Why Termites Threaten New Builds in the White Mountains (and How to Protect Your Investment)

Building a new home or cabin in the White Mountains of Arizona is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re settling into Taylor, Show Low, or Snowflake, new construction feels strong and secure. Unfortunately, one of Arizona’s most destructive pests—termites—don’t care if your home is brand new. Without the right protection, these silent destroyers can cause costly damage within just a few years of construction.

Why Termites Are a Threat to New Homes

Many people assume termites are only a problem for older houses. The truth is, in Arizona’s climate, termites attack new builds just as aggressively as they attack aging structures. Subterranean termites in particular live in huge underground colonies and can enter through cracks as small as 1/16 of an inch. Fresh lumber, moisture from landscaping, and unfinished soil grading often make new homes even more appealing to them.

The White Mountains: A Hotspot for Termite Activity

Arizona is one of the highest-risk states for termites, and the White Mountains present perfect conditions for infestation:

• Climate: Even with cooler winters, termites remain active underground year-round.
• Soil & moisture: Irrigation for landscaping, poorly drained lots, and natural soil pockets create termite highways.
• Fresh wood: New construction lumber is an ideal food source because it hasn’t been weathered or sealed.
• Community growth: With more new builds in Pinetop-Lakeside and Heber-Overgaard, termite colonies are expanding right alongside development.

The Cost of Ignoring Termites

Nationwide, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage every year—and most homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of repairs. Replacing damaged beams, drywall, flooring, and trim can cost thousands. For new builds, that means losing money on your investment almost immediately. Worse, undetected termite damage can compromise resale value if you decide to sell down the road.

Common Signs of Termite Activity in New Homes

Even if your house is less than five years old, watch for these warning signs:

• Mud tubes on exterior walls, foundations, or garages
• Discarded wings on windowsills or near doors
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Bubbling or blistering paint without water damage
• Soft or spongy flooring and baseboards

If you notice these issues, schedule a professional inspection right away.

Types of Termites Found in Arizona

In the White Mountains, the most common termite species are:

• Subterranean termites: The most destructive type, they build massive underground colonies and create mud tubes to travel.
• Drywood termites: Less common but still damaging, they live directly in the wood without needing soil contact.
• Dampwood termites: Attracted to moisture-heavy wood, often around leaks or poorly ventilated crawlspaces.

Each species requires a unique approach, which is why working with a professional is essential.

How Neff Exterminating Protects New Builds

At Neff Exterminating, we’ve been safeguarding White Mountains homes and cabins for decades. We offer:

• Pre-construction termite treatments: Protective soil barriers applied before pouring the foundation stop termites from gaining access.
• Soil treatments: Long-lasting products around the perimeter keep termites away for years.
• Monitoring & inspections: Ongoing checks ensure your investment stays termite-free.
• Tailored solutions: From family homes to mountain cabins, every property gets a customized plan.

Step-by-Step: Termite Pre-Treatment for New Construction

1. Soil preparation: Before the slab is poured, soil is graded and treated with termiticides.
2. Barrier application: The treated soil creates a protective shield beneath the foundation.
3. Perimeter treatment: Soil around the exterior is treated for extra protection.
4. Follow-up inspection: Once construction is complete, Neff Exterminating inspects for any vulnerabilities.

This process ensures that from day one, your new build has an invisible but powerful defense system against termites.

Case Example: When Termites Invade Early

We’ve seen homeowners in Show Low call us less than three years after moving into a brand-new home, shocked to discover termites had already invaded. Mud tubes stretched across the garage walls, and hollow-sounding baseboards revealed structural damage. The repairs cost thousands—damage that could have been prevented with a pre-treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can termites eat through concrete?
Termites don’t eat concrete, but they can squeeze through tiny foundation cracks to reach wood.

Do I need termite protection if my home is brand new?
Yes. In Arizona, even new builds are vulnerable without professional pre-treatment and monitoring.

Can cabins in the mountains get termites?
Absolutely. In fact, cabins with crawl spaces and moisture issues can be especially vulnerable.

Protecting Your Investment Long-Term

Your home is one of your largest investments, and protecting it from termites is essential. With the right preventive treatments, inspections, and monitoring, you can avoid costly repairs and preserve your property value.

Contact Neff Exterminating Today

From Taylor and Show Low to Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake, and Heber-Overgaard, Neff Exterminating is your local expert for termite control and prevention.

Call our Taylor office at (928) 536-6862 or our Show Low office at (928) 532-5300 to schedule your termite inspection. Or, contact us online today to protect your new build from termites.