How to Spot a Termite Infestation Before It’s Too Late

Most homeowners don’t even think about termites until they’re staring at a repair bill they didn’t budget for. And that’s the scary part — termites don’t work slowly, they work quietly. By the time you see obvious damage, the colony has usually been feeding for months or even years.

The good news? Early detection can save you thousands. The key is knowing what termite signs look like before the damage becomes structural.

Below, we’ll break down what to watch for, where to check, and when to call a professional — so you stay ahead of the problem instead of reacting to it. If you’re trying to spot a termite infestation before serious damage sets in, pay close attention to areas with moisture, wood contact, or reduced airflow.

Why Early Detection Matters More Than You Think

Termites are sneaky. Unlike carpenter ants, they don’t leave wood shavings in plain sight. Unlike mice or roaches, they don’t make noise or leave droppings in your kitchen at night. They live inside your walls, your foundation, your attic framing, and your floor joists — out of sight.

Here’s why that matters:

• Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S.

• Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover termite damage

• A colony can eat through critical structural supports

• Repairs often involve wall demolition, floor replacement, or structural reinforcement
  

Catching termites early is the difference between a $300 inspection and a $20,000 reconstruction project.

1. How to Spot a Termite Infestation Early (Key Signs to Watch For)

A termite swarm looks similar to ants with wings, but there are clear differences:

Termite swarmers have:

• Straight antennae (not elbowed)

• Even-sized wings

• A thick, uniform waist
  

Swarmers appear during warmer months, especially after rain. If you see them indoors, it means one thing: there’s a colony inside your home.

Pro tip: Even if you only see the wings on windowsills or near door frames, pay attention — swarmers often shed their wings after finding a place to start a new colony.

2. Look for Mud Tubes Along Foundation Walls

Subterranean termites build thin, brown mud tubes to travel safely between their nest (in the soil) and your home’s wood. These tubes are usually found:

• Along foundation walls

• Inside crawlspaces

• In basements

• Behind exterior HVAC units

• Under decks

• Around garage footings
  

If you break a tube and see live termites inside, that’s active activity. If it’s dry and empty, there may have been recent activity or the colony moved.

Either way — it’s not normal and needs attention.

3. Listen for Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell behind. That’s why tapping wood is such a reliable test.

Check areas like:

• Window sills

• Baseboards

• Door frames

• Porch posts

• Attic beams

• Floorboards
  

If it sounds hollow or papery, it’s time to investigate further.

4. Watch for Blistered or Bubbling Paint

This is one of the most overlooked early warning signs. Homeowners often assume it’s water damage. Sometimes it is — but termites create a similar effect.

Why? Because they tunnel just beneath the surface, causing the paint to blister.

Check for this around:

• Exterior door frames

• Trim boards

• Garage entry frames

• Basement windows

• Siding near the foundation
  

If there’s no obvious water leak, termites should be on your radar.

5. Notice Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

Wood expands when it’s damaged or warped. Termites introduce moisture as they feed, which changes the shape of wood over time.

If doors or windows suddenly start sticking (especially in older homes), it might mean more than humidity.

6. Look for Frass — Termite Droppings

Drywood termites leave behind tiny pellets called frass. They look like small grains of sand or pepper, often found in little piles.

Common places you might spot frass:

• Under baseboards

• On windowsills

• Near door frames

• Inside cabinets

• Along attic beams
  

Frass is a strong sign the colony is already inside the wood — not just outside the house.

7. Check for Quiet Clicking or Chewing Sounds

It sounds odd, but termites do make noise. Soldier termites bang their heads against wood when the colony is disturbed, and worker termites chew almost constantly.

Put your ear close to suspicious wood. It won’t always be noticeable, but when it is, it’s unmistakable.

8. Inspect Crawlspaces and Basements Twice a Year

Most infestations begin in:

• Crawlspaces

• Basements

• Slab edges

• Foundation walls
  

Do a quick visual inspection every spring and fall. You’re looking for:

• Mud tubes

• Wood decay

• Frass

• Damp areas

• Sagging beams

• Termite wings
  

Bring a flashlight — termites love dark, hidden spaces.

9. Pay Attention to Landscaping Choices

Landscaping can accidentally invite termites into your home. Watch for:

• Mulch piled against siding

• Firewood stacked near the house

• Bushes that trap moisture against walls

• Wooden planter boxes touching siding

• Tree stumps left to rot
  

A good rule of thumb: Keep at least 12–18 inches of space between soil and wood siding.

10. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

Even the most attentive homeowner can’t see inside walls or under slabs. That’s where trained inspectors come in.

A qualified pest control company will:

• Inspect crawlspaces

• Check foundation beams

• Probe wood for damage

• Look for moisture issues

• Recommend preventative steps
  

Most companies recommend annual inspections, especially in warm or humid climates.

How to Take Action If You Suspect Termites

If you’ve checked a few boxes on this list, don’t panic — take a structured approach:

Step 1: Document Signs

Take photos of:

✔ Mud tubes ✔ Wings ✔ Frass ✔ Damaged wood

This helps with professional evaluation later.

Step 2: Don’t Spray Store-Bought Chemicals

This is a big mistake. DIY sprays often:

• Kill surface termites but not the colony

• Cause the colony to relocate and spread

• Make professional treatment harder

Termite control isn’t like ant control — it requires strategy.

Step 3: Call a Professional Inspector

They’ll confirm whether it’s active, past, or environmental damage.

If it’s active, treatment options include:

• Soil barrier treatments

• Baiting systems

• Wood injections

• Fumigation (for drywood termites)
  

Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Check for Termites Is Always Now

Termites don’t give warning before the damage becomes severe. The homeowners who avoid major repairs are the ones who spot early signs and act quickly.

If you live in an older home, a humid climate, or an area known for subterranean termites, take routine inspections seriously. A little vigilance goes a long way.