Signs of Termites

Learn the most common warning signs of termite activity — from frass and discarded wings to soft wood and moisture pockets.

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Termites often stay hidden, but they leave clues behind. Knowing what to look for can help homeowners catch issues early and prevent costly damage. Here are the signs that should never be ignored:

🔹 1. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Small, sand-like pellets that resemble coffee grounds or sawdust. Drywood termites push these out of their galleries, often forming small piles near baseboards, windowsills, or damaged wood.

🔹 2. Discarded Wings

Swarmers (winged termites) shed their wings after finding a nesting site. Piles of small, translucent wings near windows, doors, or light sources can indicate a nearby colony.

🔹 3. Soft or Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out. If wood sounds hollow when tapped or feels soft when pressed, there may be activity inside the structure.

🔹 4. Moisture Pockets or Bubbling Paint

Termite activity can create moisture buildup behind walls. Bubbling paint, blistering surfaces, or unexplained moisture spots can be a red flag.

🔹 5. Mud Tubes (Subterranean Termites)

Pencil-width mud tunnels along the foundation, walls, or crawlspace are used by subterranean termites to travel between their colony and a food source.

🔹 6. Damaged or Crumbling Wood

Wood that cracks easily, crumbles when touched, or shows maze-like patterns can indicate internal feeding.

🔹 7. Clicking or Tapping Sounds

Some termites make faint clicking noises inside walls as they communicate or react to disturbances.