termite Termites, often called “silent destroyers,” can quietly cause devastating damage to your home. Because they eat wood from the inside out, a termite infestation often goes unnoticed until significant structural damage has already occurred.
For homeowners, early detection is key to preventing costly repairs. In fact, a Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is one of the most crucial steps you can take when buying a home to ensure hidden infestations are uncovered before you commit to the purchase.
Below are the top five signs of a termite infestation and how you can take action to protect your home. Plus, we’ll cover essential termite prevention strategies to help keep your home safe.
1. Swarmers (Flying Termites) and Discarded Wings
One of the earliest signs of a termite problem is the appearance of swarmers — winged termites that leave the colony to start new ones. Spotting these flying termites indoors, particularly near windows, doors, or light sources, is a clear indicator of a potential infestation. After swarming, termites shed their wings, often leaving piles of discarded wings behind. If you notice these near entry points or on windowsills, it’s time to act fast.
Swarmers are particularly active in spring and early summer when temperatures begin to rise. If you live in a humid region or have experienced recent rainfall, your risk of swarmers invading your home increases significantly. This is when termites are most likely to seek out new nesting grounds — and your home may become their target.
To reduce the risk of swarmers entering your home:
- Seal gaps around windows and doors to reduce potential entry points.
- Install screens over vents and ensure window screens are in good condition.
- Limit outdoor lighting during swarming season, as termites are attracted to bright lights.
2. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites rely on moisture to survive, which is why they build mud tubes to travel between their colonies and food sources. These pencil-sized tubes often appear along foundations, walls, or crawl spaces. If you find brittle or broken mud tubes, you may be able to spot live termites inside. Even if the tube seems inactive, there’s a strong chance termites are still present.
Termites use these mud tubes as protective pathways to travel between their underground nest and your home’s wooden structure. Without these tubes, they’d dry out and die, making the presence of mud tubes a strong indicator of an active infestation.
To prevent termites from building mud tubes:
- Maintain a clear space of at least 12 inches between your home’s foundation and any soil or mulch.
- Fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage to reduce excess moisture — a major termite attractor.
- Store firewood and lumber away from your home’s foundation to minimize potential nesting sites.
3. Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, which means they can cause severe damage before you even notice. Tapping wooden surfaces like door frames, window sills, or baseboards and hearing a hollow sound is a strong indicator of internal damage and a potential termite infestation.
In severe cases, termite damage can become so extensive that wooden beams, floors, or furniture may visibly sag or collapse. Homeowners often mistake this for normal wear and tear — but if you notice unexplained damage, a professional inspection is highly recommended.
For termite prevention in vulnerable wooden areas:
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Apply a protective sealant or paint to exposed wood surfaces to reduce vulnerability.
- Install physical barriers like termite shields in crawl spaces and around foundations.
- Schedule annual termite inspections for early detection and prevention.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-like droppings called frass. This material is often mistaken for sawdust or coffee grounds and tends to accumulate near baseboards, window frames, or doorways. Finding frass is a clear indicator that termites are actively feeding inside your home’s structure.
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t rely on soil for moisture. Instead, they create their colonies directly inside wooden structures, making it crucial to recognize signs like frass early.
To prevent drywood termite infestations:
- Inspect wooden furniture, especially second-hand items, for signs of frass before bringing them indoors.
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s structure to eliminate potential entry points.
- Use treated wood in areas prone to termite exposure, such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
5. Tight-Fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows
If your doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, termites may be to blame. As they tunnel through wood, termites create moisture buildup, which causes the wood to warp. This often results in doors becoming stiff or misaligned, and window frames becoming tight or uneven.
In some cases, this warping may cause visible bubbling paint or uneven surfaces, which homeowners often overlook. While one or two affected doors may just be due to humidity, multiple problem areas could signal a termite infestation.
For better protection:
- Ensure your home’s vents are clear and functioning properly to reduce moisture buildup.
- Regularly inspect windowsills, door frames, and floorboards for subtle changes in alignment or appearance.
The Importance of WDO Inspections
When buying a home, a WDO inspection is essential. These inspections identify signs of termites, carpenter ants, wood-decaying fungi, and other organisms that can compromise the structure of a property. Many mortgage lenders require a WDO inspection before approving a loan, making it a critical step in protecting your investment.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new home, routine WDO inspections are a smart move to detect potential infestations early. Scheduling an inspection annually can help you catch termites before they cause costly damage.
During an inspection, trained professionals will:
- Thoroughly examine your home’s interior, exterior, and foundation for signs of termite activity.
- Identify conditions that may attract termites, such as leaks, wood-to-soil contact, or unsealed entry points.
- Provide a comprehensive report detailing any damage or infestations discovered and recommend effective treatment options.
In Short
Early detection is crucial to minimizing termite damage and protecting your home’s value. By watching for these five key signs — swarmers, mud tubes, hollow wood, frass, and warped doors or windows — you can identify any potential termite infestations before they worsen.
For peace of mind, schedule a WDO inspection and partner with experienced pest control professionals like Powerhouse Pest Control to ensure your home stays safe and secure. 💪 Your Strongest Choice 💪