8 Early Signs of Termites

Termites are the silent destroyers of homes, lurking in the shadows and causing thousands of dollars in damage before you even notice them. These tiny insects can wreak havoc on your property, and the worst part is that they often go unnoticed until it’s too late. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some early signs of termites that you should be on the lookout for to protect your home. But if you have any doubts, or if you are buying a new home, arrange a professional pest inspection.

1. Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes as their highways between their nests and food sources. These tubes look like small tunnels made of mud and can often be found on exterior walls or in your crawl space. If you spot these tubes, it’s a clear indication of termite activity in your home.

2. Swarmers

Termite swarmers are young, winged termites that emerge from the colony to establish new ones. If you see a swarm of tiny, flying insects around your home, especially during the spring or fall, it could be a sign of a termite infestation. They often resemble flying ants, but their straight antennae, uniform waist, and equal-length wings set them apart.

3. Wood Damage

Termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and paper products. Check for wood damage, such as hollow-sounding or buckling walls, sagging floors, or crumbling wooden structures. Termites usually start from the inside, so external damage might not be visible until the infestation is severe.

4. Discarded Wings

After swarmers mate and find a new location to build a colony, they shed their wings. If you find discarded termite wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures, it’s a strong indication of an active termite colony nearby.

5. Noises in the Walls

Termites are noisy eaters, and if you listen carefully, you might hear them munching on your wooden structures. They make a soft, clicking sound when they are disturbed. So, if you hear odd noises coming from your walls or wooden furniture, it’s time to investigate for termites.

6. Hollow-Sounding Wood

When you tap on wood that should be solid, like a wooden beam or door frame, and it sounds hollow, it could be a sign of termite damage. Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin outer layer intact.

7. Sagging or Bubbling Paint

Termites produce moisture as they feed on wood, which can cause paint to bubble or become distorted. If you notice unusual changes in your wall paint, investigate further to rule out termite infestation.

8. Droppings or Frass

Termite droppings, also known as frass, resemble tiny pellets and can often be found near termite nests. If you come across these droppings, it’s a clear sign that termites are nearby.