As a homeowner in Florida, spotting the early signs of termites has been a big headache. Seeing one termite isn’t a problem, but that one termite often means thousands more are hidden out of sight. The tricky part is that they’re sneaky and tiny. Most of the time, we don’t even know they’re there until the colony is fully matured. That’s when the real and costly damage begins.
This goes for both subterranean and drywood termites. They’re so small that catching them early is nearly impossible. It’s the damage that gives them away, and by the time we notice it, it’s already bad.
What is Termite Infestation?
Termite infestation refers to the point when termites enter a structure and begin living and multiplying inside it. They bring along swarmers (young termites) that, over time, grow and spread into a larger, more mature colony. For homes with wooden structures, a termite infestation can be a nightmare. Termites feed on cellulose, which they get from materials like wood, paper, and cardboard. Once they settle in, they start pulling cellulose from the very structure of your home flooring, walls, beams, and anything made of wood.
A termite infestation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow, hidden process that takes its time. It can take years for a colony to mature and become visible. So, if you’ve spotted clear signs of termites, it usually means there’s already significant damage, likely in the lower parts of your home, behind walls, or around windows.
Clear Signs of Termites in a Home
When we talk about signs of termites, we’re referring to early damage that’s visible on the surface. This could include structural issues or the presence of swarmers. Even spotting just one swarmer should be taken as a serious warning; it likely means there’s an active colony not far away.
Termites start from the ground up. They begin by eating through lower structures, and in more severe infestations, you might notice them higher up, crawling around door frames or clinging to wooden trim.
What was even more stressful for me was figuring out how to spot their signs, especially the subtle ones that aren’t always obvious. After a long trail of research, i’ve listed some of the most common (and overlooked) signs of termites below that can help you catch an infestation early.
Hollow-sounding wood
If your wood looks peeled off or hollow from inside or corners, this might not indicate a high infestation, but it sure does indicate the presence of termites. Wood includes cellulose, and it’s the favorite living spot of termites. The hollow-sounding wood can be an early clue before the damage becomes obvious.
Flying swarmers
Swarmers are flying reproductive termites that leave their colony to start a new one. They fly from one place to another in search of the right mate. This swarming usually happens during specific times of the year. If you see them flying indoors, it’s a strong sign that a mature colony might already be hiding or just starting to build inside or close to your home.
Piles of wings
After swarmers find a spot to settle, they shed their wings. If you see small, clear wings near windows or doors, it means winged termites have already moved in or they are just around the corner.
Peeling paint
Termites bring moisture into the wood when they start settling in. They feed on the cellulose in wood, and as a result, the surface begins to break down. This moisture buildup can cause paint to bubble, peel, or warp. The damage looks just like water damage.
Weird smell
Termites live in moist environments, and their colonies bring that moisture with them. When an infestation is active, you’ll notice a faint, musty odor similar to mildew.
Blistering or dark spots on wood surfaces
When the wood surfaces suddenly have dark spots or blisters, this surely means an activity is happening underneath. Termites settle inside the wood surfaces and start eating the foundation. As a result, the wood structure appears to have spots and blisters over it.
Damaged walls
As termites eat through walls, the surface starts to look uneven and dented. If you tap on the wall, you’ll notice how fragile it feels.
Hardened door & windows
Another sign of termite presence in your wood structures is hardened or stuck doors and windows. When termites take out the cellulose, the surface weakens and becomes soft or “fluffy” inside. As a result, the wood shifts, and the frame tightens, making it harder to open or close smoothly. Termite damage can warp the structure over time, even if it looks fine from the outside.
Mud tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes as they have to travel between their colony and food source. These pencil-sized tubes are found on walls, foundations, or wooden beams.
Pattern in wood structures
If your wood has been eaten up by termites, there’s definitely some kind of pattern left behind. It could be irregular lines, grooves, or maze-like tunnels. These markings are a sign of long-term termite activity.
Lose tiles
If tiles suddenly become loose, it could mean the moisture underneath is being disrupted. Termites might be damaging the wooden subfloor below. This can happen without any visible surface signs. When you tap on the tiles, you might notice a hollow sound underneath.
Small piles of frass
Drywood termites love living inside wood and destroy every crack. They push their droppings out of tiny holes near their nests. These droppings, or frass, look like small piles of sawdust and usually collect near baseboards or windowsills.
Water leaks
Not every time, but most of the time, water leaks can be caused by subterranean termite activity. These termites build mud tubes that trap moisture against the home’s foundation or walls. Over time, this moisture can lead to leaks or water damage.
Signs of Subterranean Termites vs. Drywood Termites
Subterranean termites and drywood termites are completely separate types. They live in different environments, spread differently, and have different infestation patterns.
Let’s take a look at the signs that set their infestations apart:
| Feature | Subterranean Termites | Drywood Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Where They Live | Live mainly in soil; build mud tubes to reach wood | Live entirely inside dry wood: no soil contact needed |
| Where Damage Occurs | Near ground or moist areas; behind walls, floors, foundations | Anywhere in dry wood, walls, furniture, beams, even high places |
| Damage Pattern | Eat wood from inside out | Create visible tunnels and chambers inside the wood |
| Visible Signs | Mud tubes, sagging floors, or walls | Hollow wood, piles of frass (droppings), small holes in wood |
| Moisture Dependency | Require soil moisture; damage often occurs near moist areas | Do not need moisture; infest dry wood anywhere |
| Wood Condition | Hidden until severe, wood may still look solid | Wood becomes hollow and brittle with visible surface damage |
Conclusion
Signs of termites are often overlooked because they develop slowly, not overnight. By the time we notice them, the damage is severe. Homeowners need to stay vigilant and pay attention to even the smallest suspicious signs. We’ve listed many termite indicators that might be easy to miss but can definitely help you catch an infestation early.
You’ve built your home after years of hard work, it shouldn’t be silently eaten away. Keep these signs in mind and act early. Your home deserves better.
If the signs go beyond those mentioned, it’s best to get help from local pest exterminators. At Dave’s Pest Control, we offer fast and effective services to tackle termite and other pest infestations. Call us now and get rid of those nasty pests!
