Noticing odd things around the house—piles of “fish-scale” wings on a windowsill, paint that keeps bubbling, a floor that suddenly squeaks? Termites are masters at staying out of sight while they feed, and the longer they go unnoticed, the more expensive the repair bill becomes. Because they work behind walls, under floors, and along foundations, many infestations aren’t discovered until real damage is done. The good news: there are clear warning signs you can spot early if you know where and how to look.
This guide walks you through the top 12 signs of a termite infestation, step by step. For each sign, you’ll learn what it looks like, where to check, a quick DIY test to confirm what you’re seeing, why it matters, and when it’s time to call a pro. Use it to rule out false alarms, catch activity early, and protect your home with confidence. Ready to get clarity fast? We’ll start with the most reliable first step—getting a professional termite inspection.
1. Call Redi Pest Control for a professional termite inspection
If you’re seeing possible signs of a termite infestation, the fastest way to get clarity is a professional inspection. A Redi Pest Control inspection pinpoints active termite activity, identifies the species, and checks moisture and entry points so you know exactly what to fix—before damage spreads.
What to look for
Before we arrive, make note of anything unusual so we can zero in quickly. Termites are subtle, but their calling cards aren’t.
- Flying swarmers or piles of “fish-scale” wings near windows and doors
- Mud tubes on foundations, crawl space piers, or slab edges
- Hollow-sounding or blistered wood; maze-like galleries beneath surfaces
- Frass (pellet-like droppings) from drywood termites
- Pinholes or tiny mud spots on walls or ceilings
- Bubbling/peeling paint, drooping drywall, warped or squeaky floors, loose tiles
Where to check
Termites travel from soil and hidden voids to wood, so focus on places they bridge and feed. Work inside and out, low to high.
- Foundation perimeter, expansion joints, slab edges, and crawl spaces
- Baseboards, door frames, window sills, and trim
- Subfloors, joists, and basements; attic framing if accessible
- Exterior siding bottoms, soffits, and fascia
- Around plumbing/electrical penetrations
- Foam insulation and behind lower siding runs
DIY check you can do
Simple checks can help confirm what you’re seeing without tearing into walls. Be gentle and document everything for the inspector.
- Tap suspect wood with a screwdriver handle; note hollow sounds
- Break a 1-inch section of a mud tube; watch for termites or repairs over a few days
- Collect wings or frass in a baggie; photograph piles with dates and locations
- Note moisture sources (leaks, poor drainage) near activity
Why it matters
Subterranean colonies can feed for years before you notice, and swarmers inside are a strong indicator of an active infestation. Early, professional confirmation prevents structural damage and ensures the right treatment—whether soil barriers, baits, or targeted wood treatments approved for termite control.
When to call a pro
If you’re unsure, don’t wait. Termite treatments are most effective and safest when applied by licensed professionals.
- Swarmers or piles of wings indoors
- Any mud tubes on the foundation or in crawl spaces
- Frass piles or pinholes with tiny mud spots
- Bubbling paint/drooping drywall without a clear water leak
- No obvious signs, but you want peace of mind—schedule an annual inspection
Redi Pest Control will verify activity, outline options, and put a protection plan in place quickly.
2. Flying swarmers and piles of discarded wings
Reproductive termites (swarmers) are often the first visible sign of a termite infestation. Indoors, you’ll see brief swarms or wake up to piles of discarded, translucent “fish-scale” wings on sills and floors as swarmers shed them after flight.
What to look for
Spot the telltale evidence quickly so you can act fast.
- Winged termites (swarmers): wings of equal length and straight, sometimes drooping antennae (unlike ants with elbowed antennae).
- Piles of shed wings: small stacks near windows, doors, and in spider webs after a brief swarm.
- Timing clues: swarms are short; many species swarm in spring or fall, and some (e.g., Formosan) at dusk.
Where to check
Focus on light-attracting areas and typical entry points.
- Indoors: windowsills, door thresholds, sliding door tracks, and around interior lights.
- Outdoors (near structure): porch lights, entry doors, foundation ledges, and cobwebs along the perimeter.
DIY check you can do
Confirm what you’re seeing and save evidence for your inspector.
- Collect wings or insects in a clear bag; take dated photos of piles and locations.
- Compare features: equal-length wings and straight antennae point to termites (vs. flying ants).
- Clean the area and recheck in 24–48 hours for new wings (ongoing swarming).
Why it matters
Swarms inside strongly indicate an active colony in the structure—and killing swarmers doesn’t stop the colony. Swarms outside very near the foundation warrant a pro inspection, while activity 25+ feet away in logs or stumps is usually normal.
