Best Ways to Detect Termites Early (Before They Wreck Your Home)
- gloryann caloyon
- May 9
- 2 min read

Termites don’t announce themselves—but your house might be giving you clues.
Most homeowners don’t realize they have termites until the damage is done. These pests work quietly and relentlessly, eating away at your home from the inside out. By the time you see visible signs, the repairs could already be expensive.
The good news? Early detection is possible—and it can save you thousands. You just need to know what to look for.
Here’s how to catch termites before they cause real trouble:
1. Tap and Listen Lightly tap on wood surfaces around your home—especially baseboards, door frames, and walls. If it sounds hollow or papery, termites might have already tunneled inside.
2. Watch for Mud Tubes Subterranean termites build thin mud tunnels to travel between your home and the soil. These pencil-sized tubes are usually found along the foundation, walls, or in crawl spaces.
3. Check for Droppings (Frass)Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-like droppings called frass. You might see them near baseboards, windowsills, or in attic corners.
4. Look for Swarmers or Discarded Wings During termite swarming season, flying termites (swarmers) might appear near windows or light sources. If you find tiny discarded wings, it's a clear sign they’ve moved in.
5. Monitor Doors and Windows Having trouble closing a door or window that used to fit just fine? Termite damage can warp wood, making frames swell or misalign.
6. Inspect Wood Closely Use a flashlight to examine exposed wood in your attic, crawl space, or basement. Blistering paint, bubbling wood, or tunnels just beneath the surface could all be red flags.
7. Get a Professional Inspection Even if you don’t see signs, that doesn’t mean your home is termite-free. A licensed termite inspector knows where to look and what to look for—often spotting issues homeowners miss.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The longer termites go unnoticed, the more damage (and money) you’re facing. A quick inspection today could mean avoiding a full structural repair later.
Worried about termites? Let Attack Pest Management take a look. We provide thorough inspections and fast, effective termite treatments for homes across Los Angeles and nearby areas.
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