Termite Treatment Guide for Phoenix Homes During Winter

While termite behavior changes a bit during cooler months, they remain a persistent threat to Arizona homes all year long. Termite damage is one of the most expensive home repair issues homeowners face, and the costs add up fast. Because termites eat from the inside out, they can hollow out structural beams, flooring, and wall supports long before you notice visible signs. Nationally, termite repairs cost homeowners billions each year. The longer an infestation goes unnoticed, the more extensive and costly the repairs become.

In this blog, you will discover why termites stay active year-round in Phoenix, what signs to watch for, and the steps you can take to keep your property safe.

In many parts of the country, true winter forces termites deep underground where they hibernate, waiting for warmer days. Arizona’s winters are different. Soil temperatures in Phoenix and the surrounding areas rarely dip low enough to send termites into a deep sleep.

Subterranean termites in Arizona remain active by staying in the warmer soil below the frost line, which is almost nonexistent here. Drywood termites have it even easier. They live inside the wood of your home and are completely insulated from whatever is happening outside. As a result, termite activity in Arizona never truly stops, no matter the season.

For some types of termites, winter is not a time to hide. Instead, it is prime time for swarming. From late fall to early spring, two main termite species can take flight in Arizona.

Desert dampwood termites are especially notorious for winter swarms. These large, dark termites often appear after winter rains, drawn to moist or decaying wood around your home. Subterranean termites, including species like Heterotermes, can swarm on warm, sunny afternoons even in the middle of winter.

How can you tell if you are seeing a termite swarm? 

Swarmers look a bit like flying ants but have straight antennae, a broad waist, and equal-sized wings. Discarded wings on windowsills or in corners mean a mature colony is nearby. Spotting a swarm is never a small issue.

Subterranean termites in Arizona remain active by staying in the warmer soil below the frost line, which is almost nonexistent here. Drywood termites have it even easier. They live inside the wood of your home and are completely insulated from whatever is happening outside. As a result, termite activity in Arizona never truly stops, no matter the season.

Termites are subtle in the beginning, but they do leave clues.

1. Mud Tubes: Outside, watch for mud tubes on your foundation. These tubes do not freeze in Arizona’s climate, so termites can keep building and foraging.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is another warning sign. When checking for hollow-sounds, tap lightly in several spots to listen for a change in tone. Higher-pitched knocks are usually denser while low-pitch pockets can indicate a hollow spot.
3. Frass: Inside your home, keep an eye out for frass, which are tiny pellets left behind by drywood termites.
4. Persistent Tapping Noises in Walls: An active termite problem is surprisingly noisy. Faint clicking or tapping inside walls could actually be termites feeding.
5. Paint Damage: Bubbling or cracked paint and mysterious piles of wings are other red flags.

Moisture plays a big role, especially during winter rains. Leaky sprinklers, clogged gutters, or wood-to-soil contact can create the perfect environment for termites. If water is pooling anywhere near your foundation, it is time to take action before termites take advantage.

After 2025’s unusually heavy rain season, the risk of winter termite activity in Phoenix is even higher. Excess moisture creates ideal conditions for both subterranean and dampwood termites, softening soil, saturating wood, and accelerating decay around foundations, fences, and structural beams. 

When the ground stays wetter for longer, termite colonies expand their foraging zones and build more extensive mud tubes, often moving closer to homes in search of softened entry points. In short, the rainfall we welcomed last year has left behind a perfect storm of moisture-rich conditions that termite colonies thrive in.

In this blog, you will discover why termites stay active year-round in Phoenix, what signs to watch for, and the steps you can take to keep your property safe.

While homeowners should stay vigilant about termite warning signs year-round, winter is actually the best time to get proactive with termite prevention. Dormant plants and bare trees make it easier for professionals to inspect your home’s perimeter. Treating the soil around your house now can create a barrier before the peak activity of spring begins.

It is also a smart time for interior inspections and for targeting drywood termites, since homeowners are spending more time indoors. Take this opportunity to get a free, thorough checkup from Sage Solutions Pest Control before outdoor projects and distractions return.

There are practical steps every Arizona homeowner should take during winter to protect their property.

1. Manage moisture. Repair leaks and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Adjust sprinklers to avoid wetting the house or soil near the base.
2. Keep wood and soil separated. Aim for at least a six-inch gap between soil and any wood, including siding, fences, and door frames. Store firewood well away from your house and off the ground. Remove old lumber, tree stumps, and any cellulose debris from your yard.
3. Clear out vents. Make sure crawl space vents are clear and working. Good ventilation helps reduce moisture and makes your home less appealing to termites.
4. Schedule a Free Inspection. If you suspect termite activity in your home, call the termite experts at Sage Solutions Pest Control: (623) 401-7243

Can termites survive a cold snap?

Yes, termites can survive cold temperatures. They retreat deeper underground or into wood, staying protected from the cold.

I saw a termite swarm in January. Is that normal?

Absolutely, especially for dampwood termites after winter rains. Seeing a swarm is a serious warning that an active colony is looking for a place to settle or is already in the process. Contact us immediately for a next-day inspection if you’ve seen a termite swarm anywhere near your home

Should I treat my home myself?

Due to the complexity of Arizona’s termite species and soils, professional help is strongly recommended. Termites are uniquely destructive and can tank the value of your home the longer they are present. At-home treatments may seem like a way to save money on treatment, but they are limited in strength and scope. Professional termite exterminators have access to different chemicals that are more effective and safer in the long-term.

How often does a home really need a termite inspection?

In Arizona, annual inspections are the minimum recommendation, but many homeowners benefit from more frequent inspections due to our year‑round termite activity. Homes with past infestations, older construction, or moisture issues may need seasonal inspections to catch problems early.

Are newer construction homes at lower risk for termites?

Not necessarily. Even newly built homes can attract termites because Arizona soil is naturally high‑risk. While newer construction may include some preventative treatments, these protections weaken over time. Untreated new builds can be at an even higher risk since construction activity disturbs the soil and removes natural barriers, making it easier for termites to locate and access the structure.

Can landscaping affect termite activity around my home?

Yes. Overwatering, mulch beds touching the foundation, dense vegetation, and wood-to-soil contact all create ideal conditions for termites. Even decorative features like wooden planters or untreated fence posts can draw colonies closer. Smart landscaping needs proper drainage, spacing, and material choice to reduce your risk.

How should I prepare for termite treatment?

Always follow your technician’s instructions before and after treatment. Download our free home pest treatment prep checklist for guidance.

The key takeaway is simple: Your best defense is regular inspections and simple home maintenance, but once termites have taken over it’s important to get an expert involved early.

Do not let the mild Arizona winter weather lull you into a false sense of security. Contact Sage Solutions Pest Control today for a comprehensive termite inspection and start the new year with peace of mind.

Book Your Free Termite Inspection with Sage Solutions Pest Control