What Happens If You Ignore Termites for 6 Months?
Termites are often called “silent destroyers,” and for good reason. They don’t announce their presence. They don’t leave obvious messes. And they don’t stop working just because you haven’t noticed them yet. For many Arizona homeowners, six months can pass quickly — but when it comes to termites, six months of inaction can mean serious and costly consequences.
The First Few Months: Damage Starts Out of Sight
When termites first invade a home, they typically begin feeding in places you never look: behind walls, under flooring, or beneath the foundation. During the first one to two months, they quietly chew through wood framing, support beams, and trim.
At this stage, there are usually no obvious signs. Walls look normal. Floors feel stable. Everything seems fine. This is exactly why termites are so dangerous — by the time you see something, the infestation is already well underway.
By Month Three or Four: The Infestation Expands
Termite colonies grow rapidly. In Arizona, subterranean termites are the most common culprits, and their colonies can reach massive sizes. As the colony expands, so does the damage.
Homeowners may begin to notice subtle changes: paint bubbling or cracking, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or doors and windows that suddenly stick. These warning signs are often brushed off as humidity issues or normal settling, allowing termites to continue feeding uninterrupted.
At Six Months: Structural Damage Becomes a Real Threat
After six months of untreated termite activity, the risk shifts from cosmetic issues to structural concerns. Termites weaken wood from the inside out, meaning damage isn’t always visible until it becomes serious. By this point, homeowners may see mud tubes along walls or foundations, find discarded wings near windowsills, or notice sagging floors and misaligned doors. Unfortunately, this is also when repair costs start adding up. Structural termite damage often requires more than treatment — it may involve replacing damaged wood, drywall, or support components.
To make matters worse, termite damage is typically not covered by homeowners insurance, leaving homeowners responsible for the full cost of repairs.
Why Six Months Makes Such a Big Difference
Termites don’t slow down. A single colony can consume significant amounts of wood every day, and over six months, that constant feeding adds up. What starts as a manageable issue can quickly become a major repair project simply because it was left untreated.
The longer termites remain active, the more invasive treatment becomes, the higher repair costs climb, and the greater the impact on your home’s value.
Arizona Homes Face Year-Round Risk
Arizona’s climate allows termites to remain active throughout the year. Unlike colder regions where activity slows during winter, termites here don’t truly go dormant. Slab foundations, stucco construction, and irrigation systems can all create ideal conditions for infestations — even in newer homes.
This means waiting rarely works in a homeowner’s favor.
Early Action Saves Homes and Money
Ignoring termites doesn’t make them go away — it gives them time to cause more damage. A professional termite inspection can catch activity early, prevent structural damage, and save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you suspect termites or haven’t had your home inspected recently, acting now can protect both your property and your peace of mind.
Don’t Let Six Months Turn Into Years of Damage
Termites work every day. The question isn’t whether they’re causing damage — it’s how much. Scheduling a professional termite inspection is the simplest way to stop a small problem from becoming a major one.