Termite Season Is Here: 5 Signs Your Home Might Have a Termite Problem

As the weather warms up, termite season is officially upon us. Termites become more active during spring and summer months, with peak swarming typically occurring between March and June depending on your region and local climate. 

Spotting the signs of a termite infestation early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Here are five tell-tale signs your home might have a termite problem, along with actionable steps for each.

1. Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes (also called shelter tubes) to protect themselves from dry air and predators while traveling from their colony to their food source. These pencil-thin tunnels are usually found along foundation walls, crawl spaces, basement corners, or other structural areas. The tubes are made of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva, creating a moist, protective environment for the pests to move through undetected.

What to do:

• Inspect your home's foundation, crawl spaces, and basement walls quarterly, particularly in spring

• If you find mud tubes, break off a small section (about 1-2 inches) and check back in 48-72 hours

• If the tube is repaired, you have an active infestation requiring immediate attention

• Take clear photos of the tubes to show pest control professionals

• Remember that not all termite species build mud tubes - subterranean termites are the primary culprits

2. Discarded Wings

During their reproductive phase, termites grow wings to fly and establish new colonies. Once they've found a suitable nesting location, they shed these wings. This leaves behind small piles of translucent, papery wings near window sills, doorways, vents, and other access points. Swarming typically happens during warm, humid days after a rainstorm, often in the late afternoon or early evening.

What to do:

• Regularly check window sills, door frames, and light fixtures for discarded wings

• Use a vacuum to collect any wings you find and place them in a sealed plastic bag for identification

• Don't confuse termite wings with ant wings - termite wings are equal in length while ant wings have different-sized front and back pairs

• Install screens on vents and seal gaps around windows and doors

• Consider installing yellow "bug lights" near entry points, as these attract fewer swarming insects

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a classic sign of termite damage. Termites consume wood from the inside out, following the grain and leaving behind a thin veneer of wood or paint while devouring the softer, cellulose-rich material beneath. This creates a honeycomb-like internal structure that compromises the wood's integrity.

What to do:

• Test suspicious wooden structures by lightly tapping them with a screwdriver handle

• Pay special attention to baseboards, window frames, door jambs, and support beams

• Probe suspect wood with a flathead screwdriver - if it penetrates easily with minimal pressure, you likely have termite damage

• Mark and photograph damaged areas to monitor progression

• Conduct inspections at least twice annually, especially after heavy rains

4. Damaged Wood Surfaces

Blistering or peeling paint, sagging floors, buckling wood, and visible maze-like patterns in exposed wood are all serious red flags. As termites burrow through wood, they create distinctive galleries that run parallel to the grain. These tunnels are typically packed with soil and termite waste (frass).

What to do:

• Look for pinpoint holes in drywall or wallpaper

• Check for small piles of frass (termite droppings) that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds

• Tap walls and listen for unusual hollow sounds

• Inspect areas where wood contacts soil, as these are high-risk entry points

• Monitor doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close, as this may indicate warping from termite damage

5. Bubbling or Uneven Paint

Termites can cause moisture build-up behind walls, leading to paint that appears uneven, bubbling, or peeling. This damage is often mistaken for water issues, but when paired with other signs, it strongly indicates termite activity. The moisture disturbance happens because termites require high humidity levels to survive and bring moisture into dry wood as they feed.

What to do:

• Differentiate between water damage and termite damage by checking for other signs in this list

• Reduce excess moisture around your home by fixing leaking pipes, faucets, and AC units

• Maintain proper drainage around your foundation

• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces

• Keep gutters clean and ensure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation

Prevention and Early Detection Tips

Beyond watching for these five warning signs, proactive homeowners can take these additional steps:

• Schedule annual professional inspections: Even with no visible signs, experts can detect early infestations using specialized equipment. Our BugZone experts always look for termite activity when doing a regular pest treatment.

• Maintain a termite barrier: Consider preventative treatments like soil treatments, bait stations, or physical barriers

• Remove termite attractants: Keep firewood, lumber, and paper goods elevated and away from your foundation

• Eliminate wood-to-soil contact: Maintain at least 6 inches between wood portions of your home and the soil

• Fix leaking pipes and faucets: Reducing moisture makes your home less attractive to termites

• Clear gutters regularly: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage that attracts termites

• Trim vegetation: Keep shrubs, bushes, and tree branches from touching your house

Types of Termites to Watch For

Different termite species exhibit different behaviors and leave different signs:

• Subterranean Termites: Most common and destructive; build mud tubes and require soil contact

• Drywood Termites: Live entirely in wood with no soil contact; often leave behind distinctive pellet-shaped frass

• Dampwood Termites: Target moist, decaying wood; less common in homes unless water damage is present

• Formosan Termites: Extremely aggressive subterranean species that can cause significant damage in shorter time frames

If you've noticed any of these signs around your home, don't wait until the damage becomes catastrophic. The average termite colony can consume about one foot of a 2x4 wood piece in approximately 6 months, and a mature colony may have up to 1 million workers.

Contact BugZone today for a professional inspection and effective treatment plan. Our trained technicians can identify termite species, determine the extent of the infestation, and recommend the most effective treatment options for your specific situation.

The sooner you act, the better your chances of keeping your home termite-free!