When to call a pro
Don’t wait—swift confirmation prevents costly structural damage.
- Any indoor swarmers or piles of wings.
- Large numbers entering at night, especially during Formosan swarms.
- Repeated outdoor swarms along the foundation or if you’re unsure when your home was last protected.
3. Mud tubes along the foundation or in crawl spaces
One of the clearest signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. Subterranean termites build these dry, brown, cylindrical “highways” to travel between their underground colony and the wood they’re eating, protecting themselves from predators and conserving moisture as they move.
What to look for
- Dry, brown, pencil-width tubes running up foundation walls, slab edges, or piers
- Branched or ladder-like tubes following seams, cracks, or mortar lines
- Freshly repaired breaks in tubes after you disturb a small section
Where to check
- Exterior and interior foundation walls and slab edges
- Crawl spaces: support piers, sill plates, and joists
- Utility penetrations: around plumbing lines and expansion joints
DIY check you can do
- Break a 1-inch section of a tube; look for live termites or check if it’s repaired within a few days
- Photograph and label locations; avoid spraying—let pros verify activity
Why it matters
Finding shelter tubes is usually a sure sign of active subterranean termites. Simply knocking them down won’t solve the problem; colonies remain in the soil and will find other entry points, and visible tubes may be only one of several access routes.
When to call a pro
- Any mud tubes on foundations, piers, or in crawl spaces
- Repairs after you break a section or visible live termites
- If you don’t know when your home was last professionally protected
4. Frass (pellet-like termite droppings)
Frass is one of the clearest indoor signs of a termite infestation—specifically drywood termites. These insects live inside wood and push their dry, pellet-like droppings out of tiny “kick-out” holes, leaving neat little piles that look like coarse grains scattered below.
What to look for
- Small, uniform pellet piles: dry, sand-like mounds.
- Six‑sided pellets: hard, elongated, and consistent in size.
- Tiny kick‑out holes: pinpoint openings just above the pile.
Where to check
- Below walls, furniture, and wooden structures where activity is suspected.
- Windowsills and door frames where pellets collect.
- Floors or countertops directly under trim or ceiling lines.
DIY check you can do
- Collect a few pellets in a clear bag; note date and location with photos.
- Trace upward with a flashlight to find a small kick‑out hole above the pile.
Why it matters
Frass indoors indicates active drywood termites in the structure. Because treatments for drywood and subterranean termites differ, proper identification and a targeted plan prevent missed colonies and escalating damage.
When to call a pro
- Any frass pile found inside.
- Frass plus pinholes or nearby discarded wings.
- If you’re unsure whether the pellets are termite frass or something else.
5. Hollow-sounding, blistered, or visibly damaged wood
Termites often eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin surface that looks normal until you tap it or it blisters. Floors may bubble or “raise,” trim can crumble at a touch, and hidden galleries can leave wood sounding hollow when probed.
What to look for
Watch for subtle surface clues that signal internal feeding.
- Hollow or soft wood that dents or collapses when pressed
- Blistered/raised wood grain on floors or baseboards
- Crumbling or honeycombed interiors with a thin intact skin
- Maze-like galleries beneath the surface
- Dried mud in galleries (common with subterranean termites)
Where to check
Focus on moisture-prone and ground-adjacent wood.
- Baseboards, door/window frames, and trim
- Subfloors, joists, sill plates, and crawl spaces
- Stair stringers, garage frames, decks, and fence posts
DIY check you can do
Use gentle probing and document findings without demolishing finishes.
- Tap with a screwdriver handle; note “hollow” areas
- Lightly probe blistered spots; photograph any galleries or mud
- Record locations and nearby moisture sources (leaks, drainage)
Why it matters
Hollow, blistered, or crumbling wood often means termites have been feeding for a while. Replacing boards without treating the colony won’t stop the damage and can allow termites to spread to new areas.
When to call a pro
- Multiple hollow spots or spreading floor blisters
- Any galleries with dried mud or live termites
- Before you start repairs or if moisture issues are present
6. Pinholes and tiny mud spots on walls or ceilings
When termites accidentally break through to open air, they quickly seal the breach with a dab of mud. These “pinholes” and BB‑sized mud spots on sheetrock, wood paneling, or ceilings are classic, active signs of a termite infestation—not just old damage.
What to look for
Small details here confirm what you’re seeing.
- BB‑sized dried mud dots on paint, drywall, or paneling
- Pinpoint holes under the mud if you gently scrape it away
- Fresh, re‑mudded spots appearing after you disturb them
Where to check
Focus on finished surfaces near likely hidden galleries.
