t have to deal with the colony later.
But, what smells do termites hate? What organic ingredients work to keep them away? We will answer these questions throughout this article and recommend how to use those organic ingredients as deterrents.
Three Areas Scorpions Are Hiding in Your Home
Scorpions and humans often will find themselves living in the same quarters. It just so happens that many of the smaller ecosystems within the larger home environment are the perfect places for scorpions to hide. Damp areas, clutter, and unsealed windows or any other other entry points are all the areas that will attract scorpions.