The Top 5 Signs of Termites (and What to Do Next)

Termite problems can start long before you notice them. These destructive pests often go undetected until serious termite damage has occurred. For property owners in the United States, knowing the signs of termites and taking action early can make the difference between a small nuisance and thousands of dollars in repairs. This guide covers the early warning signs, explains the risks, and shows you what to do next to protect your home.

1. Hollow Wood or Unexpected Wood Damage

One of the most common infestation signs is the sound or feel of hollow wood in your home. If you tap on a baseboard, floorboard, or support beam and it sounds empty or weak, there is a good chance termites have been feeding on the inside.

These insects eat wood from the inside out. You might not see visible wood damage at first, but the structural integrity could already be compromised. Over time, walls and floors may warp or buckle, and paint may bubble as termites chew through the layers.

Many types of termite, including drywood termites and the highly destructive formosan termite, can live deep inside wooden structures, remaining hidden for months or even years.

What to do next: Schedule a termite inspection immediately. A licensed professional can examine interior and exterior walls, crawl spaces, and attics for additional signs. Early detection of termite damage can reduce the cost of repairs and help preserve your home’s safety.

2. Mud Tubes on Foundations or Walls

Another clear sign of termite species like subterranean termites is the presence of mud tubes. These are narrow tunnels built out of soil and saliva, usually the width of a pencil. Termites use them to travel between their colony and a food source, like your home’s wooden framing.

You might see mud tubes running along exterior walls, inside crawl spaces, or even behind cabinets and drywall. Termites build these tubes to stay moist and protected from open air, making them essential for their survival and travel.

What to do next: If you notice mud tubes, do not disturb them. Take pictures and call a professional who offers a free termite inspection. Professionals are trained to recognize the signs of termite damage and know how to track it to the source.

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors

Termites reproduce by swarming. During a swarm, reproductive termites fly out to form new colonies. After mating, they shed their wings. These discarded wings often collect around windows and doors, where the swarmers are attracted to light.

If you find piles of what look like small, transparent fish scales, you may be dealing with a recent swarm. This could mean an active termite colony is nearby or already inside your home.

Many property owners confuse termite swarms with ants, but termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and thicker waists. These details can help you distinguish between the two.

What to do next: Finding discarded wings is a sign of an ongoing infestation. Schedule a professional inspection right away to determine the types of termite present and assess any hidden structural damage.

4. Small Droppings That Look Like Sawdust

Termites leave behind droppings as they eat through wood. Drywood termites in particular create tiny pellet-like droppings called frass. These can often be found beneath infested furniture, on window sills, or around baseboards. The droppings resemble sawdust or coffee grounds and are often mistaken for ordinary dirt.

Unlike subterranean termites, which push droppings back into their tunnels, drywood termites actively push waste out of small holes near the nest. Seeing droppings in your home is a definite red flag.

What to do next: Clean the area and monitor it. If droppings reappear, there is an active infestation. This is a good idea to have a pest expert perform a home inspection. Look especially in attics, cabinets, and under sinks for more droppings or signs of termite damage.

5. Sticky Windows and Doors

If your windows or doors are suddenly harder to open or close, you may be dealing with swelling caused by termite feeding. As termites chew through wood, they produce moisture, which causes wooden structures to warp. This warping can affect how windows and doors function.

Often, homeowners assume humidity is the issue. But if the problem occurs alongside any other early warning signs, termites may be the real cause.

What to do next: Don’t ignore this. Call a licensed pest control company for a routine inspection. You’ll want them to check the surrounding walls and framing for hidden damage.

Why Termite Prevention Matters

Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damage to homes each year. Unfortunately, many homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite problems. That makes termite prevention critical.

Routine inspection by professionals is the best way to catch infestations early. A thorough termite treatment plan can eliminate colonies and reduce the risk of recurring damage.

Some common prevention tips include:

• Keep firewood stored away from the home

• Repair leaky pipes and reduce excess moisture

• Seal cracks in the foundation and walls

• Regularly inspect crawl spaces, attics, and other vulnerable areas

By addressing these issues early, you can help protect your home and save on costly repairs.

What to Do Next: Get a Free Termite Inspection

If you suspect termites or notice any of the signs of termites mentioned above, do not wait. Call a professional pest company and ask for a free termite inspection. A trained technician will evaluate your property, identify the termite species, and recommend an appropriate termite treatment plan.

Early action leads to better results. Many infestations can be managed quickly if caught in the early stages. This gives you long-term peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.

Stay Ahead by Recognizing the Signs of Termites Early

Recognizing the early warning signs of a termite infestation is essential for any homeowner. Whether it’s mud tubes, hollow wood, discarded wings, droppings, or sticky windows and doors, these clues point to a larger issue that needs professional attention.

Don’t let termites cause unseen damage to your home. Schedule a professional inspection, explore your options for termite treatment, and invest in long-term termite prevention. Whether you're in an older home or a newly built one, these small steps can help you catch termite problems early and keep your family protected.