What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Termite infestations can cause extreme damage to homes and buildings, often going unnoticed until the damage becomes severe. Recognizing the early signs of a termite infestation can help you take action before the problem escalates. Termites are silent destroyers, and understanding what to look for is crucial to protecting your property.

Common Signs of Termite Infestations

Common Signs	Description
Mud Tubes	Pencil-sized tubes on exterior walls or foundations.
Discarded Wings	Wings shed by termites after swarming.
Hollow-Sounding Wood	Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Frass (Droppings)	Small, pellet-like droppings near infested wood.
Tight-Fitting Doors/Windows	Wood swelling due to termite activity.
Damaged or Crumbling Wood	Visible deterioration or cracking of wood.
Clicking Noises in the Walls	Faint sounds of termites in the walls.

1. Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are usually one of the most common signs of a termite infestation. These pencil-sized tubes are constructed by subterranean termites to travel. Mud tubes provide moisture and protection for termites as they move between the soil and the wood they are feeding on. You’ll typically find these tubes on exterior walls, foundation walls, or even in crawl spaces. If you spot mud tubes around your property, it’s a strong indication that termites are nearby.

2. Discarded Wings

Another sign of a termite infestation is the presence of wings. Termites swarm during mating  season to mate and start new colonies. After swarming, they shed their wings, which can often be found near windows, doors, or other light sources. These wings are often mistaken for those of flying ants, but termite wings are uniform in size, unlike ant wings, which have a larger pair in the front. Discovering a pile of these wings indoors or outdoors should prompt a closer inspection for other signs of termites.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites consume wood from the inside out. They often leave a thin veneer of timber or paint on the surface. This hollowing effect can be detected by tapping on the wood. If the wood sounds hollow or even gives way when you tap it, it could be a sign of termite damage. In some cases, the surface may appear blistered or peeling, particularly in painted wood surfaces. This occurs because termites have eaten away the wood beneath, causing the paint or surface veneer to warp.

4. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Frass, or termite droppings, is another key indicator of a termite infestation. Drywood termites, which live inside the wood they consume, create small kick-out holes to push their droppings out of their galleries. These droppings look like tiny pellets and can often be found in small piles near the infested wood. Unlike common dust or sawdust, frass is usually light brown or black and has a distinct granular texture. If you see frass, it’s a clear sign that termites have made themselves at home in your woodwork.

5. Tight-Fitting Doors & Windows

As termites consume wood, they create moisture in the wood, causing it to swell. This swelling can make it hard to move doors or windows in their frames. While this problem is often attributed to humidity, it’s wise to consider termites as a potential cause, especially if other signs are present.

6. Damaged or Crumbling Wood

Visible damage to wood, such as crumbling, splintered, or cracked wood, is a late-stage sign of termite activity. This damage is often accompanied by other signs like mud tubes or frass. If you notice wood that seems to be deteriorating faster than normal, particularly in areas that are otherwise dry, it could be due to termites. Pay special attention to wooden structures that are in contact with the soil, as these are prime targets for subterranean termites.

7. Clicking Noises in the Walls

Believe it or not, termites can be noisy. Soldier termites use their heads to close the wood opening or shake their bodies when the colony is disturbed. This can create a faint clicking or rattling sound within the walls. If you hear unusual sounds, particularly at night when the house is quiet, it might be worth investigating for termites.