Common warning signs of termite activity, what they may mean, and when a closer inspection is worth asking about.
Call (844) 924-1337Common signs of termite activity include mud tubes on foundations or walls, hollow-sounding wood, blistered or papery surfaces, discarded wings, and small pellet-like frass near wood trim or windows. These signs do not always prove the extent of the problem, but they are good reasons to ask about a termite inspection before damage spreads further.
Subterranean termites often build narrow mud tubes along foundations, support piers, crawlspace walls, or exterior surfaces. The tubes help them move between soil moisture and wood while staying protected. A broken or dry tube may not confirm current activity by itself, but a tube near the structure is still important evidence to discuss during a termite control assessment.
Call PestGuardians to discuss termite activity and service availability in your area.
Termites can feed inside wood before the surface looks badly damaged. Wood may sound hollow when tapped, feel thin or papery, or show blistered paint and softened trim. Baseboards, door frames, subflooring, crawlspace framing, and basement wood near soil contact are common places to notice early changes.
Drywood termites can leave frass, which looks like tiny wood-colored pellets, near small kick-out holes in wood. Swarm evidence can also matter. Piles of equal-length wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures may indicate termite swarmers were inside. For insect-level comparison, see carpenter ants vs. termites, or compare wood patterns in termite damage vs. carpenter ant damage.
Yes. Moisture damage and termite damage can both leave wood soft, stained, or weakened. Mud tubes, pellet-like frass, discarded wings, or tunneling that follows the grain can point more strongly toward termite activity.
Mud tubes are a strong warning sign, especially with subterranean termites. An old tube may be inactive, but it should still be checked because it can show where termites had access to the structure.
Discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures can mean termite swarmers were present. Swarmers shed their wings after leaving a colony, so wings indoors are worth taking seriously.
Describe the signs you have found and ask how an inspection can help evaluate possible termite damage. Call to discuss termite signs and ask what an inspection may involve.
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