Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Look for mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, or in crawlspaces without touching them.
- Tap wood that sounds hollow or looks blistered; listen for a dull thud.
- Check windowsills and cobwebs for discarded wings, especially in spring.
- Collect any insects or wings in a sealed container without using pesticides.
- Photograph damage or tubes from a safe, accessible location.
- Contact a licensed professional if you find any suspicious evidence.
Common Evidence of Termites
Termites often leave subtle clues before major damage is visible. Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between soil and wood. These tubes are about the width of a pencil and may be found on foundation walls, floor joists, or in crawlspaces.
Drywood termites push out tiny fecal pellets called frass, which can look like sawdust or coffee grounds. You might find small piles near baseboards or windowsills. Swarmers (winged termites) shed their wings after mating, leaving piles of translucent wings.
- Mud tubes on foundation walls or piers
- Hollow or blistered wood when tapped
- Frass (termite droppings) resembling sawdust
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Live swarmers indoors, especially in spring
Termite Lookalikes and Common Mistakes
Ants are the most common termite lookalike. Winged ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and two pairs of wings of different sizes. Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and four equal-sized wings.
Water damage can also mimic termite damage. Swollen wood, peeling paint, or a musty smell may indicate moisture issues rather than termites. Carpenter ant frass is coarser and contains insect parts, unlike the uniform pellets of drywood termites.
- Ants vs. termites: check antennae, waist, and wing size
- Water damage: look for leaks, stains, or mold
- Carpenter ant frass: coarse, with insect parts
- Powderpost beetle frass: fine, flour-like powder
- Old damage: no live insects or fresh tubes
When to Call a Professional
If you find any live termites, mud tubes, or unexplained wood damage, contact a licensed pest management professional. Do not disturb the evidence, as this can make inspection harder.
A professional will identify the species, assess the extent of infestation, and recommend a treatment plan. They can also distinguish active infestations from old damage, which is critical for avoiding unnecessary treatment.
- Live termites or fresh mud tubes
- Unexplained wood damage or frass
- Swarmers inside your home
- You are unsure of the identification
- Before buying or selling a home
What to Do While You Wait
While waiting for an inspection, avoid disturbing the area. Do not spray pesticides or remove mud tubes, as this can scatter termites and make treatment less effective.
Collect a sample if possible: place a few insects or wings in a sealed container. Take clear photos of damage, tubes, or frass from a safe distance. Note the location and date of your observations.
- Do not disturb mud tubes or damaged wood
- Collect insects or wings in a sealed container
- Photograph evidence from a safe distance
- Note the location and date of findings
- Keep pets and children away from the area
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Species identification: subterranean, drywood, or other
- Evidence type: mud tubes, frass, wings, or damage
- Location of evidence: foundation, attic, windows, etc.
- Active vs. old infestation: live insects or fresh signs
- Moisture sources: leaks, poor drainage, or humidity
- Wood-to-soil contact: siding, posts, or debris
- Inspection method: visual, probing, or technology
- Treatment recommendation: liquid, bait, or fumigation
- Warranty and follow-up: monitoring and retreatment terms
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Can I treat termites myself?
DIY termite treatment is not recommended. Termiticides are restricted-use pesticides that require professional training and equipment. Misapplication can be ineffective and may pose health risks. Always hire a licensed professional.
How can I tell if termite damage is old or new?
Old damage will have no live termites, and mud tubes will be dry and crumble easily. New damage often has live insects, moist tubes, or fresh frass. A professional can confirm activity.
What should I do if I find termite swarmers inside?
Do not panic. Swarmers indoors indicate a mature colony nearby. Collect a few in a sealed container, note the location, and call a licensed professional for an inspection.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- Termites: how to identify and control themU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Identification uncertainty, licensed treatment, and label-compliant control.
- Introduction to Integrated Pest ManagementU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Multi-step prevention, monitoring, and control principles.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.