Signs of a Termite Infestation

Most termite damage happens where nobody can see it, inside wall voids, under flooring, and below grade, which is why the visible warning signs matter more than waiting to notice actual damage.

Mud Tubes Are the Most Reliable Sign of Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites, the species responsible for most infestations in the region, build pencil-width mud tubes to travel between the soil and a wood food source while staying protected from dry air. These tubes typically run along foundation walls, support piers, or exposed pipes in a crawl space or basement. Finding one, even a small or partial tube, is a stronger sign of active termites than any surface damage.

Hollow-Sounding or Easily Damaged Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, following the grain, which means a piece of wood can look completely normal on the surface while being structurally compromised underneath. Tapping suspect wood and listening for a hollow sound, or testing with a flathead screwdriver to see if it penetrates easily, are two quick checks. Wood that crumbles or gives way more easily than expected warrants a closer inspection.

Discarded Wings After a Swarm

Termite swarmers shed their wings almost immediately after landing to pair off and start a new colony, leaving small piles of translucent, equal-length wings on windowsills, in spiderwebs, or on floors near light sources. Finding these, even without seeing live termites, means a swarm already happened nearby — see our termite swarm season guide for regional timing.

Other Signs Worth Checking

• Tight-fitting doors or windows that suddenly stick, which can indicate warping from moisture and termite activity in the frame
• Small pinholes in drywall with fine dust nearby, more commonly linked to drywood termites than subterranean species
• Paint that looks bubbled or peeling in a pattern that follows wood grain, rather than a typical moisture-stain pattern
• Clicking or rustling sounds within a wall, caused by soldier termites signaling the colony

Conditions That Increase Termite Risk Around a Home

Wood-to-soil contact, such as untreated deck posts, fence posts, or siding installed too close to grade, gives subterranean termites direct access to a structure without needing to build exposed mud tubes across open air. Excess moisture from poor grading, clogged gutters, or a crawl space without proper ventilation also increases risk, since termites need consistent moisture to survive. Removing wood-to-soil contact and correcting drainage issues reduces the conditions termites depend on.

What to Do When You Spot a Warning Sign

Note the specific location and, if possible, take a photo before doing anything else, since this helps identify where the colony is likely concentrated. Avoid disturbing mud tubes or spraying visible termites directly, which doesn't address the colony and can push activity into new areas. A full inspection, checking the foundation perimeter, crawl space, and any wood-to-soil contact points, is the most reliable way to confirm the extent of an infestation. If what you're seeing turns out to be ants rather than termites, our carpenter ant identification guide covers the difference.