Spotting Termites Before They Destroy a Home

NEW YORK — Have you ever spotted little piles of what looks like sawdust along your baseboards? At first, it is easy to brush it off and think it is nothing serious. However, a few weeks later, a wooden window frame feels soft to the touch, and by then, drywood termites may have already caused significant damage.

Many homeowners do not realize that termites can quietly cause structural damage. According to NerdWallet, repairs for termite damage can run around $3,000. Catching an infestation early is the best way to avoid that cost and protect your home's value.

By spotting the most common early signs and taking simple prevention steps, you can stop major damage before it starts. Keep reading to find out how and stay ahead of these sneaky pests.

What makes drywood termites different

Drywood termites are tiny, pale insects with soft bodies. Some have slightly darker heads with strong jaws, while the reproductive ones are darker brown and have long, delicate wings.

Unlike the more familiar subterranean termites that live in the soil, drywood termites build their colonies entirely inside dry wood. Because they don't need contact with the ground, any wooden item in a home can become a target.

A drywood termite colony can include thousands of insects. They will slip into a house through tiny cracks around windows, vents, or the roof. Once inside, they work slowly through beams, trim, and even furniture, leaving everything looking normal until it's too late.

The first signs can be easy to miss. Maybe a door sticks a little more than usual, or a floorboard feels softer under your foot. Sometimes, baseboards slowly start pulling away from the wall: all minor issues that might hint that something isn't right.

Even though spotting drywood termites is tricky, a few warning signs can hint at their presence. Here they are:

Small piles of pellets (frass)

The waste that termites expel from the tunnels they dig inside wood is called frass. These tiny pellets, which can look a lot like ground pepper or coffee grounds, often collect in small piles near wooden surfaces. A colony is most likely actively feeding inside your house if you find them regularly.

Hollow-sounding wood

Tapping on wooden trim, doors, or floors can help you find hidden damage. If the wood feels thin, termites could already be inside, eating away. At this point, it's worth booking a home termite inspection; you don't want to wait and see.

Clicks and rustling sounds

In quiet moments, you might hear faint tapping or rustling from walls or furniture. These are soldier termites signaling the colony, and while most people brush it off as the house settling, paying attention now can save a lot of trouble later.

Discarded wings

The reproductive termites lose their wings as they settle into a new colony. During swarming season, check windowsills, baseboards, and corners for small, evenly sized wings; they can point to a nearby infestation.

Bubbling or blistered paint

Paint may bubble or blister as a result of tiny pockets of moisture created by termites tunneling close to painted surfaces. Sometimes, termite damage can look a lot like water damage, but taking a closer look usually makes it clear what's really going on.

Kick-out holes

Pin-sized holes in wood indicate where termites push out frass. They are subtle but important termite infestation signs.

Swarming

In warmer months, usually late summer or early fall, a few tiny, winged insects might appear near windows or doors. These are drywood termites, and even spotting just a couple can mean a colony is quietly living somewhere in your home.

How to confirm a drywood termite problem

If you suspect termites, call a licensed professional for a home termite inspection. To find hiding termites, they will use moisture meters that can spot areas where damp wood might attract them.

Probing tools can reveal hollow spots that could indicate damage. During visual inspections, tiny signs like frass, wings, and entry holes are also carefully checked. Thermal imaging and borescopes further help to uncover hidden infestations behind walls and floors.

Termite prevention tips for homeowners

Taking preventative measures against termite infestations is far better than trying to treat existing wood damage. Below are doable tips to help you get started.

Keep wood in good condition

Go around and seal any cracks, give exposed surfaces a coat of paint, and replace damaged or rotten boards. Termites aren't picky, but they'll hit the easy targets first; any weak wood is fair game.

Stop wood-to-wood contact

Try not to lean firewood or lumber against walls. Make it harder for termites to get in by keeping it off the ground and a few inches away from the house.

Check furniture and decor

Drywood termites can sneak in through furniture, especially older or secondhand pieces. It's worth checking anything new before it comes inside, so you're not bringing unwanted guests with it.

Ensure good ventilation

Dry crawl spaces and attics are less appealing to termites. Reduced humidity slows colony growth and decreases their survival.

Set up inspections

If you're not doing yearly check-ins for termites, you're just asking for trouble. Don't skip the basics, just get the inspection done and keep your home safe and sound.

Protect your home from drywood termites

Drywood termites may be small, but they can be potentially disastrous. Learning to identify warning signs, arranging for professional inspections, and taking termite prevention steps can protect your home. Staying on top of maintenance will make your home less attractive to these pests.

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