Mud Tubes:

One of the most common signs of subterranean termites is the presence of mud tubes or tunnels. These pencil-sized tubes are usually found along walls, foundations, or crawlspaces. Termites construct these tubes as protective pathways between their nests and food sources. If you spot mud tubes, it’s a strong indicator of termite activity.

Swarming:

While most prevalent in the spring, termites can also swarm later in the summer. They are more likely to swarm after rainfall, and swarms can occur indoors (not fun) or outdoors.

Discarded Wings:

During swarming season, reproductive termites called “alates” will shed their wings after they find a mate and establish a new colony. Finding discarded termite wings around windowsills, doors, or other entry points can suggest the presence of a nearby termite colony.

Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood:

Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving the outer surface intact. As a result, wood that sounds hollow when tapped or appears damaged without any apparent cause may indicate termite infestation. Check for sagging or blistering paint on wooden surfaces, as this can also be a sign of termite activity.

Small Holes:

If you look closely at the photo to the right, or below, this section, you will see a few small holes in a ceiling. Those small holes were caused by termites and are what led to the discovery of mud tunnels outside that particular Overland Park home. It was a good thing the homeowner noticed those holes and contacted us to investigate the issue: we were able to resolve the termite infestation before structural damage had occurred.