4 Early Signs of Termite Activity Homeowners Often Miss

Some pests show up in your home with a flourish, while some are much more subtle. Termites fall into the latter category. You’re unlikely to know when termites move in because infestations begin quietly and out of sight, behind walls, under floors, and within foundations. If you want to catch a termite infestation early, you have to know the early signs of termite activity that are often overlooked by Tennessee homeowners. All-American Pest Control is here to share the early detection skills you need to help you prevent structural damage and expensive repairs caused by termites.

1. Mud Tubes Along Foundations or Crawl Spaces

One of the most common and easily identifiable signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These tubes usually show up along foundation walls, but you may also see them in crawl spaces, on piers, or along interior basement walls.

Mud tubes are pencil-width dirt tunnels built by subterranean termites to keep them moist as they travel from place to place. Because they can’t come out in the open air without drying out, termites build these mud tubes to protect themselves when they aren’t underground or inside a wooden structure.

Homeowners often overlook mud tubes, thinking they’re just dirt streaks or old debris. That’s why it’s important to take a closer look at anything that resembles a dirty smudge around your foundation.

2. Flying Termite Swarmers or Discarded Wings

Termite swarmers are the reproductive members of a termite colony. They come out in a large group (a swarm), usually in the spring, in order to find a mate and start new colonies.

Termite swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants, so it’s possible to see these pests and not realize that they're actually termites. They are around a quarter to half an inch in length, with dark bodies, straight antennae, two sets of equal-length wings, and wide abdomens. 

Termite swarms often occur near windows or other light sources. Once the termites mate, they shed their wings and return underground. If you find piles of shed wings, it’s a sign that a well-established colony is somewhere nearby and that new colonies are in the process of being formed.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out. That makes it more difficult to notice an infestation. Not only do you not see the termites themselves, but you also don’t see the damage they’re causing. For instance, a wood beam might look completely fine from the outside, but the inside might be littered with termite tunnels.

Over time, termite damage causes wood to become weak. You can often identify termite-damaged wood by knocking on it. If it sounds hollow or papery, or if it collapses under mild pressure, it’s a sign of termite damage.

Most homes don’t have huge areas of exposed wood, but you can check baseboards, doorframes, trim, hardwood floors, and even wooden furniture.

4. Stuck Doors or Windows

Along with knocking on wood, you can often discover termite damage due to doors and windows not working properly. Homeowners often mistake termite damage for humidity, which is why you should do frequent checks throughout the year so you know when something isn’t right. If your doors are sticking in the middle of winter when humidity is low, you’ll know something else is going on.

The reason termite activity causes doors and windows to stick when they open and close is that termites introduce moisture into the wood. Over time, the wood swells and warps, causing the door or window to become difficult to move.

How Can You Safely Check for These Signs?

The good news about all of these early signs of termite activity is that they’re fairly easy and relatively safe to look for on your own. Most just involve a visual inspection. 

• Routinely look at your foundation or crawl space to identify mud tubes.

• Look around your house, especially in the spring and especially near light sources, to check for discarded wings.

• Open and close the doors and windows in your house frequently so you notice if anything changes.

• Lightly tap on exposed wood to listen for a hollow sound.

There is no need to do more invasive inspections unless you have evidence of a termite infestation. Even then, All-American advises against tearing into walls or using chemicals to check or treat termites. Instead, let our experts conduct a thorough and safe inspection to determine the extent of the issue. 

When Should You Call a Professional?

There are several reasons you’ll want to give All-American a call when checking for termites.

• If you’ve noticed more than one of the signs above, get in touch with us right away.

• If you see visible mud tubes on your foundation or crawl space, termites have likely gotten into your house, and you should let us know.

• If you’ve found termite swarmers or their discarded wings inside your house, a termite colony is already in your house and needs to be treated.

• If you haven’t had a professional termite inspection in over a year, it’s time to give us a call.

• If you just want some peace of mind, we’re here to help!

Sometimes homeowners balk at calling in the professionals, especially if they’re not sure that termites are even in their homes, but the truth is that professional termite inspections are a great way to be proactive against termites before they arrive. It’s much easier and far less costly to protect your home against termites than to have to deal with the damage they cause after they move in. All-American Pest Control offers termite inspections and protection to keep your Tennessee home termite-free.

Stop Termites With All-American Pest Control Today

Termite swarmer season is right around the corner. Schedule your termite inspection now to get ahead of these destructive pests. If they have an opportunity to establish themselves in your house this spring and summer, they’ll continue to do their damaging work all year long. By identifying signs of termites and stopping them now, you can protect both the structural integrity and the long-term value of your home. Schedule your termite inspection with All-American today. 

Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Gladeville, Laguardo, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Norene, Rural Hill, Statesville, Tuckers Crossroads, Watertown, Green Hill, Greenvale, Belinda City, Harbor View, Indian Lake Farms, Hurricane, Langford Farms, Beckwidth, Old Hickory, Mount Juliet City Center, Lakewood, Cedar Creek, and the entire Greater Nashville area.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.