Termite damage tends to progress quietly, which is part of what makes it costly if left unaddressed. Knowing the early warning signs can help you catch activity before it causes significant structural damage.
Mud tubes are one of the most recognizable signs of subterranean termites. These pencil-width tubes run along foundations, exterior walls or through crawlspaces, and termites use them to travel between the soil and a food source while staying protected from open air.
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or that crumbles unusually easily, can indicate termites have been feeding from the inside out. This is often discovered during routine maintenance, like replacing a fence post or trim board.
A termite swarm, when winged reproductive termites emerge to start new colonies, is another common sign. Discarded wings near windowsills or doors after a swarm, even without seeing live termites, is worth having inspected.
Because so much termite activity happens out of sight, a periodic professional inspection is generally the most reliable way to catch an infestation early, particularly for older El Paso homes.