Phoenix can be pictured as a dry desert landscape with alluring sunshine. But there’s one thing you forgot: the presence of termites. These pests are a serious problem in the Valley. They are hard to detect, and the damage they can cause is costly. Sometimes it’s irreversible. The dry wood and subterranean termites are anywhere in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and the rest of Maricopa County. Let’s add the fact that Arizona homes are wooden built which can be a good target. Being a homeowner, you don’t want to deal with them. In this guide, let’s explore the different signs of termite infestations.
Signs You Should Watch For
Damaged Wood
As more of the interior is eaten away, the wood begins to lose its strength. What was once solid and supportive becomes weak and unable to bear weight. It might sound hollow when tapped because there’s little material left inside to give it density. You can think of it like biting into a chocolate Easter bunny, it looks whole on the outside, but it’s hollow within.
Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites need moisture to survive, so they build tiny mud tunnels (aka mud tubes) to safely travel between the soil and your home. Check along the foundation, garage walls, or around plumbing areas for brown, pencil-sized tubes. These are most commonly found in older homes or homes with garden beds near exterior walls in Phoenix and Mesa.
Swarmers or Discarded Wings
Spotting winged termites, also known as swarmers, is one of the clearest signs of an active infestation. They typically show up in early spring, flying near windows or lights. After mating, they drop their wings, which you may find on windowsills, entryways, or under light fixtures. A pile of discarded wings usually means there’s a colony very close by.
Warped Wood or Sticking Doors and Windows
Have a door that suddenly won’t shut, right? Or a window that feels stuck in the frame? You might assume it’s due to Arizona’s extreme heat, but it could actually be a result of termite-damaged, moisture-soaked wood. As termites eat away at support structures, wood can warp and swell, making things feel off. If you notice this alongside other signs, it’s time for an inspection.
Piles of Termite Droppings (Frass)
Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass. These look like tiny piles of coffee grounds or sand, often found near baseboards, window frames, or under wooden furniture. Unlike regular dust, frass is gritty, uniform in size, and usually beige to dark brown. It’s a telltale sign that drywood termites are actively feeding inside your home.
Clicking or Tapping Sounds Inside the Walls
Termites can also be noisy despite they’re difficult to detect. They can be audible when their colony is quite large and active. You can heart their soft clicking, tapping, or rustling noises inside the walls. Much easier to hear at night when the house is already quiet. They are the sounds created by the termite’s army. Or it could be from worker termites chewing through wooden structures. As a homeowner, don’t msitake it as the sound of plumbing or settling.
Real Experience: Termites in Gilbert. The Ongoing Battle Between Neighbors.
In neighborhoods across Maricopa County, termite problems aren’t always isolated to one house. Sometimes, they show up like unwanted guests that bounce from yard to yard, quietly damaging homes without being noticed until it’s too late.
One Gilbert homeowner shared their story of staying proactive since buying their home in 2019:
“Yep, this is what I’ve been doing since buying my house in 2019 out in Gilbert. There were termite tracks in the garage at the front corners, so I went ahead and got full house treatment. Everything was fine for years, I even did yearly inspections but just recently, I saw new tracks forming in the middle of the garage, right along the concrete seam. Last year, my neighbor had termites and did a perimeter treatment. Now I’ve done the same. We’re pretty sure there’s a colony moving between our homes. It’s an ongoing war, but one that we’re currently winning.”
This experience shows why ongoing inspections and neighborhood awareness are so critical. Even if your home looks fine today, the colony could be just a few feet away or already moving under your foundation.
Think You’ve Spotted the Signs? Don’t Wait.
By the time you see visible damage, termites may have been at work for months or even years. If you notice any of these signs or just have a gut feeling something’s not right, it’s better to act fast. Call Spark Pest Control today for a professional termite inspection in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Maricopa County. We offer fast, affordable service with expert technicians who know exactly where to look and how to stop the damage before it spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are termites common in Phoenix homes?
Yes. Despite the dry desert climate, termite infestations are very common in Phoenix, especially in older homes and areas with wood-frame construction. Subterranean and drywood termites are the two most active species in Arizona.
2. What are the first signs of termite damage?
The most common early signs include:
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Mud tubes on walls or foundations
- Swarmers or discarded wings near windows
- Piles of droppings (frass)
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick
3. What do termite droppings look like?
Termite droppings (frass) look like tiny sand-like pellets, often found in piles near wood or along baseboards. They are usually beige to brown and indicate an active drywood termite infestation.
4. What are mud tubes, and why do they matter?
Mud tubes are small, brown, pencil-width tunnels made from dirt and saliva. Subterranean termites use them to travel between their colony and your home. Seeing mud tubes is a strong sign of an active infestation.
5. Do termites only affect old homes?
No. Even newer homes in Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler can be affected—especially if the property has wood framing, soil contact, or poor sealing around the foundation or utility areas.
6. What time of year are termites most active in Arizona?
Spring (March-May) is termite swarm season in Arizona when winged termites emerge to start new colonies. However, termites can stay active year-round in the warm climate of Maricopa County.
7. Can I see termite damage without opening walls?
Sometimes. Hollow-sounding wood, bubbling paint, warped door frames, and visible mud tubes or droppings may indicate damage. But in many cases, the worst damage is hidden behind walls or under flooring, which is why inspections are so important.
8. How fast can termites destroy wood?
Termites colony can consume and destroy wood for a foot of a 2×4 every few months. Not only that, but they add up to more serious damage to your wood. It will grow more when the infestation has been undetected for many years.
9. Are termite inspections required in Phoenix when buying a home?
It is highlya advisable if you want to keep your home safe from possible infestations. Most lenders in Arizona will actually require a WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) report before finally closing.
10. What should I do if I think I have termites?
If you have termite infestations at home that have been undetected for several months, contact a licensed termite control company. They can stop and eliminate the termite colony through monthly treatments.
