Termites are tiny insects that typically feed on decaying organic matter, such as old wood in your home’s structure. While often difficult to notice at first, telltale signs of a termite infestation include clicking sounds, termite droppings, tiny holes in your drywall, and hollow-sounding wood across your home.
Catching a termite infestation early can make treatment more effective and significantly less expensive. Learning what to look for can help you spot potential issues and contact a reputable pest control provider before the damage worsens.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to recognize termite activity based on common behaviors and damage indicators and recommend the top pest control companies for professional termite removal.
Termite Damage Statistics
- More than 600 million homes are damaged by termites each year in the U.S., according to Orkin.
- Americans spend over $5 billion annually on termite control and damage repairs.
- Termites are most common in warmer climates in the South, Southeast, West, and Southwest, according to Terminix.
- Termite treatments typically cost anywhere from $700–$2,000.
Signs of Termite Damage
While termites generally feed on the cellulose found in wood, the exact signs of damage can vary. “Depending on the termite species you’re dealing with, signs of termites in your house may look different,” says Doug Webb, a termite technical services manager at Terminix.
For example, subterranean termites, the most destructive kind, live in the soil and tunnel to their food source—your home—while drywood termites make their nests in the wood itself. Both can cause incredible amounts of damage.
Pro Tip
- Chris, a termite expert featured on Ask This Old House, explains how to identify subterranean termite damage: “You can actually see the dirt coming up. These are subterranean termites. So they actually have to come from the ground up to the house, which is why they actually bring the dirt with them. They have to maintain a certain moisture content to survive.”
Beyond the visible damage, termites leave specific clues in the wood they attack. Subterranean termites eat only soft spring growth, giving damaged wood a layered appearance, and their galleries contain a gritty mixture of mud, saliva, and fecal matter. In contrast, drywood termites typically leave behind pinholes with piles of sand-grain-size pellets beneath them.
Is termite damage dangerous?
Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls
Subterranean termites create a network of highways out of soil and wood. These “mud tubes” are about the diameter of a pencil and connect the termites’ nest to their food source. Mud tubes also protect termites from predators and keep moisture in. You can often find mud tubes on the walls of a house’s foundation, leading up from the ground.
Sometimes, you’ll find mud tubes from previous infestations that are no longer active. If you want to see if termites are still crawling into your home, break off a small piece of the mud tube. If you find the tube repaired in a few days, that means the termites are still present and using the tunnels.
Termites create these mud tubes to maintain the dark, humid environment they need to survive. Without pigment and nearly translucent, worker termites have no defenses against dry air or predators when exposed to light.
How long does it take termites to infest a home?
Note that drywood termites do not make mud tubes, so an absence of mud tubes is not proof that you do not have termites.
Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites tunnel through the interior of pieces of wood, so you can’t always see the damage until the infestation is severe. However, you can compare different areas of wood in your home to see if there are any differences. Tap on a wooden surface in your home’s structure and listen for hollow sounds, or press the tip of a screwdriver against the surface to probe for damage.
Pro Tip
- TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends listening for sound changes when tapping wood to identify structure beneath: “I’m looking for a sound change or a more solid sound, let’s put it that way.” He notes that solid wood with structure underneath will produce a distinctly different sound than hollow or damaged areas.
Blisters in Flooring or Wall Coverings
Subterranean termites can cause issues that look a lot like water damage. If the termites are feasting on wood right beneath your flooring, your floors may blister or swell. Paint, drywall, wallpaper, and sheetrock can also show signs of bubbling, rippling, or sinking if there is termite damage behind them.
Frass (Termite Droppings)
If drywood termites are eating your home, you may find frass—their droppings, which are little pellets of wood. Mounds of frass look similar to sawdust. You can often find frass out in the open near a wooden structure. Drywood termites create galleries, or tunnels, when they nest. The termites will push the droppings out of the tunnels to keep the area clean.
Swarmers and Discarded Wings
In the springtime, both drywood and subterranean swarmers—reproductive termites—emerge from the nest to mate and create a new colony. You may see swarmers themselves flying, but it’s more likely you’ll see discarded clumps of wings near closed doors and windows. Termites shed their wings once they land because they no longer need them.
Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
When termites feed on the wooden structures around doors and windows, they weaken the internal structure. As the wood loses its strength, the frames begin to shift, which causes doors and windows to stick or jam. Unlike regular swelling from humidity, termite damage creates uneven warping that persists regardless of seasonal changes. You might also notice fine dust or mud tubes near the edges of your doors or windows, which confirms termite activity.