- Interior walls and ceilings, especially along baseboards
- Around windows, doors, and trim intersections
- Near plumbing/electrical penetrations and along foundation-adjacent walls
DIY check you can do
A light touch can reveal active activity without causing damage.
- Gently scrape the mud speck; watch for a termite and mark the spot to see if it’s repaired within 1–3 days
- Photograph and date each location; avoid spraying so pros can verify
Why it matters
Pinholes and fresh mud patches are a sure sign of active termites sealing airflow. Knocking off the mud doesn’t remove the colony; they remain hidden in walls, floors, or soil and keep feeding.
When to call a pro
Don’t wait for more spots to appear.
- Any pinholes or mud specks on interior surfaces
- Repaired spots within days of scraping
- Multiple rooms or ceilings showing new mud dots
7. Bubbling or peeling paint and discolored or drooping drywall
Termite activity can trap moisture behind paint and inside wallboard, creating classic water-damage look‑alikes: bubbling or peeling paint and stained, sagging drywall. When there’s no obvious leak but these symptoms persist—especially along foundation-facing walls—treat them as red flags for hidden galleries and moisture the termites carry with them.
What to look for
- Bubbling or peeling paint that returns after repainting
- Brown/yellow staining or “shadowy” patches on drywall
- Soft, spongy, or sagging drywall panels
- Surface ripples or trails that seem to wander along walls
Where to check
- Exterior/foundation-adjacent walls and baseboards
- Kitchens, baths, and laundries (plumbing runs)
- Around windows/doors and under windowsills
- Garages and slab edges where framing meets masonry
DIY check you can do
- Press gently on stained areas; note softness or sag
- Rule out leaks: inspect plumbing, roof, and gutters
- Scan the exterior nearby for mud tubes or damaged trim
- Photograph and date spots to track spread over days
Why it matters
Termite-related moisture can cause paint to bubble and drywall to discolor or droop. Treating stains as “just humidity” risks ongoing structural damage while the colony feeds unseen.
When to call a pro
- No clear leak but paint keeps bubbling or drywall sags
- These signs plus mud tubes, wings, frass, or pinholes
- Rapidly spreading stains or soft spots on multiple walls
8. Warped, buckling, or squeaky floors and loose tiles
Feeding beneath subfloors and the moisture termites carry can warp boards, pop tiles, and make floors squeak. If changes seem to spread or return after minor fixes, treat them as potential signs of a termite infestation rather than normal wear.
What to look for
Subtle floor changes often appear before obvious damage.
- Cupped/warped boards or buckling seams
- New, localized squeaks that grow over days or weeks
- Loose or hollow‑sounding tiles; lifted grout lines
- Sudden uneven spots or soft areas underfoot
Where to check
Focus on moisture-prone and slab-adjacent areas.
- Kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms
- Along exterior/foundation walls and door thresholds
- Over crawl spaces with damp soil or poor ventilation
- Garages and patios where framing meets slab edges
DIY check you can do
Quick checks help narrow the source before opening floors.
- Coin‑tap tiles to find hollow spots; mark locations
- Run a straightedge across boards to spot humps/buckles
- Press and listen for give and squeaks; photograph changes
- Peek in the crawl space for mud tubes or damaged joists
Why it matters
Termite‑related moisture and internal feeding can warp flooring and loosen tiles. Replacing finishes without eliminating the colony invites repeat failures and mounting structural damage.
When to call a pro
- Rapid floor changes or spreading squeaks
- Loose tiles over slab plus nearby mud tubes or wings
- Floor issues with any other termite sign (frass, pinholes, bubbling paint)
9. Sticky doors and windows or distorted trim
Termites bring moisture into wood as they tunnel, which can swell frames, push trim out of square, and make doors or windows suddenly stick. If these problems appear without a clear water leak—and especially along foundation-facing walls—treat them as early, subtle signs of a termite infestation.
What to look for
- Sticking or binding doors/windows that previously operated smoothly
- Gaps, warped trim, or separated miters; cracking caulk at joints
Where to check
- Exterior doors, patio sliders, and basement/first-floor windows
- Baseboards and casing along foundation-facing or wet-area walls
DIY check you can do
- Open/close tests at different times of day; note rub marks on jambs
- Sight with a level/straightedge; scan nearby for mud tubes or frass
Why it matters
Moisture from termite activity and hidden feeding can skew frames and trim before obvious wood damage appears, allowing colonies to expand while problems are dismissed as “humidity.”
