Signs of a Termite Infestation and How to Respond Quickly

Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. Often working silently behind walls, beneath floors, or within wooden structures, they can cause serious structural damage long before their presence is even detected. Every year, termites are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage worldwide, and because this damage is rarely covered by standard homeowner’s insurance, early detection and fast response are crucial.

In this article, you’ll learn the most common signs of a termite infestation, how to identify them in and around your home, and what immediate actions to take if you suspect termites are present.

Why Early Detection Matters

Unlike pests that make their presence known quickly, termites are stealthy. They quietly chew through wood, flooring, insulation, and even drywall, weakening your home’s structure from the inside out. By the time visible signs appear, colonies can number in the hundreds of thousands.

Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs, prevent structural issues, and eliminate the need for aggressive fumigation treatments. Knowing the warning signs and responding quickly can make all the difference.

Common Signs of a Termite Infestation

1. Mud Tubes

One of the most distinctive signs of a subterranean termite infestation is the appearance of mud tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are made of soil and termite saliva and are used by termites to travel between their colony and a food source while remaining protected from air and predators.

Mud tubes are often found along foundation walls, basement beams, crawl spaces, or exterior concrete slabs. If you break one open and see live termites inside, you’re likely dealing with an active infestation.

2. Discarded Wings

Reproductive termites, or swarmers, fly out of their colonies in spring or early summer to start new nests. After swarming, they shed their wings, which are often found near windowsills, doorways, or light fixtures.

If you notice piles of small, translucent wings indoors or in your garage, this is a strong indicator that swarmers have entered your home—and potentially established a colony.

3. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Termites consume wood from the inside out, so affected wood may appear solid on the outside but sound hollow when tapped. Over time, you may notice blistering, sagging, or peeling on walls or floors. If you probe these areas with a screwdriver or knife, the wood may crumble easily.

Wood that is visibly damaged or crumbles under light pressure could be a clear sign of termite activity.

4. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-shaped droppings known as frass. These droppings are often found in small piles beneath wooden structures, window frames, or along baseboards. They resemble sawdust or coffee grounds and indicate that termites are tunneling nearby.

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live inside the wood they eat and push waste out through tiny holes.

5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

Paint that bubbles, peels, or looks water-damaged without any actual moisture problem may point to termites. As they tunnel close to the surface, termites can cause paint to warp or blister, mimicking water damage.

If you're seeing paint irregularities in conjunction with other signs, it’s worth investigating further.

6. Clicking Sounds in the Walls

Soldier termites bang their heads against the walls of tunnels or shake their bodies to signal danger to the colony. If you listen closely, especially at night when the house is quiet, you might hear faint clicking or rustling sounds from within walls or wooden fixtures.

Though subtle, this can be an early auditory clue to termite activity.

7. Tight-Fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows

As termites consume wood, they create moisture which causes the wood to swell. This can lead to windows and doors becoming tight or difficult to open. If these issues appear suddenly without an obvious cause like humidity, termites may be the reason.

How to Respond Quickly to a Termite Infestation

If you notice any of the signs above, immediate action is crucial to stop the damage from spreading.

Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Inspect areas where termites are most likely to be active, including:

• Crawl spaces and basements

• Wooden beams and joists

• Around foundations and porches

• Window sills, baseboards, and attic spaces

Use a flashlight and screwdriver to tap on wood and probe suspected areas. Look for hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, and discarded wings.

Step 2: Identify the Termite Type

Identifying whether you're dealing with subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites will guide your treatment approach:

• Subterranean termites build mud tubes and nest underground.

• Drywood termites live inside dry wood and produce frass.

• Dampwood termites prefer moist, decaying wood and are less common in homes.

If you’re unsure, save a few specimens in a sealed container and consult a professional pest control service for identification.

Step 3: Apply Immediate DIY Treatments (If Appropriate)

For small infestations or early signs, some DIY treatments may help:

• Boric acid: Use as a dust or spray on affected wood.

• Orange oil: Useful for treating visible drywood termite activity.

• Nematodes: Apply in soil near suspected subterranean termite colonies.

• Cardboard traps: Use for monitoring, not as a primary treatment.

However, DIY treatments are limited in effectiveness and should not be used as a long-term substitute for professional solutions if the infestation is widespread.

Step 4: Contact a Pest Control Professional

If you find extensive damage, recurring signs, or are unsure of the severity, contact a licensed pest control company immediately. Professionals can perform:

• Full inspections with specialized tools

• Colony elimination using baiting systems or termiticides

• Structural fumigation for advanced infestations

Early professional intervention is often far less expensive than waiting until repairs are needed.

Step 5: Implement Preventive Measures

After treatment, take these preventive steps to avoid future infestations:

• Fix leaks and eliminate excess moisture around the home.
• Keep firewood, mulch, and wooden debris away from your home’s foundation.
• Seal cracks and entry points in your foundation and walls.
• • Use treated or termite-resistant wood in new construction or repairs.
• • Schedule annual inspections, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

Conclusion

Termites can cause massive damage long before they’re spotted, making early detection and fast response vital for protecting your home. By learning to recognize the signs of an infestation—mud tubes, damaged wood, discarded wings, and more—you can act quickly before the problem escalates.

While minor issues may be addressed with DIY methods, widespread or hidden infestations should always be handled by professionals. The sooner you respond, the more likely you are to minimize costs, preserve your property, and avoid further structural harm.