Homeowners often overlook this symptom because it resembles common wear and tear. However, if you struggle to open or close a door or window and nothing else explains the issue, you should investigate further.
Maze-like Patterns in Wood
Termite damage often manifests as distinctive, maze-like galleries on wood. Termites burrow through the material as they eat, leaving behind a network of winding tunnels. When inspecting your home, look for wood that sounds hollow when tapped or crumbles easily under slight pressure—both signs point to an infestation.
You might also spot small holes or punctures across the surface of your home’s drywall or support structures. These visual and tactile clues make it easier to spot termite activity from other forms of wood damage.
Headbanging
Subterranean termites signal danger to other termites by banging their heads against the walls or shaking their bodies. This creates a rustling or rattling sound that is very faint, but you may be able to hear it in quiet environments.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Inspection Techniques
While we recommend hiring a professional for termite inspections, you can easily check your home for these pests yourself if you have the right tools and know where to look. Routine checks around your home can help you spot and remove an active termite infestation before it causes major damage. Before starting your termite inspection, gather the following tools:
- Coveralls
- Face mask
- Flashlight
- Gloves
- Moisture meter
- Pocket knife
- Screwdriver
These items help you inspect dark or tight areas safely and detect subtle termite activity, such as hidden moisture or weakened wood.
Begin at the foundation of your home and work your way up. Examine baseboards, door and window frames, flooring, walls, ceilings, and roof framing for signs of termites. A few common signs are mud tubes, blistered paint, or frass. Focus on crawl spaces, basements, attics, and exterior decks—areas that attract moisture and create prime nesting spots.
If you find hollow-sounding or deteriorated wood, active mud tubes, or visible frass, contact a pest control expert right away. If the signs seem minor or inactive, continue monitoring every few months to ensure conditions don’t worsen.
How To Get Rid of Termites
The most effective method to get rid of termites depends on the type and extent of the termite infestation. Address subterranean termites with solutions applied to your property’s soil or your home’s foundation, or target drywood termites directly within the damaged wood. Specific extermination methods include the following:
- Termiticide barriers that protect your home’s exterior
- Foaming agents, sprays, and boric acid for cracks and crevices
- Termite baits placed near your home’s foundation
- Beneficial nematodes mixed with potting soil and cold water spread across your lawn
DIY methods for ridding your home of termites can cost around $100 for termite sprays, which vary in effectiveness. However, calling in the professionals remains the quickest way to get rid of termites—and helps ensure your home remains pest-free. We recommend Terminix or Orkin, as both companies have more than 90 years of experience.
Professional Pest Control
Even if you’ve only noticed a few warning signs, it’s essential to contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible. Termites can cause serious structural damage in a short period, often without being visible until the infestation is well advanced. A licensed pest control technician will thoroughly inspect your home’s interior, exterior, crawl spaces, and foundation to confirm the presence and extent of the infestation.
Pest control experts can accurately identify the type of termites involved and determine the extent of the infestation. This allows them to create a customized treatment plan to eliminate and prevent the colony from returning.
Top-rated companies like Orkin, Terminix, and Aptive offer specialized termite treatment plans that combine techniques such as bait stations, liquid termiticides, and wood treatments. These services eliminate active colonies and include ongoing monitoring and preventative measures to protect your home in the long term.
While DIY treatments may seem appealing due to the lower cost, professional termite control ensures thorough detection, proper treatment, and protection from future infestations, which can give peace of mind.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Termite Damage?
Termites infest over 600 million U.S. homes annually, costing homeowners more than $5 billion in termite control and repairs, according to Orkin. The final bill for termite damage repairs depends on the infestation severity, home size, and geographic location. Warmer climates in the South, Southeast, West, and Southwest regions provide ideal conditions for termites.
As one of the most destructive pests that affect homeowners, termites are often the hardest to get rid of because they’re most likely to go undetected until the damage becomes significant. Expect to pay around $100 for a termite inspection, unless the appointment is complimentary or included in the provider’s quote. You can generally break pest control costs for termites down into the following categories:
- DIY sprays: $15–$75
- Physical traps: $100–$600
- Professional spraying: $100–$3,000
- Heat treatment: $300–$4,000
- Tented fumigation: $1,500–$8,000
Service costs for a one-time termite treatment average $170 for a 1,500-square-foot home. A typical termite treatment costs between $700 and $2,000 on average. Since homeowners insurance providers consider termite damage preventable with routine home maintenance, it’s not covered under most policies, according to Progressive.