When to call a pro
- Sticky openings or distorted trim plus wings, frass, tubes, or pinholes
- Recurring sticking after adjustments or widening cracks/gaps
- No identifiable plumbing or weather-related leak
10. Mud streaks or shelter tubes higher up on walls or soffits
Finding dried mud streaks or tube‑like ridges high on walls, soffits, or fascia isn’t normal weathering. It’s a classic sign of subterranean termites moving above ground—often linked to Formosan termites—and points to a significant, moisture‑supported infestation that needs quick confirmation.
What to look for
- Dried mud lines or patches on exterior walls, soffits, or fascia
- Tube-like ridges that look smeared or beaded, sometimes in clusters
Where to check
- Under eaves and along soffits/fascia, especially at trim joints
- Interior ceilings and upper walls beneath known roof or flashing leaks
DIY check you can do
- Gently scrape a small spot; mark and recheck in 1–3 days for new mud
- Scan for moisture sources (roof leaks, clogged gutters) feeding the area
Why it matters
Mud tubes higher up are usually associated with Formosan termites; they may originate at ground level or from “aerial” nests sustained by leaks. Either scenario signals aggressive, established activity.
When to call a pro
- Any elevated mud streaks/tubes on walls, soffits, or ceilings
- Reappearing mud after you disturb a spot, or if leaks are present
11. Termite tunnels through foam insulation or behind siding
Foam insulation and the space behind siding can become hidden highways for subterranean termites. They don’t eat foam, but they readily tunnel through or over it, often concealed behind lower siding runs. Mud-lined passages here are easy to miss and can indicate an established, moisture-supported termite infestation, including Formosan termites.
What to look for
- Mud tubes or soil-packed trails on, over, or through foam boards or spray foam
- Crumbly foam with voids and embedded dirt or fine mud
- Mud smears/lines behind siding, especially along the bottom course
Where to check
- Slab edges and foundation insulation; rim joists in crawl spaces
- Behind lower siding near grade, hose bibs, and utility penetrations
- Around porch steps, patios, and expansion joints
DIY check you can do
- Gently inspect accessible foam edges; don’t pry or damage finishes
- Peek behind the bottom siding lip with a flashlight where it’s loose/accessible
- Break a 1-inch section of any tube and watch for repair; document with photos
Why it matters
Tunneling through foam or behind siding lets termites bypass visible areas and spread unnoticed. It’s often linked to aggressive subterranean species; knocking off tubes won’t remove the colony in the soil or wall voids.
When to call a pro
- Any mud tunnels in or on foam or hidden behind siding
- Activity here plus wings, frass, or pinholes
- When insulation/siding obscures a full inspection
12. Damage uncovered during renovations or sagging structural members
Remodels often expose what termites worked hard to hide. Pulling wallpaper, removing baseboards, or opening a subfloor may reveal honeycombed wood, dried mud in galleries, or brittle framing. Likewise, a suddenly sagging floor, roof line, or a door frame that splits can signal structural termite damage rather than simple wear or rot.
What to look for
- Honeycombed wood with a thin skin that crumbles on touch
- Galleries containing dried mud/dirt inside damaged timbers
- Sagging floors/roof, split door frames, distorted beams
- Termites that vanish after disturbance (activity can move quickly)
Where to check
- Behind removed trim, drywall, or wallpaper
- Sill plates, joists, subfloors, and stair stringers
- Window/door frames, bottom of wall cavities, garage framing
DIY check you can do
- Photograph and bag debris (wood chips with mud, pellets) and label locations
- Probe exposed wood lightly to map soft, hollow areas
- Pause non-urgent demo so a pro can inspect undisturbed evidence
Why it matters
Finding galleries with dried mud is characteristic of subterranean termite damage, and sagging members suggest longstanding feeding. Not seeing live insects right then doesn’t mean it’s inactive—termites often retreat after disturbance. Repairing lumber without eliminating the colony invites repeat damage.
When to call a pro
- Any sagging structural member or broken frame
- Dried mud in galleries or extensive hollowing
- Discovery during remodels—get a treatment plan before closing walls
Final thoughts
Now that you can spot the 12 biggest warning signs—wings, mud tubes, frass, pinholes, bubbling paint, warped floors, sticky doors, high mud streaks, tunnels in foam, and hidden structural damage—don’t wait for a small clue to become a big repair. Early confirmation, correct ID, moisture fixes, and a targeted treatment plan stop silent feeding and protect your home. Even if you’re unsure, scheduling an annual professional inspection is a smart safety net.
Need fast, clear answers? We’ll inspect, document what’s active, and design a custom plan that fits your property—using proven, safe methods and smart prevention for lasting results. Get peace of mind started today: book your inspection with Redi Pest Control.