Learn to identify termite warning signs

What to Do

Learn to recognize the key signs of termite activity so you can catch infestations early.

Mud shelter tubes: Dirt tunnels about 1/4 inch wide on foundations, walls, or floor systems. Active tubes contain moist soil and live termites.

Swarmers: Winged termites emerging indoors (especially near windows in spring) confirm an active infestation requiring professional treatment.

Pinholes with mud spots: Termites accidentally break through to the surface and seal the holes with mud.

Sunken trails: Visible tracks under paint caused by termites feeding on the paper layer of drywall.

Hollow-sounding wood: Tap exposed wood with a screwdriver — a hollow sound may reveal damage beneath an intact surface.

Tips

• Swarmers outdoors near stumps indicate termites are present in the area but not necessarily in your home
• Killing swarmers does nothing to solve the problem — the colony underground is the issue
• Inspect at least once a year, focusing on crawlspaces, basement walls, and window sills