Subterranean termites cause more structural damage to Arizona homes than any other pest — and the damage is almost always worse than it appears from the outside. A mature subterranean termite colony can consume up to a pound of wood per day, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the inside out. The exterior surface of termite-damaged wood often looks intact while the interior is completely hollowed out in a honeycomb pattern of galleries running parallel to the wood grain. By the time a homeowner notices soft floors, sticking doors, or bubbling paint — the classic surface signs of termite damage — the colony has typically been active for 1–3 years and has consumed significant structural wood.

Termite Damage Repair Cost Guide

The parts of an Arizona home most vulnerable to subterranean termite damage are those closest to the soil and moisture: floor joists and subfloor sheathing (especially in homes with crawl spaces), wall framing at the base of exterior walls, door and window frames, wood siding that contacts the soil or mulch, and any wood structural members near plumbing or HVAC equipment that creates moisture. In slab-on-grade homes — the most common construction type in the Phoenix metro — termites enter through expansion joints, utility penetrations, and cracks in the slab and attack the bottom plates of interior walls, floor framing, and any wood embedded in or near the slab. Attic framing is also vulnerable in homes where termites have established extensive colony networks inside the walls.

Prevention & Professional Treatment

The cost of repairing subterranean termite damage in Arizona varies widely depending on the extent of the infestation and the structural members affected. Minor damage to non-structural wood (baseboards, door frames, window sills) may cost $500–$2,000 to repair. Damage to floor joists or subfloor sheathing typically costs $2,000–$8,000 depending on the area affected. Damage to load-bearing wall framing or roof structure can cost $10,000–$30,000 or more and may require a structural engineer. Homeowners insurance generally does not cover termite damage — it is considered a preventable maintenance issue. Annual professional inspections and a maintained termite treatment program are the most cost-effective way to protect your Arizona home. Pest Control Bros LLC provides free termite inspections throughout the Phoenix metro. Call (520) 424-5244.