Signs of Termite Infestation You Should Not Ignore (Complete Guide)
A few years ago, I walked into my living room and noticed a strange little pile of what looked like sawdust near the corner of the door frame. I brushed it away, assuming it was just dirt. The next day, the pile was back—bigger this time. I remember feeling a strange mix of confusion and denial. I didn’t want to believe something could be chewing through my home while I slept.
Later that week, I tapped the wooden frame gently and heard a hollow sound. That moment hit me like a punch. Something inside me whispered, “You know what this is.” Part of me tried to reason, hoping it was just moisture damage or an old piece of wood. But deep down, I knew it was termites—probably already working behind the walls.
The worst part wasn’t the bugs themselves; it was the thought of hidden damage growing silently every day. Termites don’t scream for attention—they hide, chew, and destroy slowly. And by the time most homeowners notice them, the damage has already cost thousands. That’s why recognizing early signs is everything. Here’s the complete guide to the signs of termite infestation you should never ignore in 2025.
1. Mud Tubes Along Walls, Foundation, or Basement
Mud tubes are one of the clearest, most undeniable signs of subterranean termites.
What they look like:
- thin, pencil-sized tunnels
- made of soil, saliva, and termite droppings
- found along walls, concrete, beams, or entry points
Termites build these tubes as protected highways to move between soil and food sources.
Why you should never ignore them:
Mud tubes mean termites are actively traveling in and out of your house.
If tubes are fresh and moist, the colony is nearby—and growing fast.
2. Hollow or Papery-Sounding Wood
Tap any wooden surface.
If it sounds empty or papery, termites may already be consuming the inside.
Where this happens:
- door frames
- window sills
- baseboards
- wooden floors
- wall studs
- furniture
Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin outer shell.
Why this is dangerous:
By the time wood sounds hollow, structural damage has already begun.
3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doorways
Termite swarmers (the reproductive termites) shed their wings after finding a mate and starting a new colony.
Common locations:
- window sills
- door frames
- vents
- light fixtures
- carpets
What this means:
A swarm indicates a new colony is forming inside or near your home.
Once swarmers settle, a new infestation begins quietly.
4. Small Piles of Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites produce droppings that look like tiny grains of sand or pepper.
What frass looks like:
- small pellets
- brown, tan, or black
- found near pinholes in wood
Why this is serious:
Frass means termites are actively tunneling, pushing droppings out as they carve deeper into wood.
It’s one of the earliest and most reliable termite signs.
5. Bubbling Paint or Warped Wood
Termite activity often mimics water damage.
Visible signs:
- bubbling or peeling paint
- warped wood panels
- sunken wall areas
- swollen door frames
Termites create moisture inside structures as they chew, making wood swell or warp.
What homeowners often mistake it for:
- humidity
- rain leaks
- poor paint job
Always check beneath bubbling paint—termites often hide there.
6. Clicking or Tapping Sounds Inside Walls
Believe it or not, soldiers termites make clicking noises when disturbed.
When this happens:
- at night
- in quiet rooms
- near infested walls
Why they click:
It’s their warning signal to the colony.
Worker termites also make soft munching sounds as they eat.
If you hear clicking:
It means termites are not only present—they’re active right now.
7. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows (Sudden and Strange)
Termites produce moisture as they feed, causing wood to swell.
Results:
- doors sticking
- windows harder to open
- frames expanding
Most homeowners think it’s humidity, but sudden tightness is often a termite warning sign.
8. Pinholes or Tiny Exit Holes in Wood or Walls
Drywood termites create tiny holes to expel frass or allow swarmers to escape.
What they look like:
- needle-sized holes
- clean and round
- sometimes surrounded by frass
Ignoring these holes allows colonies to spread deeper.
9. Damaged Flooring or Loose Tiles
Termite activity under floors can cause:
- sagging floors
- loose tiles
- blistered wood
- uneven surfaces
Since termites like dark, hidden areas, flooring damage often happens before any visible wall signs.
10. Flying Termites Inside the Home
Flying termites = active, mature colony.
What this means:
If swarmers are inside, the nest is likely within your walls.
They swarm typically:
- at night
- after rain
- during warm seasons
This is one of the most urgent signs requiring immediate action.
Conclusion: Early Detection Saves Thousands in Repairs
Termites are silent, patient, and incredibly destructive.
Ignoring the signs above can lead to:
- structural damage
- expensive repairs
- wall replacements
- flooring collapse
- long-term infestation
The best thing homeowners can do is act quickly the moment something feels “off.”