LEARN MORE ABOUT TERMITES AND THE DAMAGE THEY CAUSE
Termites often remain hidden until significant damage has already occurred. Learning to recognize the early warning signs can help protect your home, community, or investment property and prevent costly repairs. If you notice any of the signs below, schedule a professional termite inspection as soon as possible.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live directly inside the wood they consume and do not require contact with soil. They often infest attics, eaves, fascia boards, window frames, and other structural wood components. Because they work from the inside out, damage can go unnoticed for years. Common signs of drywood termite activity include termite swarmers, discarded wings, and small piles of frass (fecal pellets). Early detection is key to preventing costly structural repairs.
SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Subterranean termites are among the most destructive termite species and live in large colonies underground. They travel through protective mud tubes to reach wood structures above the soil. Because colonies can contain hundreds of thousands of termites, damage can occur rapidly if left untreated. Signs of subterranean termite activity include mud tubes, damaged wood, and swarming termites. Regular inspections help identify infestations before significant damage occurs.
TERMITE SWARMERS
Termite swarmers are winged reproductive termites whose purpose is to establish new colonies. Swarming typically occurs during warmer months or after periods of rain. While swarmers themselves do not cause damage, their presence often indicates an active termite colony nearby. If you notice flying termites or piles of discarded wings around windows, doors, or light fixtures, it is important to schedule a professional inspection to determine the source of the activity.
FRASS
Frass is the professional term for the fecal pellets produced by drywood termites. These tiny pellets are often found in small piles beneath infested wood and may resemble sand, pepper, coffee grounds, or sawdust. Drywood termites create small openings called “kick-out holes” to remove frass from their galleries. Finding frass is often one of the first visible signs of a drywood termite infestation and should be evaluated by a qualified termite professional.
MUD TUBES
Mud tubes are narrow tunnels built by subterranean termites using soil, wood particles, and saliva. These tubes protect termites from predators and dehydration as they travel between their underground colony and a food source. Mud tubes are commonly found on foundations, walls, crawl spaces, garages, and other structural surfaces. The presence of mud tubes is a strong indication of subterranean termite activity and should be inspected promptly to prevent further damage.