Termites are often called "silent destroyers"—and for good reason. They can chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper for months or years before you ever notice visible damage. By the time you realize they’re there, the repair costs could already be in the thousands.
That’s why early detection is key—and why knowing the warning signs is so important. If you spot any of the signs below, you should schedule a professional termite inspection immediately. The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent.
1. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors
One of the first and most obvious signs of a termite infestation is finding piles of discarded wings, often near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures. These wings come from swarmer termites—the reproductive members of a colony—who fly out to start new colonies during certain seasons, usually in spring or early summer.
Why this matters:
Swarmer termites don’t fly far from their nest, so if you find discarded wings inside your home, it means a colony may already be established in or near your structure.
Where to look:
Window ledges and sills
Door frames
Light fixtures (especially outdoor lights)
Air vents
What to do:
Contact a licensed termite inspector right away. Swarming indicates a mature colony that’s ready to expand—and that means ongoing damage.
2. Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls or Foundation
Subterranean termites, the most common species in the U.S., build pencil-width mud tubes to protect themselves as they travel between their underground nests and the wood they feed on. These mud tubes are often found on exterior foundation walls, under decks, inside crawlspaces, or in basements.
Why this matters:
Mud tubes are an active sign that termites are not only nearby—they’re already moving into your home.
Where to look:
Foundation walls (interior and exterior)
Crawlspaces
Basement joists and support beams
Near plumbing penetrations or cracks in concrete
What to do:
Do not destroy the tubes before an inspection. Professionals will want to see the tubes intact to determine activity and the level of infestation.
3. Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites often consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin layer of material on the surface. When you tap infested wood, it may sound hollow. In more advanced stages, the surface may break away easily, revealing galleries (termite tunnels) within.
Why this matters:
Hollow or visibly damaged wood means termites have been active for a while. The damage may already be compromising structural elements like support beams or floor joists.
Where to look:
Window and door frames
Wooden floors or baseboards
Attic rafters and roof trusses
Decks and wooden stairs
Furniture made of softwood
DIY tip:
Use a screwdriver or awl to gently probe suspect areas. If the tool sinks into the wood easily or the wood crumbles, termites might be to blame.
4. Bubbling Paint or Uneven Walls
Many homeowners assume bubbling or peeling paint is a sign of water damage—and it can be. But termites also cause moisture buildup and internal structural damage, especially behind walls and around windows. Termites tunneling through drywall can even cause subtle rippling or warping on surfaces.
Why this matters:
If you're seeing wall damage but no obvious leak or water issue, termites may be the hidden culprit. They often go undetected because their damage mimics that caused by plumbing or moisture problems.
Where to look:
Interior walls near windows or doors
Bathrooms or laundry areas
Painted wood trim or baseboards
Areas with poor ventilation
What to do:
Don’t assume it’s just a cosmetic issue. Have it evaluated, especially if paint bubbling is paired with soft spots or sagging drywall.
5. Clicking or Tapping Sounds in the Walls
Yes, you really can hear termites—sometimes. When disturbed, soldier termites bang their heads against the walls of tunnels to signal danger to the colony. This creates a faint clicking or tapping sound that can be heard through quiet walls. In more advanced infestations, the sheer volume of feeding termites can also generate an audible rustling.
Why this matters:
Any unexplained, repetitive noises coming from within walls or ceilings should be investigated. Insect activity that’s loud enough to be heard suggests a large, active colony.
Where to listen:
Bedroom walls at night (when it’s quiet)
Ceilings and attics
Behind cabinetry or built-in furniture
What to do:
If you're hearing noises from inside the walls—especially paired with any of the other signs—call a pest control expert immediately.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Each day you delay addressing a potential termite issue increases the risk of:
Costlier repairs
Spread of the colony into new areas
Permanent damage to structural elements
Reduced resale value of your home
Termites don’t sleep or take breaks. A single colony can contain hundreds of thousands of termites that eat 24/7.
Bonus: Other Subtle Signs of Termite Activity
While the top five signs listed above are the most urgent, keep an eye out for these additional clues:
Tight-fitting doors and windows (wood frames may be swelling due to termite activity)
Tiny holes in drywall or wood surfaces
Unexplained piles of frass (termite droppings)—resembles sawdust or sand
Sagging floors or ceilings
If you’re noticing two or more of these issues, a termite inspection should be scheduled immediately.
What to Expect from a Termite Inspection
A professional termite inspection typically includes:
A thorough walk-through of interior and exterior areas
Probing or tapping wood to detect internal damage
Moisture level testing
Inspection of crawlspaces, basements, attics, and foundations
A full written report with findings and recommendations
Most inspections take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your property.
How to Prevent Termite Infestations in the Future
Even if your inspection comes back clean, take these steps to stay ahead of termites:
Schedule annual inspections, especially if you live in a termite-prone region
Keep wood and mulch away from your foundation
Fix water leaks and improve drainage
Ventilate crawl spaces and attics
Store firewood off the ground and away from your home
Conclusion
Termite damage is expensive, stressful, and often avoidable. If you’ve noticed discarded wings, mud tubes, hollow wood, wall damage, or odd sounds, don’t wait—schedule a professional inspection immediately. The sooner you act, the more money, stress, and structural damage you can avoid.
Your home is one of your biggest investments—protect it by recognizing the early warning signs and addressing them before termites do lasting harm.
