Signs of a Termite Infestation:
What to Look For
Termites can be difficult to spot because many live inside wood or underground.
Mud tubes, discarded wings, pellets, and damaged wood can all be clues, but no single sign always confirms an active infestation.
A termite inspection can help determine what’s happening and what steps, if any, are needed.
Common signs of possible termite activity
Mud or shelter tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between soil and wood. Tubes on a foundation, wall, or crawlspace are worth investigating, but their presence alone doesn’t confirm that termites are actively feeding in the home. Take a photo and note where you found them.
Discarded wings or flying insects
Termite swarmers shed their wings after a mating flight, so piles of similar-looking wings near windows or doors can be a clue. A swarm outdoors, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the home is infested. If you’re unsure whether the insects are termites or flying ants, save a sample or take a clear photo for identification.
Small pellets near wood
Drywood termites push pellet-like droppings out of small openings in infested wood. Finding pellets beneath a window, beam, or other wood surface is a reason to look closer. Pellets alone can’t show whether an infestation is active or how far it extends.
Damaged or hollow-sounding wood
Termite damage may leave wood hollowed, blistered, or weakened. Similar signs can have other causes, so look for additional clues and have suspected damage assessed.
Changes to paint, drywall, doors, or floors
Bubbling paint, small holes, tight-fitting doors, and sagging floors can result from moisture, age, or other problems, not only termites. Treat these as reasons to investigate, especially if you also see mud tubes, wings, or pellets.
