Signs You Have Termites — and What to Do
Termites work quietly for years. Here are the signs worth knowing — and exactly what to do the moment you spot one.
Termites do their damage out of sight, which is why catching them early comes down to knowing the handful of signs they leave behind. Here are the five that matter most in San Gabriel Valley homes.
The five signs that matter
- Shed wings. Little piles of identical, equal-length wings on window sills, in spider webs, or by doors — left by swarmers after they land.
- Pellets (frass). Drywood termites push out tiny, uniform pellets that look like coarse sand or pepper, often in small piles below exposed wood.
- Mud tubes. Pencil-width soil tubes climbing a foundation, pier, or garage wall — the signature of subterranean termites traveling from the soil to the wood.
- Hollow or blistered wood. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or paint that ripples and bubbles as if there's moisture underneath.
- Tight-fitting doors and windows. As termites tunnel and introduce moisture, frames can warp and stick.
What the signs tell you: drywood vs. subterranean
Pellets and wing piles in the attic or upper trim point to drywood termites living inside the wood. Mud tubes on the foundation point to subterranean termites coming up from the soil. The two need completely different treatments, which is why identifying the type is always the first step — see what to expect during a termite treatment.
What to do if you spot them
Don't spray over the area — you'll kill a few swarmers and erase the evidence while the colony keeps chewing. Instead, collect a few insects or wings in a zip-top bag, note where you saw them, and get a professional inspection. Identification drives everything. Call or text (626) 409-1584.
Quick Answers
Quick Answers.
What are the first signs of termites?
Usually shed wings on sills or by doors, small piles of sand-like pellets below wood, mud tubes on the foundation, or hollow-sounding wood. Any one of these is worth a professional inspection.
What does termite damage look like?
Hollow or blistered wood, rippling paint, sagging or weakened framing, and small pellet piles. Much of the damage is internal, so visible signs often mean activity has been going on a while.
I found termite wings indoors — what should I do?
Collect a few wings or insects in a bag, note the location, and avoid spraying the area. Then book an inspection — shed wings indoors usually mean an established colony is nearby or in the structure.
How fast do termites cause damage?
Slowly but steadily — a colony can chew for years before anyone notices, which is why early detection and warranty-backed treatment matter so much.
About the Author
Joshua is the owner and licensed operator of ExterMetro Termite and Pest Control in Arcadia, CA. He holds California SPCB Company Registration #8828 (Branch 2 & 3), is a licensed WDO inspector, and has worked San Gabriel Valley homes and businesses for over twelve years — doing every inspection and treatment himself.
About the Author
Joshua is the owner and licensed operator of ExterMetro Termite and Pest Control in Arcadia, CA. He holds California SPCB Company Registration #8828 (Branch 2 & 3), is a licensed WDO inspector, and has worked San Gabriel Valley homes and businesses for over twelve years — doing every inspection and treatment himself.
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