Home
Fact-checked

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Know if I Have Termites?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Termites are an insect species known for feeding on wood and plant matter. Unfortunately, a termite infestation can cause extreme damage to buildings if not treated quickly. Termites do leave a variety of signs of their presence, and with diligent inspections you may be able to tell if you have an infestation and catch it before too much damage is done.

To check for a termite problem, you will need a flashlight or good light source, and be prepared to get into enclosed spaces under your home or between the ceiling and attic. There are also many companies that will do a professional inspection for you, but you may want to check yourself first. If you find signs of termites and the inspector misses them, you may want to contact a different agency.

Termites can cause extreme damage to buildings if left untreated.
Termites can cause extreme damage to buildings if left untreated.

One of the best signs of a termite problem is the presence of mud tubes. Check the exterior and basement of your home with a flashlight. A mud tube connects nests to feeding sites, will be constructed of dirt and about the width of a pencil. If you find these tunnels, it is likely you have an infestation.

Wood damage can be an identifying sign of a termite infestation. If you find or break open a piece of wood and find it honeycombed or carved out, the damage was likely caused by termites. Even if you only find signs of termite wood damage in nearby trees or wood piles, they may have infested any dwellings close by, including your home.

Termites tend to swarm, especially after a rainstorm.
Termites tend to swarm, especially after a rainstorm.

Termites can fly and tend to swarm, particularly prior to rainstorms. If you see a termite swarm, experts recommend contacting a professional extermination service immediately. After swarms, piles of wings and feces may be left on the ground. Any evidence of live termites should be treated as a potential infestation and dealt with at once.

Holes or buckles in painted walls or tiny holes in wood can be an indication of the insects. While termites usually eat wood from the inside out, burrowing holes can be made. If you are seeing these signs, you will likely find additional evidence of an infestation.

A good sign of a termite infestation is the presence of a mud tube.
A good sign of a termite infestation is the presence of a mud tube.

The danger of termite damage can be severe if the infestation is not eliminated. If your home is built with a large amount of wood, structural features can become weakened by termites, particularly in weight-bearing joints. Damage to the structure of a home can seriously raise the risks of collapses and can increase the likelihood of associated structural problems.

Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.
Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.

To catch early signs of termite problems, do a once-a-month check of house exteriors, door frames, nearby trees and basement or crawl-space areas. Some experts recommend keeping mulch and wood piles far away from the exterior of your house. While monthly checks may seem tedious and strenuous, it may save you thousands of dollars in extermination and home repair fees.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a HomeQuestionsAnswered writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a HomeQuestionsAnswered writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon338017

I bought a new door few months ago. It has a copper type material outside, but inside the door, I do not know. I saw some hard looking sand type patches on the door. Is it a kind of termite?

anon319409

Four years ago, my parents bought new wooden cabinets and granite table counter with a wooden base for the kitchen. About six months ago, we found small pieces of oval-shaped, light yellow sawdust falling from the cabinets and the corners of the table counter, all piling up within hours each day.

We have never seen a termite before and it's difficult to spot any holes in the cabinets, but we can feel a rough surface on where we suspect the dust to be falling from. Could this be termites?

anon110660

We have found saw dust accumulation in our daughter's closet which we have to clean out a couple of times each summer, there also appears to be small black specks in it, like small mouse poop. Any ideas?

anon110325

We've noticed black specks in the corner on the floor of our garage left front corner where it opens. There's a pile. not sure what it is.

anon76310

I've had a small scattered dust pile on the floor in my sun room for the past three years. It almost looks like small piles of fly poop. Could this possibly be termites and why hasn't the problem spread?

anon74974

It's drywood termites. Get your house fumigated.

anon42114

I found what looked like little piles of sand on my son's bed. i wiped it off and the next morning it was there again. i looked up and noticed a very small hole in the ceiling where the sand was slowly falling from. What is it?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Termites can cause extreme damage to buildings if left untreated.
      By: gueritos
      Termites can cause extreme damage to buildings if left untreated.
    • Termites tend to swarm, especially after a rainstorm.
      By: Michael Pettigrew
      Termites tend to swarm, especially after a rainstorm.
    • A good sign of a termite infestation is the presence of a mud tube.
      By: Greg Pickens
      A good sign of a termite infestation is the presence of a mud tube.
    • Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.
      By: lirtlon
      Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.
    • A termite inspection may be performed before potential buyers decide to purchase a home.
      By: EyeMark
      A termite inspection may be performed before potential buyers decide to purchase a home.