Regular termite inspections are one of the most important things an Arizona homeowner can do to protect their investment. Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage annually across the US, and Arizona ranks among the highest-pressure states for termite activity. Knowing how to conduct a basic inspection yourself — and when to call a professional — gives you a significant advantage.

Start your inspection from the exterior. Walk the entire perimeter of your foundation, looking for mud tubes on the foundation wall surface. These pencil-thin tunnels of soil and wood particles are the most reliable indicator of subterranean termite activity. Probe the wood of any exterior trim, fascia boards, and fence posts that contact or approach the soil. Wood that feels soft, spongy, or sounds hollow when tapped warrants closer examination.

Check your garage carefully. Garage foundations often have less consistent chemical treatment coverage than the main structure, and garage framing is frequently the first area where termite activity is discovered. Look for mud tubes on the interior garage walls, especially near the base of walls and around the water heater if it's floor-mounted.

Inside the home, focus on areas where wood contacts or approaches the soil or foundation. Baseboards in lower-level rooms, door frames, window sills, and wood trim along exterior walls are the highest-risk areas. Probe suspicious areas with a screwdriver — termite-damaged wood collapses easily under pressure and sounds hollow when tapped.

The attic is critical inspection territory that most homeowners never check. Subterranean termites frequently enter through the foundation and travel up through wall cavities to reach attic framing. Inspect attic rafters, sheathing, and any wood that contacts masonry or concrete with a flashlight and probing tool.

Swarmer season in Arizona runs March through June. If you find shed wings near windowsills, sliding door tracks, or entry points during this period, a professional inspection is warranted immediately. Shed wings indicate swarmers have been present, which means a mature colony has been established in or near your structure.

Professional inspections go deeper than what a homeowner can reasonably assess. Inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and years of pattern recognition to find activity that's not yet visible to the untrained eye. Annual professional inspections in Arizona are worth the cost — typically $75 to $150 for a standard inspection.