Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage annually in the United States — and in the Bay Area, where mild, moist conditions are ideal for termite activity, the risk is particularly significant. The challenge is that most homeowners don’t discover termite activity until damage is well advanced. Learning the early warning signs can save you thousands in repair costs.
Warning Signs of Subterranean Termites
Mud tubes are the most reliable indicator of subterranean termite activity. These pencil-width earthen tubes are built by termites to maintain moisture as they travel between soil and wood. Find them along foundation walls, concrete piers, plumbing, and structural beams in crawlspaces.
Swarming termites (alates) are winged reproductive termites that emerge from established colonies in spring and early summer. If you see a swarm indoors or find piles of discarded wings near windows or doors, an established colony is nearby.
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped is a sign of internal damage. Termites consume wood from the inside, leaving a thin shell that sounds hollow.
Warning Signs of Drywood Termites
Frass — hexagonal, sand-like fecal pellets — is the most distinctive sign of drywood termite activity. Small piles of frass below infested wood indicate active feeding above.
Tiny kick-out holes in wood surfaces where frass is pushed out are also diagnostic.
What to Do If You Find Signs
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. The longer a termite infestation goes untreated, the more damage accumulates. Contact a licensed termite control professional for an inspection. ATCO provides thorough termite inspections throughout the Bay Area — contact us to schedule yours.