How To Prevent Termite Damage
Termites can cause costly property damage, but preventing an infestation is much easier than dealing with one. Below are key preventative measures to help protect your home from expensive structural damage.
Choose Treated Wood
Using pressure-treated or termite-resistant wood creates a strong first line of defense against a termite infestation. This type of wood resists termite feeding because manufacturers infuse it with chemicals that deter these pests. We recommend using treated lumber for outdoor features like decks, fences, and support beams to minimize your home’s vulnerability from the ground up.
Control Moisture
Reducing moisture in and around your home is essential for termite prevention. Fix any leaky faucets, cracked irrigation lines, or standing water issues as soon as possible. In crawl spaces and basements, install dehumidifiers and ensure proper drainage to keep the area dry. Well-functioning gutters and downspouts should direct water at least several feet away from your home’s foundation to avoid creating moisture zones that attract termites.
“Keep the soil next to the home’s foundation as dry as possible to make it less hospitable for the termites,” says Webb.
Improve Ventilation
Good airflow helps maintain dry conditions in spaces where termites like to occupy. Crawl spaces and attics should have adequate ventilation to prevent excess moisture. Ensure vents remain unobstructed and consider adding fans if airflow feels stagnant. Drier conditions help discourage termites from settling in these hidden areas.
Limit Mulch Use
Mulch traps moisture and provides cover for termites, especially if you place it too close to your home’s foundation. Keep mulch at least 12 inches away from exterior walls or use alternatives, such as gravel or rubber. If you choose to use mulch, apply it in thin layers and maintain clear visibility between the soil and the home’s siding.
Schedule Professional Inspections
Annual home and property inspections by licensed pest control experts can uncover early termite activity that you may miss. Professionals use specialized tools and training to detect damage inside walls or beneath surfaces. Scheduling regular checks allows you to act quickly and avoid major repairs from unnoticed infestations.
“If you have termite protection, it is important to maintain your coverage and renew annually,” says Hodges.
Seal Entry Points
Cracks and gaps in your foundation, siding, or around utility lines offer termites easy access into your home. Inspect your home’s exterior regularly and seal any openings with caulk or foam. Pay special attention to where pipes and wires enter the building, as termites often follow these hidden pathways indoors.
Store Wood Properly
“Wood or wooden structures close to the home can serve as a bridge between the ground and the home, providing an easier entry point for termites,” says Webb. Always stack firewood, lumber, and scrap wood at least 30 feet away from your house and elevate them off the ground using bricks or racks.
“Keeping wooden house structures dry and off the ground, eliminating stagnant water, and storing firewood away from your home reduces the likelihood of an infestation by up to 80%–90%,” says Nicole Carpenter, the president of Black Pest Prevention of North Carolina.
Use Soil Treatments
Chemical soil treatments and termite bait systems help create a protective barrier around your home. Liquid termiticides form a treated zone in the soil that kills or repels termites before they reach the foundation. Bait stations monitor termite activity and transfer toxins to eliminate colonies. Both options work best when installed by professionals who follow safety and effectiveness guidelines.
Our Conclusion
Termite damage can cause severe structural issues and significantly reduce your home’s value. Because infestations are often hidden and difficult to treat, we don’t recommend DIY solutions. Professional pest control companies can accurately identify the problem and apply targeted treatments. We suggest contacting multiple companies to get at least three quotes for termite treatment pricing before making your final decision.
FAQs About Termite Damage
What does the start of termite damage look like?
Termite damage is typically difficult to detect early since it occurs inside the wood of a house. Signs of infestation include buckling or swelling wood and a hollow sound when tapped.
How quickly can termites damage a house?
Termites can cause significant damage in months, depending on the colony size and termite species. Formosan subterranean termites, known for their large colonies, can cause structural damage in as little as six months to a year.
Can you live in a house with termite damage?
While you technically can live in a house with minimal termite damage, we recommend addressing the issue as soon as possible to avoid additional damage to your property. We don’t recommend living in a home with major termite damage to critical components of its structure, such as load-bearing walls and support beams, since it can become unsafe.
Does most homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover termite damage, as it’s largely considered preventable. Insurers view insect damage, including termites, as a result of lack of home maintenance or neglect, meaning any repair costs would fall under the homeowner’s responsibility. Regular inspections and preventative measures are key to avoiding infestations and damage.
When is termite season?
Spring and summer are prime swarming seasons for most termite species, according to Orkin. Subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring, while drywood and dampwood termites wait until summer. During these hotter, often wetter months, conditions are favorable for venturing out, mating, and establishing new termite colonies.
