Termites are sneaky. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you ever realize they’re in your home. That’s why it’s so important to catch them early. Knowing the first signs of termites can help you act quickly and prevent serious structural damage. These pests don’t make a lot of noise, but they leave behind a trail if you know what to look for.
Common Signs of Termites Most Homeowners Overlook
One of the most overlooked signs of termites is wood that sounds hollow when you tap it. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so it may still look solid from the outside. If you knock on a window sill or baseboard and it sounds more like a drum than a beam, it’s worth investigating.
Another subtle clue is the appearance of mud tubes. These pencil-thin tubes are built by subterranean termites as protected tunnels from the soil to the wood they’re eating. You’ll often find them along foundations, crawl spaces, or basement walls. They may not look like much, but they’re a clear indicator that termites are active nearby.
Blistered paint or warped wood can also point to termite activity. Moisture from their tunneling can cause surfaces to swell, bend, or bubble. It often gets mistaken for water damage, but it’s worth considering termites as the cause—especially if it appears in areas with no known leaks.
What Termite Droppings Tell You
Drywood termites leave behind tiny piles of what look like sawdust or coffee grounds. These are actually termite droppings, or frass. You might find them near baseboards, window sills, or furniture. The presence of frass means termites are actively feeding somewhere nearby. It’s one of the clearest signs of termites you can spot inside your home.
You might also spot discarded wings. Swarming termites shed their wings after finding a place to establish a new colony. If you find piles of wings near windows, vents, or light fixtures, it’s a sign that termites may have already moved in.
How to Respond to Signs of Termites
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to take action. A professional termite inspection can confirm whether you’ve got an active infestation and how severe it is. Termite damage gets worse over time, so don’t wait to bring in help. The longer they go undetected, the more destruction they can cause to framing, flooring, and trim.
It’s also a good idea to check the exterior of your home for moisture issues, damaged wood, or cracks in the foundation. Termites thrive in damp environments, and small openings give them an easy way in. Even if you don’t find an active infestation, spotting vulnerabilities now can help you avoid bigger problems later.
Stay Ahead of Termite Trouble
Catching termites early is all about knowing what to look for. Mud tubes, hollow wood, droppings, and shed wings are all common signs of termites that shouldn’t be ignored. If something looks off, trust your gut and get it checked out. An inspection could save you thousands in repairs and protect your home before the damage adds up.
Home Inspectors of Middle Tennessee offers home inspection services for homebuyers and sellers in Nashville, TN. Contact us to schedule an appointment.