Thorn Pest Services / Company / Resources / Pest Library / West Subterranean Termite

Western Subterranean Termite Identification and Control in Utah

Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.

RETICULITERMES HESPERUS
RETICULITERMES HESPERUS

Winged termites are called swarmers that are 3/8 of an inch long with a dark body and legs. These winged termites differ from winged ants in that termites have equal-length front and back wings, bead-like antennae and a broad connection between the middle and rear of the body.

Termites without wings are called workers and soldiers. Workers are 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long and are a pale cream color. Soldiers are similar to workers, but soldiers have a large head ad mouthparts.

Termites prefer to nest in moist wood in contact with the soil. They use mud tubes to cross masonry or other surfaces. When indoors, termites can be found anywhere wood products and moisture exist.

Think you may have termites?

Thorn Pest Services Identify the pest with our West Subterranean Termite gallery

What am I dealing with
What am I dealing with

Winged termites (swarmers) and winged ants (alates) can be easily confused. One simple difference is the wing size. Termite swarmer wings are all the same size, while ant alate wings are two different sizes.

Name:

Reticullitermes hesperus

Diet:

Wood or wood by-products such as drywall, paper-based ceiling tiles

Impact:

Termites can cause structural damage to wood and wood products.

Thorn Pest Services Tips for keeping termites away

How To Keep Termites Away
Pest control experts
  • Eliminate wood-to-soil contact.

  • Wood siding, stucco and foam board should be at least 6 inches from the ground.

  • Keep vegetation trimmed and away from the foundation.

  • Repair leaking plumbing and other moisture sources.

  • Reduce humidity in basements, crawl spaces, etc.

  • Eliminate wood-to-soil contact.

Learn more about termite control.

What Are Mud Tubes?
Pest control experts

Mud tubes are a good sign to indicate a termite infestation. Mud tubes are pencil-sized tunnels located around termite nests, wood structures and concrete foundations. This tube is made out of small pieces of soil and wood. Termites make these mud tubes to help protect them from predators and dry environments while traveling between a food source or nest.

Don't let termites take over.
Thorn can help.

Fill out the form below to contact us so we can help eliminate termites fast.

Pest Science,
meet Know-How.

Thorn Pest Solutions

How thorn can help

Pests can be difficult to control, but that’s what we are here for. We create a strategic plan to gain control of your problem and make sure we get results.

Thorn's Approach

We take a scientific approach to pest control. We start with an inspection and assessment to help us identify the pest, locate where they are, and create a specific plan for your property. Every home and business is different and requires a unique strategy.

Black Beetle. Thorn Diagram.

Thorn Pest Services

Driven by science.
Led by service.

Proper pest management starts with a detailed inspection and assessment from an expert pest professional before treatment. Thorn Pest Solutions uses a three-step process rooted in science to eliminate pests with long-term results.

Assess Situation

First, we identify the root problem(s) with a site assessment. Pests are almost always an indicator of an environmental condition. This will determine the best actions to provide short and your long-term results against pests.

Execute Action Plan

Next, we develop a plan to fix the problems we discovered. This includes solving current pest issues, eliminating conducive conditions, and monitoring for future pest activity. Good pest management starts with a good plan.

Track Success

Lastly, we implement the solutions we developed including inspection, monitoring, and preventing future pest infestations. Good pest control requires a good offense and not just defense. Prevention is key.

Let's get rid of those pests.
Call today:

Thorn Pest Services Other common Utah pests

Thorn pest control services in Utah. Hear From Our Customers

  • Josie Platts
    Thorn is a great price for excellent service and professional service experts. Austin was professional and personable. Great with our pets. He was thorough and fast. We are very grateful for his excellent service.
  • Cindy
    Ash does a really good job and addresses any concerns we have. Thank you, Ash!
  • Cyndi Peterson
    Always does an excellent job!! Went out of his way to do an amazing job.
  • Hanna Woolf
    Ash is always professional and listens to my concerns. He follows up with me after to let me know how and where he treated.
  • Ross Peterson
    Mark is always through and explains the process. I appreciate his unhurried manner and the close inspection of our property. Great job!!
  • Ashlee L
    Quentin was so helpful and friendly. He made sure to do a thorough treatment to ensure pests stay away. We appreciate his amazing customer service and his commitment to taking care of our pest control needs.
  • Cindy Willard
    Ricky was our service provider & he was amazing! Thorough & explained everything & very kind & went above & beyond! I haven’t met a service provider from Thorn that wasn’t great. Thanks Ricky!
  • LeAnne Heagren
    Katie is efficient and clear in her communication. She completes her work well.
  • Robbie Butler
    Spencer was very thorough with his inspection, and answered all my questions. He was very friendly and helpful!
  • Jessica Krehbiel
    He was soo helpful and eager to help…😁
  • City Creek Realty
    Jacob very professional did excellent Job. Very fast and on time .Thank you
  • Lerl Fackrell
    Very helpful took good care of the voles
  • Philip Wheatley
    Ricky Moala always provides great service. Very knowledgeable technician. He discusses what treatments he’s doing at each visit. He answered of my questions. Great employee. Highly recommend. Thanks again!!
  • Kathleen Christensen
    Brayden has been most helpful in getting us on the schedule and addressing several of our concerns.Brett came yesterday and was remarkable. He sprayed inside, outside and also set a mouse trap for no extra charge. Both of these guys deserve a 5+ rating. We will be customers forever. We have had bad experiences with other companies...especially Saela.
  • Mand Powers
    We have loved Thorns. I always cross my fingers that we get Rhett! He is very knowledgeable, thorough and kind.
  • June Judy
    Awesome
  • Francis Christensen
    He was a really good worker and his appearnce was the best.
  • Shana Moosavi
    Truly the best pest control company in Utah. They were fast, effective, and did it for the cheapest price in salt lake. I have called them multiple times and they have helped me every time
  • Jim Vermason
    The office always calls me and sets up a mutually agreeable appointment. When an issue arises, such as need to change date / time the office staff is courteous and always works things out as I request. The on site bug spray workers are courteous, clean and are responsive to issues / spider locations that are explained at time of service. The workers do and though job of spraying and look for areas where spiders are likely to enter or be present.
  • Courtney Luttmer-Laird
    Customer service is always available to help and schedule appointments. The tech that services our house is very kind and attentive to our problem pest areas.
Quality Pro
NPMA
Food Safety Certified
Schools Certified
ACE
Entomological Society of America
Google Reviews