Signs You Have Termites

Most people picture termites as tiny, distant threats—something that happens to other homes, not theirs. But the reality is, by the time you notice them, they’ve already been hard at work for months, maybe years, chewing through the very structure of your house. Termites don’t make a grand entrance. They slip in quietly, unnoticed, and before you know it, the damage is done. That’s why recognizing the early signs of an infestation is so important.

The Wood Speaks Before You See Them

Your house might be trying to tell you something. Termites feast on wood from the inside out, leaving little visible evidence—at least, at first. But if you start noticing walls that sound hollow when you tap them, doors that suddenly don’t close right, or floorboards that seem to sag ever so slightly, you could have a problem. These subtle shifts might not seem like much at first, but they’re signs of trouble brewing within the structure.

Look closely at any exposed wood around your home, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. If you notice what looks like tiny tunnels etched into the surface or even a soft, crumbling texture when you press on it, you’re likely seeing termite damage. These pests burrow through wooden beams and supports, weakening them from within, making them a structural liability long before the damage is obvious.

Strange Insects And Their Telltale Markers

You may not see the termites themselves, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t leaving clues behind. One of the biggest red flags is discarded wings. In the spring, reproductive termites swarm to find new places to colonize. After mating, they shed their wings and leave them scattered near windowsills, doors, and other entry points. If you spot small, translucent wings that look like they came from tiny flying ants, it’s time to investigate further.

Another warning sign is termite droppings, often called frass. These tiny pellets resemble sawdust or coffee grounds and usually show up near baseboards or wooden furniture. Unlike other pests, termites push their waste out of their tunnels, leaving these little piles behind. Spotting frass indoors is a clear indication that there’s activity inside your walls.

The Sound Of Destruction Beneath The Surface

Termites might be quiet invaders, but if you listen carefully, you can hear them at work. Some species, like drywood termites, create an audible clicking noise inside the walls. This comes from soldier termites banging their heads against the wood as a warning signal to the colony. While it might take a bit of patience and a quiet moment to catch these sounds, tapping on an area of suspected damage and listening closely can sometimes reveal a faint rustling—a sign that termites are actively chewing through the wood.

Another sign of activity is unexplained dust or tiny pinholes appearing in your drywall. Termites can create small exit points as they burrow through walls, leaving behind tiny imperfections that seem harmless at first but point to a much bigger issue lurking beneath the surface.

Mud Tubes: The Tunnels Leading To Trouble

Subterranean termites, which are among the most destructive, rely on moisture to survive. To protect themselves from drying out, they build mud tubes—thin, dirt-like tunnels that connect their underground nests to their food sources inside your home. These tubes are often found along foundation walls, inside crawl spaces, or running up exterior surfaces. They might not be immediately noticeable, but once you start looking, they’re hard to miss. If you break one open and find active termites inside, there’s no doubt they’ve already moved in.

Even if you don’t see active insects, broken or abandoned tubes don’t mean you’re in the clear. Termites are experts at adapting, and they could be creating new tunnels just out of sight. A professional inspection is the best way to determine the extent of the problem.

Ignoring the early signs of termites can lead to serious damage, and the longer they go unchecked, the worse it gets. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signals, don’t brush them off as minor inconveniences. The best way to protect your home is by taking action before things spiral out of control. Three Suns Pest Control has the expertise to identify and eliminate termite infestations before they cause irreversible harm. Contact us today for an inspection and let us help safeguard your home before it’s too late.