As February comes to a close, termite season in Phoenix is just beginning to heat up. With warmer temperatures, termites start becoming more active, and that means your home or business could be at risk. Termites can cause significant structural damage before you even realize they’ve invaded. Here’s what you need to know about termite activity in Phoenix and how to protect your structure from these destructive pests.

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Why termite season is year-round in Phoenix

In Phoenix, termite season doesn’t have a set start and end date—it's pretty much year-round. While most people associate termites with warmer months, the reality is that our mild winters mean termites stay active throughout the year.

Subterranean termites, the most common type in the area, thrive in the warmth and can continue foraging for food even when the temperatures dip. However, as the weather starts warming up in late winter and early spring, their activity intensifies.

Termites become even more active during these months, leaving their colonies in search of wood to feed on—like the wood that makes up your home’s structure. So, while termites don’t have an off-season in Phoenix, their activity is definitely more noticeable when the temperatures heat up.

Spotlight on subterranean termites in Phoenix

Subterranean termites are the sneaky invaders you don’t want in your Phoenix home. They live underground, where they build nests and create mud tubes to reach food sources above ground—like your home’s wooden beams. These mud tubes aren’t just for travel; they’re a life-saving shield against predators and the dry desert heat. Without these protective tunnels, termites would dry out and die, so they rely on them to stay alive while they silently chew through your home’s structure. If you spot these mud tubes around your foundation or in hidden areas like crawl spaces and attics, it’s a serious warning sign that termites are already at work. Since they’re hidden inside the tubes, they can cause a lot of damage before you even realize it’s happening. Don’t wait to find out the hard way—take action before they’ve eaten away too much.

Signs of termite activity

Early detection is key to minimizing damage caused by termites. Here are some common signs of infestation that property owners in Queen Creek, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and throughout the Phoenix metro should look out for:

  • Mud tubes: Subterranean termites construct these pencil-sized tunnels along walls or foundations.
  • Discarded wings: Termite swarmers shed their wings after finding a new nesting site.
  • Hollow-sounding wood: Tapping on infested wood may produce a hollow sound due to internal damage.
  • White ants in or around your home: There’s no such thing as white ants! If you’re seeing small, pale, ant-like insects, they’re likely worker termites, which means a colony could be feeding on your home.

If you encounter a subterranean termite infestation, you will not see fecal pellets, as this species uses its feces to help build and reinforce its mud tubes. Also, if you hear noisy clicking sounds in wood, it’s not subterranean termites but more likely wood-damaging carpenter ants.

If you notice any of these signs of termites, it's essential to take immediate action.

How to protect against wood-destroying termites

Taking proactive steps can help protect your home or business from termite damage. Here are some effective preventative measures:

Schedule a termite inspection

The best way to catch termites before they do serious damage is to schedule a professional inspection. Pest control experts are trained to detect the early signs of infestation and can recommend treatment options.

Reduce moisture levels

Termites thrive in moist environments. Ensure proper drainage around your home by cleaning gutters regularly and fixing leaky faucets or pipes promptly.

Seal cracks and gaps

Check your foundation and seal any cracks or gaps that could serve as entry points for termites. They can slip through very small openings, so be thorough.

Eliminate wood-to-soil contact

Termites are more likely to infest homes where wood is in direct contact with soil. If you have wood piles, trellises, or mulch near your foundation, consider moving them further away.

Protect against water-damaged wood

When repairing, renovating, or building, opt for pressure-treated wood that is resistant to termite infestation.

When to seek professional termite control in Phoenix

If you suspect termite activity or see any of the signs listed above, don’t wait—call a pest control professional right away. Left unchecked, termites will continue to cause serious damage, damage that is not usually covered by insurance.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing expensive repairs down the road. A professional pest control company can assess the extent of the problem, determine the best treatment options, and provide ongoing protection to keep termites away.

With termite season in Phoenix, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. Protect your home now to avoid the costly damage that can result from a full-blown infestation.

How Northwest Exterminating eliminates termites

With the help of Northwest Exterminating, you can act quickly to stop them before they cause major damage. Our expert team offers comprehensive termite protection and effective treatments designed to safeguard homes and businesses.

Whether you're looking for curative or preventative termite control in Phoenix, Northwest Exterminating has you covered with industry-leading solutions, including the Trelona® ATBS termite bait system, which is proven to eliminate termites and protect your property year-round. Don’t wait for the damage to stack up or new colonies to develop—contact the Phoenix pest control professionals at Northwest Exterminating to schedule an inspection and take action today.