As a homeowner or landlord, it is important to understand the early warning signs of termites because once they’ve entered your property, they can spread quickly.

As a homeowner or landlord, it is important to understand the early warning signs of termites because once they’ve entered your property, they can spread quickly. These silent destroyers often go unnoticed until significant damage is already done — costing homeowners thousands in repairs.

The good news? You don’t need to wait for a full-blown infestation. Spotting the early signs of termite activity can help you take action before things get worse.

Here are three common signs that you may have termites in your home:

1. Hollow or Damaged Wood

One of the most common — and alarming — signs of termites is wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Termites feed on wood from the inside out, so by the time you notice visual damage, the structure may already be compromised.

Pay attention to:

• Skirting boards, door frames, or wooden flooring that sound empty or papery

• Wood that breaks easily or has a thin, blistered surface

• Walls or floors that feel weaker than usual

Even if the wood still looks normal on the outside, termites could be active just beneath the surface.

2. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundations

Termites need moisture to survive, and to protect themselves while moving between the soil and their food source (your home), they build small, pencil-width mud tubes. These can often be found:

• Along baseboards or floor edges

• Around foundations or exterior walls

• Near plumbing or hidden corners

These tubes act as protected tunnels and are a clear sign of active termite presence. If you see them, it’s important not to disturb them before calling a professional — disrupting them could cause the termites to retreat deeper into the structure.

3. Discarded Wings or Swarming Termites

During certain times of the year, reproductive termites (also known as swarmers) leave their colony to mate and establish new nests. After swarming, they shed their wings — often found near light sources, windowsills, or doorways.

You might notice:

• Piles of small, translucent wings near windows

• Flying insects indoors that resemble ants, but with straight antennae and equal-length wings

• Swarm activity especially during humid evenings

This is often the first visible sign that a colony is nearby — or already inside your home.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Termite damage is often not covered by home insurance — which makes early detection even more important. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or if your home hasn’t been inspected in the last year, now’s the time to take action.

At AZAntz, we provide professional termite inspections using non-invasive detection tools and eco-conscious treatments that are safe for your family and pets. Our goal is to help you protect what matters most — with minimal disruption and maximum peace of mind.

Book Your Free Inspection Today

Worried about termites? AZAntz offers free, no-obligation onsite consultations to help you detect and prevent damage before it spreads.