Signs of an Escalating Termite Infestation

Early detection is absolutely key to minimizing Termite damage and preventing a minor problem from becoming a catastrophic one. Termites are masters of stealth, but they do leave behind tell-tale clues if you know what to look for. Be vigilant for these warning signs, as they often indicate an active and potentially escalating Termite infestation:

• Mud Tubes: These are perhaps the most definitive sign of subterranean Termite activity. Subterranean Termites build pencil-sized mud tubes, often resembling thin veins of dirt, on exterior walls, foundations, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces. These tubes serve as protected pathways, shielding them from dry air and predators as they travel between their underground nests and your home’s wood. If you break open a tube and find active Termites, you have a clear infestation.
• Damaged Wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a strong indicator of internal Termite activity. Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of paint or wood on the surface. You might also notice wood that appears darkened, blistered, or has a maze-like pattern beneath the surface. Small, pin-sized holes in wood surfaces can also be exit points for swarmers or entry points for Termites.
• Frass (Termite Droppings): For drywood Termites, small, granular pellets resembling sawdust, coffee grounds, or even tiny grains of sand are a strong indicator of an infestation. These fecal pellets, known as frass, are often found in small, conical piles near infested wood, such as window sills, door frames, or furniture. The color of the frass can vary depending on the type of wood consumed.
• Discarded Wings: After swarming, Termites shed their delicate, translucent wings. These discarded wings, often found in piles, can be near windowsills, doorways, light fixtures, or other light sources, as swarmers are attracted to light. Finding these wings, especially indoors, is a clear sign that a Termite colony has been active nearby.
• Swarmers: The actual presence of winged Termites, known as “swarmers,” especially indoors, is an unmistakable and urgent sign of an active colony. Swarming typically occurs in the spring or after rain, as these reproductive Termites emerge to establish new colonies. Do not confuse them with flying ants; Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a broad waist, and two pairs of wings of equal length.
• Termite Trails or Galleries: While less common to see directly, faint trails or channels within exposed wood can indicate their presence. These “galleries” are the pathways Termites create as they tunnel through wood.
• Unusual Odors: Some people report a faint, musty odor, often described as similar to mildew or mold, associated with a large Termite colony. This odor is often due to the Termites’ waste products and the moisture they introduce into the wood.
• Sagging Floors or Ceilings: In advanced infestations, the structural damage can become so severe that floors may begin to sag or buckle, and ceilings might show signs of water damage or drooping, even without a water leak.
• Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows: As Termites damage door and window frames, the wood can swell or warp, making doors and windows difficult to open or close.

If you observe any of these signs, it is crucial to act quickly. Do not attempt to self-treat, as this can often make the problem worse. Instead, contact a professional Termite control expert immediately for a thorough inspection.