Termites feed on wood and other cellulose materials, and they’re patient — a colony can work behind your walls for a long time before any damage becomes visible. Knowing what to look for, and where to look, gives you the best chance of catching a problem early. Florida is home to several termite species with slightly different habits — our Florida termite species guide breaks down what’s most common in Southwest Florida homes.
Common Signs of Termite Activity
Mud tubes. Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes as protected pathways between the soil and their food source. Look for these along foundation walls, support piers, and crawl space framing.
Hollow-sounding wood. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell behind. Tap on baseboards, door frames, and exposed beams — a hollow or papery sound, or soft spots that give way to light pressure, are red flags.
Discarded wings. When a colony matures, it sends out swarmers to start new colonies nearby. After swarming, they shed their wings, often leaving small piles near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures — usually in spring.
Frass. Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings that can resemble sawdust, often found near baseboards or in attics below infested wood.
Cracked paint or bubbling wallpaper. Moisture introduced by termite activity beneath the surface can cause paint to crack or wallpaper to bubble, even when the wood underneath looks fine at a glance.
Swollen or sagging floors and ceilings. In more advanced cases, moisture and structural damage from termite activity can cause floors to feel soft or springy, or ceilings to sag.
How to Inspect Your Home
- Start in basements and crawl spaces — these dark, often humid areas are exactly where termites prefer to work.
- Check exposed wood for hollow sounds, frass, or soft spots, including framing, baseboards, and structural beams.
- Walk the exterior looking for mud tubes along the foundation, piers, and any wood-to-soil contact points.
- Check around windows and doors for discarded wings or sticking frames.
- Look in the attic for damaged wood or droppings, especially near roof penetrations.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
If you spot any of these signs, don’t wait to see if it gets worse — termite damage only progresses over time, and DIY treatments rarely address the full extent of an active colony. A professional inspection can confirm whether termites are present, identify the species involved, and recommend the right treatment.
In the meantime, reducing moisture around the foundation and sealing visible cracks can help limit further access points. Read more about our termite treatment approach or contact us to schedule an inspection.