If you live in St. George and think termites aren’t your problem, think again. Just because our red rock desert looks dry doesn’t mean your home is safe. Termites love Southern Utah, and they’re quietly at work under the surface in neighborhoods just like yours. Truth is, you probably won’t see the damage until it’s already thousands of dollars deep and by then, it’s not a pest problem. It’s a renovation.
At Newby’s, we’ve been treating termite infestations for decades across Washington County. We’ve crawled under floorboards, peeked behind walls, and pulled apart structures to find colonies most folks never knew were there. And here’s what we know for sure: when it comes to termites, the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Fast.
What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
Most homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until something feels a little “off.” Maybe it’s a door that suddenly sticks or won’t close all the way. Maybe it’s a window that feels swollen in the frame. Or a section of floor that used to be flat now has a soft spot, just enough to make you shift your weight when you walk across it. These little things seem harmless until you realize they’re signs of something eating away at the bones of your home.
That’s because termite colonies do their dirty work from the inside out. They tunnel into your walls, crawlspaces, and support beams, feasting on the structural wood that holds everything together. And they do it quietly. No scratching, no gnawing, no noise at all, just thousands of tiny mouths working 24/7. You won’t see the damage until it’s too far gone. By the time your trim starts to bow or your floor feels spongy, termites have been having Thanksgiving dinner on your two-by-fours for months.
Signs to Watch For:
- Mud tubes running up your foundation or inside crawl spaces these are their highways, helping them move between nest and food source without drying out
- Discolored or bubbling drywall that might look like water damage but is really a clue termites are tunneling underneath
- Tiny pinholes in wood or baseboards where they’ve eaten through and sealed the exit behind them
- Sagging or uneven floors that signal deep structural compromise
We’ve seen porch supports crumble like crackers. Baseboards that snap clean off with just a little pressure. One homeowner called us after their sunroom started to tilt not from age, but from termites hollowing out the joists beneath it. Every one of those costly repairs started with one or two unnoticed signs. And every one of them could’ve been prevented with earlier detection and treatment.
Southern Utah Termites Are Sneaky
In Southern Utah, subterranean termites are the main culprits. These pests live underground, building mud tubes to move from soil to wood. Our dry climate means they dig deep and far to find food and moisture and that makes them harder to detect.
They can sneak through a crack thinner than a dime. And once they find your framing, they move in like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.
They don’t care how new your home is. We’ve treated termite infestations in fresh builds and historic homes alike. If you’ve got wood and a little humidity, you’re on the menu.
Learn more about how we handle termites
Left unchecked, a small colony can explode into a major infestation, chewing through your home 24/7 without you even knowing.
Why Waiting Is a Bad Idea
We say this all the time: termite damage isn’t cosmetic, it’s structural. They go after the guts of your house: beams, joists, studs, and support walls. We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars in repairs if it goes too far.
And the worst part? Termites don’t sleep. They chew non-stop, rain or shine. Every day you wait gives them more time to do damage. What starts as a weekend pest problem can quickly snowball into a full-blown construction project.
Treating termites early is a fraction of the cost of fixing what they destroy.
Selling or Refinancing? You’ll Need a Termite Inspection
If you’re planning to sell, especially using a VA or FHA loan, a termite inspection isn’t optional, it’s required. Lenders won’t touch your home without that clearance. And even if you’re not selling, knowing your home is protected brings peace of mind.
We Can Help With:
- VA Loan Inspections in One Day
- FHA New Construction Termite Services
- VA Termite Inspections Across Southern Utah
Want the full picture? Here’s our Termite Treatment Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Termites in St. George
How common are termites in Southern Utah?
Termites are more common than most people think in Southern Utah. While our dry climate slows them down a bit, it doesn’t stop them. Subterranean termites thrive here, especially around irrigation systems, garden beds, and homes with crawlspaces.
How fast can termites do damage?
A single termite colony can eat through a standard 2×4 in just a few months. The longer an infestation goes untreated, the more structural damage they can do—quietly and out of sight.
Can I get termites even if my home is new?
Absolutely. We’ve treated homes that are less than a year old. Termites don’t discriminate. All they need is access to wood and a bit of moisture.
Do I need to leave my home during treatment?
Nope. Most termite treatments are non-invasive and don’t require you to leave the house. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
We offer free estimates and competitive pricing on inspections. If you need an official report for a VA or FHA loan, we can usually get it to you within one business day.
Same Game, Different Name
Cash Newby started out crawling under homes as a technician for Big Tom’s Pest Control. He learned the ropes, earned folks’ trust, and built a reputation for doing things right. Now, as the owner of Newby’s, he’s still serving the same Southern Utah neighborhoods with the same commitment to honest work.
We’re local. We’re family-owned. And we know Southern Utah because we’re from Southern Utah.
Stop the Damage Before It Starts
If something feels off, or you just want a second opinion, give us a shout. We offer free estimates, friendly service, and no-pressure answers.
Contact us here or call us at 435-586-7337.
We’ll tell you straight. And if you’re in the clear, we’ll sleep better knowing your home is too.
