Friday FAQ: Signs of Termite Infestation Every Homeowner Should Know
As we close out Termite Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to answer one of the most common questions we get at Paragon Pest Control: “How do I know if I have termites?”
Termites are silent destroyers, working behind the scenes to weaken your home’s structure before you even realize they’re there. By the time visible damage appears, repair costs can skyrocket. That’s why early detection is critical!
Below, we break down the top signs of a termite infestation so you can take action before it’s too late.
1. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites—the most common species in Dallas-Fort Worth—build mud tubes to travel between their underground colonies and the wood they feed on. These pencil-sized tunnels are often found:
✔ Along foundations
✔ On walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces
✔ Near windows, doors, or baseboards
If you see these tubes around your home, it’s a red flag that termites are actively feeding on your property.
2. Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors
Every spring, termite swarmers (winged reproductive termites) emerge to form new colonies. After they land and settle, they shed their wings, leaving behind small piles of translucent wings near:
✔ Window sills
✔ Doors
✔ Light fixtures
If you spot these, termites could be settling into your home—or already living inside!
3. Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, making structural damage hard to spot until it’s severe. You might notice:
✔ Hollow-sounding walls when tapped
✔ Wood that crumbles easily
✔ Buckling or sagging floors
If your wooden surfaces don’t seem as solid as they used to be, termites may already be weakening your home’s structure.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings) Near Wooden Surfaces
Drywood termites don’t use mud tubes. Instead, they push their droppings (frass) out of small holes near where they’re feeding. These droppings look like:
✔ Tiny, wood-colored pellets
✔ Small piles of grains near furniture, flooring, or walls
Seeing frass is a clear sign of active termite activity inside your home.
5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Termite damage often traps moisture inside walls, leading to:
✔ Peeling or bubbling paint
✔ Unexplained water damage stains
✔ Warped drywall
If you don’t have a plumbing leak but notice these issues, termites might be tunneling beneath the surface.
How to Protect Your Home from Termites
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act fast! At Paragon Pest Control, we provide:
✔ Free termite inspections to assess potential damage
✔ Trench and treat termite control for long-term protection
✔ Expert solutions tailored to Dallas-Fort Worth homes
Special Offer: Use code TERMITESPR50 for $50 off trench and treat services, now through May!
Termites won’t wait—schedule your free inspection today and protect your home before the damage adds up.