Quick answer: The most common signs of termites are pencil-width mud tubes on foundation walls, swarms of winged insects or piles of discarded wings near windows and doors, wood that sounds hollow or crumbles, small piles of pellet-like droppings (frass), and bubbling paint or tight-fitting doors. If you spot any of these, don’t disturb the area. Call a licensed pest control company for an inspection, which is often free or up to $250.
Termites are one of the most expensive pests a homeowner can have, and homeowners insurance usually won’t pay for the damage. The problem is that termites live inside wood and soil, so by the time damage is obvious, they may have been feeding for years.
This guide shows the signs of termites to watch for, how to confirm what you’re seeing and what treatment costs in 2026.
The main types of termites
- Subterranean termites live in the soil and build mud tubes to reach wood. They’re the most common and most destructive type in the U.S.
- Drywood termites live inside dry wood, don’t need soil contact and leave behind small pellets. They’re most common in warm coastal areas.
- Dampwood termites prefer wet, decaying wood and are often a sign of a moisture problem.
- Formosan termites are an aggressive subterranean species with huge colonies, found mostly in the Gulf Coast, Southeast and Hawaii.
9 signs of termites
1. Mud tubes
Subterranean termites build pencil-width tunnels of soil and wood to travel from the ground to your house without drying out. Look on foundation walls, piers, crawl space supports, sill plates and behind bushes along the house. Break a small piece open: live termites inside mean an active infestation.
2. Swarmers
Winged reproductive termites swarm out of mature colonies, usually on warm days in spring, often after rain. A swarm indoors almost always means a colony in or under the house.
3. Discarded wings
After swarming, termites shed their wings. Small piles of identical wings on windowsills, near doors or in spider webs are a strong clue.
4. Hollow or damaged wood
Tap on baseboards, trim, floor joists and deck posts. Wood that sounds hollow, feels papery or lets a screwdriver sink in easily may be eaten from the inside.
5. Frass (droppings)
Drywood termites push out tiny, six-sided pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds. Small piles below wood trim, furniture or window frames are a classic sign.
6. Bubbling or peeling paint
Termites tunneling just under a painted surface can trap moisture, making paint bubble or look water damaged.
7. Tight doors and windows
Moisture from termite activity can warp frames, so doors and windows that suddenly stick can be a sign, especially along with other clues.
8. Sagging floors or ceilings
Advanced damage in joists, subfloors or ceiling framing can make floors feel spongy or ceilings sag. This needs a pest pro and possibly a contractor.
9. Tiny holes or maze-like tunnels
Pin-sized holes in drywall or wood, or maze patterns in exposed wood, can be termite exit holes or galleries.
Termites vs. flying ants
Flying ants swarm too, and people mix them up constantly. Here’s how to tell them apart:
| Feature | Termite swarmer | Flying ant |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Thick, straight | Narrow, pinched |
| Antennae | Straight | Bent (elbowed) |
| Wings | Two pairs, equal length | Two pairs, front longer |
| Wings shed easily | Yes | Less often |
If you can, catch a few in a sealed bag or photograph them for your inspector.
What to do if you find termite activity
- Don’t disturb the area or spray store-bought insecticide. It can scatter termites and make treatment harder.
- Take photos and collect a few insects or wings if you can.
- Get an inspection from a licensed company. The EPA’s termite guidance recommends hiring a pest control company licensed by your state, getting more than one inspection and quote, and understanding the treatment plan and any warranty before you sign.
- Don’t panic-sign. Termites work slowly. You usually have time to compare two or three companies.
What termite treatment costs in 2026
National figures from HomeGuide’s 2026 data:
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $0 to $250 |
| Liquid or spot treatment | $225 to $2,500 |
| Bait station system (install) | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Bait system monitoring | $200 to $400 per year |
| Tenting (fumigation) | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Termite bond or warranty | $500 to $2,000 |
Subterranean termites are usually treated with liquid barriers or baits around the foundation. Widespread drywood infestations may need whole-house fumigation.
Termite risk where you live
- The Southeast, Gulf Coast and Southern California have the heaviest termite pressure in the country, including drywood and Formosan termites. Annual inspections are a smart habit.
- Warm, humid states like Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas and the Carolinas see swarms as early as late winter.
- The Midwest and Northeast mostly deal with subterranean termites, with swarms in spring.
- Northern mountain states and very dry, cold areas have lower risk, but termites are found in nearly every state.
- Home sales: In many states, lenders or buyers ask for a wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection before closing.
How to prevent termites
- Keep soil, mulch and firewood from touching the house. Leave a gap of several inches between mulch and siding.
- Fix leaks and make sure gutters and downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
- Keep crawl spaces dry and well ventilated.
- Don’t store lumber or cardboard against the house or in a crawl space.
- Get a professional inspection every year if you live in a high-risk area.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of termites?
Early warning signs include mud tubes on the foundation, swarms of winged insects or piles of discarded wings, and small piles of pellet-like droppings. Hollow-sounding wood often comes later.
What do termite droppings look like?
Drywood termite droppings, called frass, are tiny oval or six-sided pellets that look like sawdust, sand or coffee grounds. They’re often found in small piles below wood.
Do termites go away on their own?
No. A termite colony can keep feeding for years. Professional treatment is the only reliable way to eliminate an infestation.
How much does termite treatment cost?
HomeGuide puts most termite treatments at $225 to $2,500 in 2026. Bait systems cost $1,000 to $2,500 to install, and whole-house tenting runs $2,000 to $8,000.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Usually not. Most policies treat termite damage as preventable maintenance. That’s why inspections, prevention and a termite bond or warranty are worth considering.
How do I tell termites from flying ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back ones.
When do termites swarm?
Most subterranean termites swarm on warm days in spring, often after rain. Some drywood and Formosan termites swarm in late spring and summer, often at dusk and around lights.
How long does it take termites to damage a house?
Serious structural damage usually takes years, which is why early detection matters. Large colonies, especially Formosan termites, can cause damage faster.
Can I treat termites myself?
DIY products may kill termites you can see, but they rarely reach the colony. Professional treatments reach the soil and colony and usually come with a warranty.
How often should I get a termite inspection?
Once a year is the standard recommendation, especially in the South and West. Also get one before buying a home.
Get a termite inspection from a local pro
If you’ve spotted any signs of termites, the next step is a professional inspection. Find pest control pros near you on We Got Your Guys, check their reviews and licenses, and call them direct.