Spot Termites Early: What to Look For and How to Stop Them Before the Damage Spreads

gloryann caloyon
Jun 5
2 min read

Termites are sneaky—and by the time you notice them, they’ve usually done more damage than you think. These wood-destroying pests don’t care how clean your home is. If there’s moisture, wood, and a way in, they’ll take it.

If you live in Southern California, termites are more than just a seasonal nuisance—they're a year-round threat.

So how do you stay ahead of them?

Here are some practical tips to help you spot signs early and know when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. Know the Warning Signs

You don’t have to be an expert to notice the signs. Look out for:

Hollow-sounding wood
Tiny holes in drywall or baseboards
Mud tubes along walls or foundation
Discarded wings near windows and doors
Buckling paint that looks like water damage

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to act.

2. Don’t Ignore Moisture

Termites are drawn to moisture. Leaky faucets, poor drainage, and damp crawl spaces are like an open invitation. Fix plumbing issues quickly and keep your gutters clear to avoid standing water near your home’s foundation.

3. Limit Wood-to-Soil Contact

Wooden structures like decks, posts, or fences should never go directly into the ground. Use concrete bases or metal brackets to create a barrier between wood and soil—this makes it harder for termites to sneak in.

4. Get a Professional Inspection

Even if you don’t see anything suspicious, a professional inspection can catch what you might miss. Termites can hide inside walls and under floors for months or even years before showing visible signs.

That’s why so many homeowners in the area trust Attack Pest Control. With over 40 years of experience in termite control across Southern California, they know exactly where to look—and how to treat a problem before it gets out of hand.

Attack Pest Control offers: