Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage across the United States every year, and most homeowner insurance policies do not cover it. The problem is that termites work silently inside walls, floors, and foundations, often for months or years before anyone notices. Knowing what to look for is your first line of defense.
Mud Tubes on Foundation Walls
Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes along foundation walls, piers, and crawl space supports. These tubes connect their underground colonies to the wood they are eating. If you see brown, tube-shaped trails running up your foundation, that is a confirmed sign. Break one open -- if it is rebuilt within a few days, the colony is active. Homeowners in the Southeast should be especially vigilant. Atlanta termite control companies and Birmingham termite specialists see some of the highest infestation rates in the country.
Swarmers and Discarded Wings
Termite swarmers are winged adults that leave the colony to start new ones, usually in spring. They are often mistaken for flying ants. The difference: termite swarmers have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thick waist. After swarming, they shed their wings. If you find small piles of translucent wings near windowsills, doorframes, or light fixtures, termites are nearby.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on baseboards, door frames, and window sills with a screwdriver handle. Solid wood produces a firm sound. Termite-damaged wood sounds hollow because the interior has been eaten away. In advanced cases, the wood crumbles when pressed. This is especially common in older homes in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities where Formosan termites are established.
Frass (Drywood Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites push their fecal pellets out of small holes in the wood. These pellets -- called frass -- look like tiny, six-sided grains of sand in a small pile. If you find frass near wooden furniture, attic beams, or hardwood floors, you likely have drywood termites. This is the dominant termite type in San Diego, Tampa, and other warm, dry climates.
Bubbling or Uneven Paint
As termites eat through drywall backing and wooden studs, moisture builds up behind painted surfaces. This causes paint to bubble, crack, or appear uneven -- similar to water damage. If there is no plumbing behind the affected wall, termites are a likely cause.
What to Do Next
If you notice any of these signs, do not wait. Termite damage compounds over time, and early treatment is significantly cheaper than structural repair. Schedule a professional inspection -- most termite control companies offer free inspections. A licensed inspector can identify the species, assess the extent of damage, and recommend the right treatment.