The Top 5 Areas Around Your Home Where Termites Start

Termites are one of the most destructive pests in Arizona — and often one of the hardest to spot early. By the time visible signs appear, serious structural damage may already be underway. Understanding where termite activity usually begins gives homeowners in Snowflake, Show Low, and the White Mountains a crucial head start in protecting their homes.

At Neff Exterminating, we’ve seen it all — from small colonies hiding under porches to full-blown infestations deep within foundations. Here are the top five areas around your home where termite problems often start, plus simple prevention steps to keep them away.

1. Foundations and Crawl Spaces

The most common entry point for subterranean termites is your foundation. These termites live underground and move upward through tiny cracks in concrete or gaps in the foundation slab to reach wood structures. Crawl spaces and unfinished basements create the perfect hidden environment for them — dark, damp, and often overlooked.

Signs of termite activity in these areas include:

• Mud tubes running up foundation walls or piers
• Soft or hollow-sounding wood beams
• Discolored drywall or small pinholes along the baseboards

Prevention Tip: Keep moisture under control. Ensure gutters, downspouts, and grading direct water away from your foundation. Regular inspections by Neff Exterminating’s termite control team can identify early activity before major damage occurs.

2. Wooden Decks, Porches, and Steps

Any wood that touches soil acts like an open door for termites. Deck posts, stair stringers, or porch supports that sit directly on the ground are especially vulnerable. Over time, soil moisture and wood contact provide everything termites need — access, shelter, and a food source.

Once they establish themselves under your deck or porch, they can easily migrate into nearby structural wood, including your home’s framing.

Prevention Tip: Use pressure-treated wood for any structures touching the ground and keep at least a 6-inch gap between soil and wood surfaces. If you suspect damage, schedule a professional inspection through Neff Exterminating right away.

3. Garages and Concrete Slabs

Many homeowners overlook garages when thinking about termite control, but these areas are high-risk. Concrete slabs often develop small cracks over time — invisible to the naked eye — that allow subterranean termites to tunnel through. Once they gain entry, termites can infest wall studs, drywall, and even stored items made of wood or cardboard.

Prevention Tip: Inspect the base of your garage walls for mud tubes or bubbling paint. Avoid stacking boxes or lumber directly on the floor. Our termite control specialists can treat slab foundations and perimeter soil to prevent hidden colonies from spreading.

4. Landscaping and Mulch Beds

While mulch looks great and helps retain soil moisture, it can also attract termites if placed too close to your home. Termites thrive in moist, organic materials, and mulch gives them a perfect staging ground before moving into nearby wooden structures. Similarly, tree stumps, roots, or untreated wood landscaping can harbor colonies that later migrate toward your foundation.

Prevention Tip: Keep mulch and plants at least 12–18 inches away from your home’s foundation. Remove old stumps, scrap wood, and fallen branches regularly. Maintaining a clear buffer zone around your property line helps reduce termite risk — and our weed control services can help maintain clean, pest-free surroundings.

5. Leaky Pipes and Moisture Areas

Moisture is a magnet for termites. Even a small plumbing leak or a dripping outdoor faucet can create the damp soil conditions termites love. Over time, constant moisture softens nearby wood, making it easier for termites to chew through and establish new colonies.

Problem areas often include:

• Leaky spigots or irrigation systems near the foundation
• Air conditioning condensate lines
• Clogged gutters or downspouts
• Poor drainage near patios or garages

Prevention Tip: Inspect and repair leaks promptly. Good drainage keeps your soil dry and uninviting to termites. If moisture problems persist, schedule an inspection with Neff Exterminating for professional advice and treatment options.

Bonus: Inside Your Walls

Once termites make their way inside, they typically start eating from the inside out — literally hollowing wood structures while leaving the outer layer intact. This makes them extremely difficult to detect without professional help. You may notice faint clicking noises inside walls, soft floors, or small piles of termite droppings that resemble sawdust.

Prevention Tip: Annual termite inspections are the most reliable way to catch infestations early. Our team uses proven inspection methods and safe treatments tailored to Arizona’s soil and climate to ensure your home stays protected year-round.

Why Early Detection Saves You Thousands

Termite damage is rarely covered by homeowners insurance, making prevention the smartest investment you can make. Early detection allows for targeted treatments that stop colonies before they spread. In contrast, delayed action can lead to extensive structural repairs that cost far more than routine inspections.

Whether you’ve owned your home for decades or just moved to the White Mountains, scheduling a termite inspection each spring is one of the best ways to protect your investment and peace of mind.

Protect Your Home from Termites Today

Knowing where termite problems start is the first step — stopping them before they spread is where Neff Exterminating comes in. Our local technicians understand the challenges of termite control in the White Mountains and use proven treatments to protect homes from the ground up.

Call us today to schedule your termite inspection or service:
Taylor: (928) 536-6862 | Show Low: (928) 532-5300
www.neffexterminatinginc.com

Serving Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low, and the entire White Mountains region — trusted termite and pest control since 1998.