9 Signs of Termites in Your Home (and How to Tell Which Type You Have)
9 Signs of Termites in Your Home (and How to Tell Which Type You Have)
The clearest signs of termites are discarded wings near windows or doors, mud tubes along your foundation, hollow-sounding wood, small pellet-like droppings (frass), and doors or windows that suddenly stick. Which signs show up first depends on which of the three termite species common to Southern California you're dealing with: subterranean, drywood, or Formosan.
Discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures
Piles of small, uniform wings mean a termite swarm recently happened in or near your home. Swarmers shed their wings within minutes of landing after their mating flight.
- Where to check: windowsills, door thresholds, light fixtures, spiderwebs near windows
- What they look like: two pairs of wings, roughly equal length, translucent to milky white
- Timing: most common on warm days after rain, typically spring for subterranean species
Mud tubes along your foundation or crawlspace
Thin, pencil-width tubes made of mud running along foundation walls or crawlspaces are a subterranean termite signature, built to travel between soil and a food source.
- Where to look: foundation walls, crawlspace piers, exterior siding near ground level
- The break test: snap off a section; if it's rebuilt within 48 hours, the colony is active
- Why they exist: subterranean termites can't survive prolonged exposure to open air
Hollow-sounding or blistered wood
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or trim with blistering that resembles water damage, often means termites are feeding from the inside out.
- How to test it: tap baseboards and frames with a screwdriver handle and listen for a dull sound
- Common spots: baseboards, door and window frames, structural beams in attics
- Why it's missed: termites often leave a thin outer layer intact for cover
Frass (termite droppings) that look like wood-colored sand
Small, hexagonal, wood-colored pellets piling up near baseboards or furniture are frass, the calling card of drywood termites specifically.
- What it looks like: tiny, six-sided pellets, uniform in size, tan to dark brown
- Where it accumulates: beneath furniture, window sills, attic spaces, near a kick-out hole
- How it differs: uniform and hexagonal, unlike powdery sawdust from wood-boring beetles
Doors and windows that suddenly stick
Termite damage to frames can cause wood to lose structural integrity and shift slightly, throwing off the fit of doors and windows that used to open easily.
Visible mud-packed tunnels or galleries in exposed wood
A honeycomb pattern of tunnels packed with mud or soil inside damaged wood is a subterranean termite gallery, usually found during renovation or repair.
Sagging floors, ceilings, or weakened structures
Spongy floors, sagging ceilings, or bowed beams indicate damage has progressed to structural wood. This is a later-stage sign that calls for immediate inspection.
Clicking or tapping sounds inside walls
A faint clicking sound is soldier termites signaling danger to the colony. It's subtle, but worth noting alongside other visual signs.
Discolored or drooping drywall
Drywall that looks discolored or droops without an obvious water source can point to termite activity behind the wall, not a plumbing leak.
Subterranean vs. Drywood vs. Formosan
The termite type changes both the signs you'll see and the treatment that works, so identifying it correctly matters as much as spotting the signs themselves.
| Subterranean | Drywood | Formosan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where they live | In soil | Inside dry wood | In soil, more aggressive |
| Key sign | Mud tubes | Frass pellets | Large mud tubes |
| Damage location | Near foundation | Anywhere in structure | Near foundation, spreads fast |
| Gallery type | Packed with mud | Clean and dry | Packed with mud, larger |
| Typical treatment | Soil barrier / liquid | Localized / fumigation | Fumigation usually needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell termite damage from water damage?
Water damage usually has a clear moisture source and wood feels soft when wet. Termite damage sounds hollow when tapped and reveals galleries, mud packing, or frass rather than staining.
Are flying ants the same as termite swarmers?
No. Termite swarmers have equal-length wings, straight antennae, and a thick waist. Flying ants have unequal wings, bent antennae, and a pinched waist.
Do I need an inspection even without visible signs?
Yes, especially in LA and Ventura Counties. Drywood termite damage can go undetected for years since it doesn't require soil contact.
How fast does termite damage get worse?
Damage is progressive and doesn't reverse on its own. A minor issue today can become significant structural damage within a year or two if left untreated.
Not sure if it's termites?
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