Termite damage often hides beneath the surface, silently eating away at your home’s structural integrity. Knowing the signs of termite damage early can save you thousands in repairs and help you act before the infestation spreads.
Why Termite Damage Should Never Be Ignored
Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S., and most insurance policies don’t cover it. Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate agent, or home inspector, identifying termite activity early is essential to avoid costly structural repairs and ensure a safe living environment.
🔍 Common Signs of Termite Damage
1. Hollow or Papery-Sounding Wood
Tap on wood around the house—such as baseboards, windowsills, or door frames. If it sounds hollow or unusually soft, termites may have eaten the inside.
🧠 How do you know if termites are in your walls?
Knock on walls to check for hollow spots. You may also hear faint clicking or chewing noises from within the wall.
2. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundation
Subterranean termites build mud tunnels to travel from the ground to their food source. These pencil-width tubes are commonly found on foundations, basement walls, or crawl spaces.
👉 A full termite inspection will identify active tubes and entry points.
3. Bubbling or Blistered Paint
Moisture caused by termites tunneling beneath the surface can cause paint to bubble or peel, often mistaken for water damage.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind tiny, oval-shaped droppings resembling sawdust or coffee grounds. These often collect beneath infested wood or along window sills.
5. Warped Doors and Windows
As termites chew through wood, they can cause it to swell, making doors or windows harder to open and close. This is often one of the first noticeable signs of termite infestation.
6. Discarded Wings
Termite swarmers shed their wings after mating. If you notice piles of tiny, clear wings near windowsills, light fixtures, or door frames, it’s a sign that a colony may be forming inside your home.
7. Tunnels in Exposed Wood
When wood is broken or damaged, you may see maze-like tunnels inside. This is often visible in attics, garages, or during remodeling.
What Does the Beginning of Termite Damage Look Like?
Early signs are subtle and easy to miss:
- Small cracks or bubbling paint
- Tiny pinholes in drywall
- Slightly sagging floors or ceilings
- A soft click or tapping sound inside walls
Homeowners often mistake these early clues for humidity or settling, which allows termites to continue destroying wood unnoticed for years.
How Termite Damage Affects Different Parts of the Home
| Area of Home | Type of Damage | What It Looks Like |
| Walls & Drywall | Hollow sounds, bubbling paint | Soft texture, warping |
| Floors | Sagging, spongy texture | Uneven or squeaky floors |
| Ceilings | Sagging, cracks | Water-damage-like signs |
| Decks & Patios | Wood rot, weak supports | Flaking wood, collapsed areas |
| Furniture & Cabinets | Hollow interiors, frass piles | Brittle feel, small droppings nearby |
🏚️ Can You Live in a House With Termite Damage?
Yes, but it depends on the extent of the damage. Minor infestations may not pose immediate risks, but long-term or advanced termite damage can threaten your home’s structural stability.
It’s important to:
- Get a termite inspection immediately
- Treat the infestation
- Repair compromised structures through termite damage repair
Living in a termite-damaged home without remediation can be dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have termite damage?
Look for signs like mud tubes, hollow wood, frass, blistering paint, and discarded wings. Professional inspections use moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect hidden damage.
What does termite damage look like on drywall?
Small holes, bubbling or peeling paint, and hollow sounds when tapped.
Can termites come back after treatment?
Yes, if the original colony isn’t completely eliminated or if moisture issues persist. Use annual inspections and preventive treatments.
What are the first signs of termites after buying a home?
You may notice tight-fitting doors, cracks in wooden trim, or the presence of wings around windows.
How much does termite damage repair cost?
The cost varies depending on the extent of the damage and type of structure affected. Learn more in our guide to termite damage repair cost.
🛑 Don’t Wait—Schedule a Termite Inspection Today
If you’re seeing any of the signs of termite damage mentioned above, it’s time to call in the professionals. Early detection is the best way to protect your home and your wallet.
Call Good Life Inspections now for a certified termite inspection in Sacramento and surrounding areas.
✅ Fast Scheduling
✅ Licensed Inspectors
✅ Detailed Reports & Repair Guidance
Stop termites before they do serious damage—contact us today.
