Termites work quietly. By the time most homeowners notice them, a colony has been feeding for months. Here's what our termite control inspectors look for, and what you can check yourself this weekend.
1. Mud tubes on the foundation
Pencil-width tunnels of dried mud running up a foundation wall, pier or slab edge are the signature of subterranean termites. Break one open; if it's rebuilt in a few days, the colony is active.
2. Swarmers and discarded wings
Winged termites emerge in spring, often after rain. Piles of identical-length wings on a windowsill mean a colony is nearby — possibly in the house.
3. Hollow-sounding wood
Tap baseboards, door frames and window trim. Termites eat from the inside out, leaving a paper-thin shell.
4. Blistered or bubbling paint
Termites bring moisture to the surface. Paint that looks water-damaged with no leak is worth a closer look.
5. Tight doors and windows
Moisture from termite activity warps frames.
6. Frass (drywood termite droppings)
In Florida, California, Texas and Hawaii, drywood termites push tiny, six-sided pellets out of kick-holes. Piles that look like coarse sand or coffee grounds below trim are a giveaway.
7. Termites vs. carpenter ants
Carpenter ants have pinched waists and bent antennae; termites have straight antennae and thick waists. Both matter, but the treatment is different — see our ant control page.
What treatment costs
Liquid barrier treatments are priced by foundation footage; bait systems by station count. Both come with a renewable warranty. Call (877) 948-7968 for a free inspection anywhere in the US.