8 Early Warning Signs of Termite Infestation

Termites may be small, but they can cause massive damage to your home if left undetected. These silent destroyers feed on wood, weakening the structure of your house over time. The key to preventing costly repairs is catching a termite infestation early. But how do you know if you have termites? Here are eight early warning signs to watch for.

1. Termite Swarmers

One of the first signs of a termite infestation is the presence of termite swarmers. These are winged termites that emerge to find a new place to establish a colony. Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants, but there are key differences:

• Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent ones.
• Termite wings are equal in length, whereas ants have uneven wings.

Swarmers usually appear in spring or after a warm rain. If you see them near windows or light sources, it’s a sign that a termite colony is nearby.

2. Discarded Wings

After swarmers find a suitable place to start a colony, they shed their wings. Finding piles of tiny, translucent wings near windows, doors, or in basements is a strong indicator of a termite infestation. These wings are often left behind in clusters and are a sign that termites have moved in.

3. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations

Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and their food source. These pencil-sized tubes are often found on exterior walls, foundations, or crawl spaces. The tubes help protect termites from predators and keep them in a moist environment. If you break open a mud tube and see active termites inside, you have a problem that needs immediate attention.

4. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, which means you may not notice termite damage until it becomes severe. Tap on wooden surfaces around your home—if they sound hollow, termites may be tunneling inside. Another test is to press a screwdriver against the wood. If it easily sinks in, your wood may be compromised.

Common areas where termite damage occurs:

• Wooden floors and baseboards
• Window and door frames
• Wooden beams in basements or attics

Ignoring this sign can lead to serious structural damage over time.

5. Stuck Windows or Doors

Have you noticed that your windows and doors are suddenly difficult to open or close? This could be due to termites eating the wood around them. As termites consume wood, it can warp and change shape due to moisture buildup. If you experience stuck windows or doors, check for other signs of termites nearby.

6. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites don’t build mud tubes like subterranean termites, but they do leave behind another clue: frass. Frass is a type of termite droppings that looks like tiny wood-colored pellets. You might find frass near baseboards, windowsills, or other wooden structures in your home. Finding termite droppings means an active colony is present and causing damage.

7. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

If your paint is bubbling or peeling, it may be a sign of moisture buildup caused by termites. As termites eat through wood, they create tunnels that allow moisture to seep in. This can cause paint to bubble, crack, or appear uneven. While water damage can also cause this issue, checking for other termite signs can help confirm an infestation.

8. Clicking Noises Inside Walls

Termites are not completely silent. If you listen carefully, you might hear a faint clicking sound inside your walls. This noise comes from soldier termites banging their heads against the wood to signal danger to the colony. You may also hear a rustling sound as worker termites move through their tunnels, eating away at your home.

How to Prevent a Termite Infestation


Catching a termite infestation early is crucial, but prevention is even better. Here are some tips to keep termites away from your home:

• Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage around your home.
• Reduce Wood-to-Soil Contact: Keep firewood and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
• Seal Entry Points: Close cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and walls.
• Schedule Regular Inspections: A professional termite inspection can catch problems before they become serious.

Final Thoughts

Termites can cause costly damage if left unchecked. By keeping an eye out for signs like termite swarmers, mud tubes, stuck windows or doors, and hollow wood, you can take action before the problem worsens. If you suspect an infestation, don’t wait—contact a professional termite inspector to protect your home.

Suspect termite activity in your home? Schedule a professional inspection with Protec Inspections today!