8 Signs Your House May Have Termites and How to Control It

Termites are small insects, but they can cause big problems. Many homeowners do not know they have termites until serious damage is done. These pests quietly eat wood and can weaken your home’s structure over time. Knowing the signs of termites in the house early can save you money and stress.

In this guide, we will explain 8 common signs of termites, why they are dangerous, and how to get rid of termites using smart termite control methods.

Why Termites Are a Serious Problem

Termites feed on wood, drywall, and even paper. They work silently and often stay hidden inside walls, floors, and foundations. If left untreated, termites can cause costly repairs and lower your home’s value.

That’s why early detection and proper termite control are so important.

1. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundation

One of the most common signs of termites in houses is mud tubes. These are small, pencil-sized tunnels made of dirt and saliva.

Why termites build mud tubes:

• They use them to travel safely
  
• Tubes protect them from air and light
  
• They usually appear near foundations or crawl spaces
  
  

If you see mud tubes, termites are likely active.

2. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Wood damaged by termites often sounds hollow when tapped. The surface may look fine, but the inside is eaten away.

Where to check:

• Wooden beams
  
• Floors
  
• Door frames
  
• Baseboards
  
  

This is a strong sign that termites have been feeding for some time.

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors

Swarming termites, also called alates, shed their wings after finding a new place to live.

Look for:

• Small piles of wings
  
• Near windowsills
  
• Around doors or light fixtures
  
  

Seeing wings means a termite colony may be nearby or already inside your home.

4. Tight or Stuck Doors and Windows

If doors or windows suddenly become hard to open, termites could be the reason.

Why this happens:

• Termites produce moisture
  
• Wood swells due to damage
  
• Frames become warped
  
  

This issue is often mistaken for humidity but can be a hidden termite problem.

5. Cracked or Bubbling Paint

Paint that bubbles, peels, or cracks may look like water damage, but it can also be caused by termites.

What’s happening:

• Termites tunnel behind walls
  
• Moisture builds up
  
• Paint loses its bond
  
  

If you see these signs along with other symptoms, termites may be present.

6. Clicking or Tapping Sounds in Walls

Believe it or not, termites make noise.

Sounds you may hear:

• Soft clicking
  
• Light tapping inside walls
  
  

These sounds come from soldier termites banging their heads as a warning signal.

7. Droppings That Look Like Sawdust

Drywood termites leave behind droppings called frass.

What frass looks like:

• Small pellets
  
• Similar to sawdust or coffee grounds
  
• Found near wood structures
  
  

Finding frass is a clear sign of an active termite infestation.

8. Weak Floors or Sagging Areas

As termites eat wood, floors and ceilings can become weak.

Warning signs include:

• Sagging floors
  
• Loose tiles
  
• Soft spots when walking
  

These signs mean the damage may already be serious.

How to Get Rid of Termites

Once you notice the signs of termites in the house, quick action is key. Here are the best termite control options.

1. Professional Termite Inspection

A professional inspection is the safest way to confirm termites. Experts know where to look and how bad the damage is.

Inspections help:

• Identify termite type
  
• Find hidden colonies
  
• Recommend the right treatment
  

2. Liquid Termite Treatments

Liquid treatments create a protective barrier around your home.

Benefits:

• Kills termites on contact
  
• Prevents future infestations
  
• Long-lasting protection
  
  

This method is commonly used for subterranean termites.

3. Termite Bait Systems

Bait stations attract termites and slowly destroy the colony.

How they work:

• Termites carry poison back to nest
  
• Colony collapses over time
  
• Low impact on environment
  
  

Baits are effective but may take longer to show results.

4. Wood Treatments and Sealants

Treated wood and sealants help protect vulnerable areas.

Best for:

• New construction
  
• Repairs after infestation
  
• Preventive termite control
  

5. Reduce Moisture Around Your Home

Termites love moisture.

Simple steps:

• Fix leaky pipes
  
• Improve drainage
  
• Keep gutters clean
  
  

Less moisture means fewer termites.

6. Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact

Avoid direct contact between soil and wood.

Examples:

• Firewood stacked away from house
  
• Wooden posts raised off ground
  
• Proper foundation spacing
  
  

This reduces easy access for termites.

Can DIY Methods Kill Termites?

DIY solutions may help with prevention, but they rarely eliminate an entire colony.

DIY limits:

• Only surface-level results
  
• Colonies remain hidden
  
• Damage continues unnoticed
  
  

Professional termite control is always recommended for long-term safety.

Why Regular Inspections Matter

Annual inspections help catch termite activity early.

Benefits include:

• Lower repair costs
  
• Peace of mind
  
• Protecting home value
  
  

Early detection is the best defense against termites.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the signs of termites in the house and acting early can save you from costly repairs. With proper termite control and expert inspections, you can protect your home and family.

Call Guardian Angel Inspections today to schedule a professional termite inspection and protect your home before damage gets worse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).