Signs of Late-Summer Termite Activity Every Homeowner Should Watch For

As the warm days of summer begin to wind down in the White Mountains region of Arizona, many homeowners start thinking about fall preparations and cooler weather. But before you shift your focus entirely to autumn, there’s one critical pest issue you shouldn’t ignore—late-summer termite activity. Termites can wreak havoc on homes if not caught early, and the tail end of summer is a surprisingly active time for these destructive insects.

At Neff Exterminating, we help homeowners throughout the White Mountains, including Taylor, Snowflake, Show Low, and Pinetop-Lakeside, identify and eliminate termite threats. Let’s take a look at the warning signs you need to be aware of and what steps to take if you suspect a termite infestation.

Why Late Summer is Still a Risk for Termite Activity

Termites are most notorious for their spring and early summer swarming behaviors, but they don’t stop being a threat once August rolls around. In fact, subterranean termites, the most common type in Arizona, remain active year-round. During late summer, colonies continue feeding aggressively in preparation for winter, and if your home provides an easy food source, they won’t hesitate to move in.

Top Signs of Termite Activity in Late Summer

Keep an eye out for the following signs around your home to help catch a problem before serious structural damage sets in:

1. Mud Tubes

One of the most common indicators of a subterranean termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These pencil-thin tunnels are built along walls, foundations, or crawlspaces and help termites move between their underground colony and your home. If you see these, it’s time to take action immediately.

2. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, often leaving the surface intact. If you tap on wood and it sounds hollow or breaks apart easily, this could be a sign termites have been feeding inside. Check baseboards, floors, and exposed beams for soft spots or sagging.

3. Discarded Wings

Even though most termite swarms happen earlier in the year, some late swarms can occur—especially if the weather has been unusually warm. Finding discarded wings around windowsills or doorways may indicate a nearby swarm and the potential start of a new colony.

4. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause warping that affects how doors and windows open or close. If you suddenly notice resistance where there was none before, this could be a subtle sign of termite damage behind the scenes.

5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

Termite activity can lead to excess moisture buildup in walls, which in turn causes paint to bubble or peel. This symptom can resemble water damage, but if plumbing isn’t the issue, termites could be the culprit.

What to Do If You Suspect Termites

Termites are not a DIY pest. If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to contact professionals for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. At Neff Exterminating, we provide expert termite and insect control services to help protect your home before more damage occurs.

We also offer free quotes and can help assess whether your property is at risk—especially if you’ve had previous infestations, or if you live in an area with high termite activity.

Why Choose Neff Exterminating?

Locally owned and operated for decades, we understand the unique challenges of pest control in the White Mountains. Our team is experienced in handling everything from termites and rodents to weed control and prairie dog removal. We proudly serve multiple areas across the region, and you can find your community on our service area page.

Need to speak with us directly? Call our local offices for fast assistance:

• Taylor Office: (928) 536-6862
• Show Low Office: (928) 532-5300

Or contact us online to schedule an inspection or ask questions.

Stay One Step Ahead of Termites

As summer winds down, don’t let your guard down when it comes to termite prevention. Late-summer activity is more common than most homeowners realize, and a small sign can quickly turn into major damage if left untreated. Whether you’re in Taylor, Snowflake, Show Low, or any surrounding White Mountains community, Neff Exterminating is ready to help you protect your property.

Don't wait—make termite prevention a priority today. Reach out now or call (928) 536-6862 or (928) 532-5300 to speak with our experienced team and schedule your inspection.