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.

Why Fall is Prime Time for Termite Activity

Termites are a year-round threat in Arizona due to the warm climate, but fall presents unique challenges for homeowners. In the cooler months, termites seek warmth and moisture, which often leads them directly to homes. This is especially true in areas like Phoenix and Mesa, where the dry conditions can force termites to migrate toward more humid environments, like the wood inside your home.

Termites typically form colonies underground and can have anywhere from 100,000 to over a million termites per colony. With several colonies per acre, the risk of infestation is high, and they can easily enter homes through cracks in the foundation, expansion joints, and other vulnerable points. Fall inspections are crucial to detecting termite activity early and preventing damage before it becomes extensive.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because they can chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper without being noticed. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate a termite infestation:

• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to travel between their colonies and food sources. These tubes are often found near the foundation of your home or in crawl spaces.

• Hollow-Sounding Wood: If you tap on wood structures in your home and it sounds hollow, termites may have eaten away at the inside of the wood, leaving just a thin outer layer intact.

• Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass, which can accumulate near window sills, door frames, or other wooden structures.

• Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Winged termites, or swarmers, are reproductive termites that leave their colonies to form new ones. You may see them swarming around lights or windows, or find discarded wings after they’ve found a new nesting site.

The Destruction Termites Can Cause

Termites may be small, but their impact is anything but minor. Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States, and Arizona homeowners are particularly vulnerable. Left unchecked, termites can weaken the structural integrity of your home, causing walls, floors, and ceilings to warp or even collapse in severe cases.

Because termites often remain hidden until the damage is already extensive, it’s essential to address infestations as early as possible. This is why scheduling a professional termite inspection in the fall is so important. A trained pest control professional will be able to identify the presence of termites, even if they haven’t caused visible damage yet.

Why Annual Termite Inspections Are a Must

Given the destructive nature of termites, the best way to protect your home is with regular, professional termite inspections. Fall is an ideal time to schedule an inspection because termites tend to be more active as they search for moisture and food sources. By catching an infestation early, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe from further damage.

Professional termite inspections are thorough and can reveal even the most hidden signs of termite activity. At Varsity Termite and Pest Control, we specialize in termite control and termite inspections in Arizona, offering comprehensive services to protect homes across the Valley. Our team uses advanced detection methods to find termite colonies before they cause severe damage, and we provide effective treatment options to eliminate them.

Protect Your Home with Expert Termite Control

Termites are a constant threat in Arizona, but with the right protection and regular inspections, you can safeguard your home from these destructive pests. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your annual inspection with Varsity Termite and Pest Control this fall. Our expert team is here to help you identify the signs of termite infestation and provide top-notch termite control in the Valley.

Stay ahead of the fall termite activity and protect your home from damage. Contact Varsity Termite and Pest Control today via our online form to schedule your inspection or call (602) 757-8252!