Top 8 Warning Signs of Termite Infestations
Termites are tiny creatures, but they can cause significant damage to your home — especially if they go unnoticed. In fact, studies show they partially destroy over 600,000 homes annually in the United States alone.
We’ve compiled the top warning signs of termite infestations to help you take quick action and avoid costly repairs in the future.
1. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites (those that live underground) are vulnerable to dehydration, so they build mud tubes to protect themselves when they travel between their nest and food sources. They use wood particles, soil and saliva to make these tubes, which can be found along the foundation of your home, on concrete surfaces and other structures on your property.
Although mud tubes are not a problem in themselves, they’re often the most obvious sign that an active termite infestation may be present. Even if you don’t see any of these pests in the little tunnels, don’t think you’re out of the woods yet. The termites may have already burrowed into your home’s structure, which means the best course of action is to contact your local pest control company for inspection and treatment.
2. Flying Termites or Discarded Wings
Flying termites (swarmers) are reproductive termites that leave existing colonies to mate and establish new colonies. They’re usually attracted to light sources, so you’ll often see them swarming around your porch lights, windows and other lit areas in your home. After mating and finding a suitable nesting spot, swarmers shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near doorways, window sills and other light sources.
Flying termites typically do not cause damage themselves. However, their presence is a sign of a mature termite colony nearby (whether in your home or your neighbors’ property) and requires immediate treatment to prevent the infestation from spreading.
3. Hollow Wood
Termites feed on the cellulose in wood, and they often eat from the inside out. This mode of eating allows them to cause considerable damage before the infestation becomes obvious.
An easy way to check for termite damage is tapping on wood around your property — things like wooden beams, baseboards and floors — and listening to the sound they make.
If it sounds hollow, there’s a chance that the termites have already fed on a large portion of the wood, which is a clear sign of active termite activity.
4. Peeling or Blistered Paint
When termites tunnel through wood, they weaken its structure and compromise the wood’s ability to protect against external moisture. For example, if termites damage the wood around a window or in a wall, it might create pathways for rainwater to enter. The moisture can then get trapped behind the paint, causing it to blister, bubble and eventually peel.
5. Visible Termite Droppings
Drywood termites live inside the wood they infest. As they tunnel and feed, they create small chambers called galleries. To keep these spaces clean, they push out their droppings, known as frass, through tiny exit holes. Because they eat wood, their waste is primarily wood, and it often collects on windowsills, floors or other surfaces as small piles of pellets. These pellets, which can resemble sawdust or even coffee grounds, are a common indication that drywood termites may be present.
6. Quiet Clicking
One sign of termites is faint clicking or munching noises coming from inside your walls. These sounds happen when soldier termites tap their heads or shake their bodies to warn the colony of potential danger. If you notice unexplained clicking, check the area for other signs of termites. It’s wise to call your local pest control service provider to inspect your property.
7. White Ants
Many people mistakenly call termites “white ants” because they can look similar at first glance. But there are important differences to help you tell them apart:
- Color: Termites are usually pale (white or creamy) and can even look a little see-through.
- Antennae (feelers): Termite antennae are straight. Ant antennae have a bend in them, like a tiny elbow.
- Body shape: Ants have a pinched waist, giving them a distinctive appearance with two distinct body segments. Termites have a thicker waist, so their body looks more like one long segment.
- Wings: If they have wings, termite wings are all the same size. Ant wings are different sizes (one pair is larger than the other).
Remember, there’s no such thing as a true white ant. If you see a pale, ant-like insect, it’s probably a termite, which means your property is likely infested.
8. Sticking Doors and Windows
Termites feed on wood, which can cause it to warp or buckle. This damage may make doors and windows hard to open or close properly. Stuck or misaligned doors and windows can be an early warning that you have a termite problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Termite Infestations
Explore these commonly asked questions regarding termites.
What Months Are Termites Most Active?
Termites stay active throughout the year, but they’re easiest to spot during their swarming season, which typically happens in spring and summer, especially right after rain. Swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colonies to start new ones, and seeing them is often the first clue that termites are nearby.
How Many Termites Count as an Infestation?
Termites breed quickly, so one mature colony can hold thousands to millions of termites. That said, even finding a few swarmers or one mud tube near your home suggests that a colony is active close by.
Because they spread fast and stay hidden, it’s best to treat any sign as a possible infestation and schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Can I Get Rid of Termites Myself?
DIY termite treatments might provide short-term relief, but termites are extremely tough to eliminate without the right tools and experience. Licensed pest control professionals know how to find the source of the problem, apply precise treatments and monitor your home to ensure termites don’t come back.
How Can I Prevent Termites From Entering My Home?
You can reduce the risk of a termite infestation by:
- Keeping your home well-maintained.
- Scheduling regular inspections.
- Fixing leaks.
- Removing wood debris near the foundation.
- Prioritizing proper ventilation.
Professional preventive treatments are also an effective way to prevent colonies from forming.
Let Us Help You Solve Your Termite Problem
At Greenway Pest Solutions, we know how stressful pest problems can be, but fixing them doesn’t have to be. Since 2009, we’ve been helping New Mexico homeowners protect their properties from termites and other pests like ants, spiders, mosquitoes and mice. When you call us, you can rely on our team of experts to handle your pest issue promptly and effectively, regardless of its severity.
Our process begins with a full inspection inside, outside and even below the surface. If we find signs of termites, we’ll create a customized treatment plan designed for your specific situation. Every solution we offer is designed to provide long-term protection, keeping your home safe and pest-free throughout the year.
Give your home the protection it deserves. Contact us to schedule your free general pest inspection today.
