A home can look perfect during a showing and still have hidden termite activity behind the walls or beneath the foundation.

Buying a home already comes with plenty of moving parts — inspections, paperwork, negotiations, and deadlines. One step that sometimes gets overlooked? A professional pest inspection.

In a state where termites are active year-round, knowing what's happening inside and around a property before you buy can save you from expensive surprises later — and help you understand what kind of ongoing protection the home may need after closing.

At Northwest Exterminating, our state-certified inspectors have been helping Arizona homeowners understand exactly what's going on with their properties since 1990. Here's what a pest inspection actually covers — and why it's worth your time.

pest tech checking for termites

What a Termite Inspection Actually Looks At

A professional termite inspection isn't just a quick walk-through. It's a structured look at the visible and accessible areas termites most often use to enter, travel, and cause damage.

During a termite inspection, our technicians check:

  • Common entry points around the foundation and exterior

  • High-risk interior areas, including plumbing penetrations and spots with moisture

  • Visible indicators of termite activity, like mud tubes and damaged wood

  • Conducive conditions that make termites more likely — things like standing water, earth-to-wood contact, and plumbing leaks

The average appointment takes about an hour, including the inspection itself, a review of the findings, and a conversation about what was found and which options make sense.

For a home you're thinking about buying, that hour can tell you a lot — not just about current termite activity, but about conditions that may need ongoing attention after you move in.

Why Termites Are a Major Concern for Arizona Home Buyers

At Northwest Exterminating, we receive more calls about termites than about any other insect. That tells you something about how common they are in our state.

Western subterranean termites live in colonies underground and build mud tubes to travel between the soil and the wood in your home. They're constantly active and can cause severe damage to structures — often without the homeowner knowing. Workers are small, white or creamy colored, and easy to miss.

One of the most common signs of subterranean termites is mud tubes running along foundation walls, along interior walls, or from the ceiling. You might also find clusters of discarded wings, which means swarmers have recently been active.

Here's the reality: termites can feed on a structure for years without being detected. When the subject of termites comes up in Arizona, the question isn't really if you'll deal with them — it's when. A professional inspection before you buy is the clearest way to know where things stand.

Can a Home Pass a Standard Inspection and Still Have Termites?

Yes — and that's one reason termite inspections matter so much during the home-buying process.

A general home inspection and a termite inspection are not the same thing. During a standard home inspection, the inspector primarily evaluates the overall condition of the property — including the roof, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical components, foundation, and visible structural issues.

While a home inspector may notice obvious signs of termite damage, finding hidden termite activity is not the primary focus of the inspection.

Subterranean termites often stay hidden behind walls, beneath flooring, inside expansion joints, or underground. Because they work out of sight, significant activity can exist even when a home appears clean and well-maintained.

That's why many Arizona home buyers choose to schedule a dedicated termite inspection before closing.

What Happens if Something Is Found

If an inspection reveals termite activity, the next step is a clear recommendation based on how active the termites are, where they're entering and traveling, and the construction details of the home.

Termite treatment options depend on the situation. For subterranean termites, that could mean a liquid soil treatment or a baiting system. Both termite control methods work by eliminating the entire colony — not just the foraging termites.

If inspectors identify gaps, cracks, or other access points around the structure, exclusion work may also be recommended to help reduce future pest issues.

The goal isn't to overwhelm buyers — it's to give them a clear understanding of what's happening and what options are available.

Why It Matters Before You Buy

Termites alone cause more than $6 billion in damage across the United States each year. In Arizona, where termites are active year-round and conditions are ideal for them, that risk doesn't go away just because a home looks good on the surface.

An inspection gives you real information before you commit. You'll know if there's active termite activity, if the property has conditions that invite pest problems, and what it could take to address them.

Whether the home is brand new or decades old, an inspection helps you make a decision based on what's actually going on — not just what you can see.

How Northwest Exterminating Can Help

We've been inspecting and protecting Arizona homes since 1990. Our state-certified inspectors serve the Phoenix metro, Tucson, and communities throughout Southern Arizona.

If you're buying a home and want to understand what's happening with the property, we can help. We offer thorough termite inspections that cover the full scope — entry points, conducive conditions, visible damage, and a straightforward conversation about what we find.

No pressure, no jargon. Just honest information so you can make the right call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a termite inspection required when buying a home in Arizona?

Requirements can vary by lender and loan type, but many Arizona home buyers choose to get a termite inspection even when it isn't required. Because termites are so common in Arizona, inspections help buyers avoid unexpected problems after closing.

Who pays for a termite inspection when buying a home?

It depends on the real estate transaction and negotiations between the buyer and seller. In some Arizona home sales, the buyer pays for the inspection, while in others, the seller may cover it as part of closing negotiations.

Can a house have termites without visible damage?

Yes. Subterranean termites often stay hidden behind walls, beneath flooring, or underground for long periods before visible damage appears.

What happens if termites are found during the inspection?

If termites or termite damage are found, the inspector will explain the extent of the issue, identify conducive conditions, and recommend possible treatment or prevention options.

Schedule Your Termite Inspection

Contact Northwest Exterminating today to schedule an inspection. Whether you're buying your first home in Arizona or your fifth, a professional inspection is one of the smartest steps you can take.