Termites may be small, but the damage they cause can be massive — and costly. These silent destroyers can chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper without you noticing, causing thousands of dollars in repairs. In fact, termites are responsible for more property damage each year than fires, floods, and tornadoes combined.
In San Antonio, our warm climate makes homes especially vulnerable to termite activity year-round. At Pro Defense Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small termite problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation. Knowing the warning signs can help you act fast and protect your home before it’s too late.
1. Visible Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are one of the most obvious signs of a termite infestation. Subterranean termites build these pencil-sized tunnels to travel between their colony in the soil and the wood they feed on inside your home. You might see them on:
- Foundation walls
- Crawl spaces
- Basement walls
- Exterior siding
If you spot mud tubes, it’s a clear sign that termites are active and require immediate professional attention.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell on the surface. If you tap or knock on wooden structures — such as door frames, baseboards, or floors — and they sound hollow, you could have termite damage. Left untreated, this can lead to severe structural problems.
3. Discarded Wings
When termites swarm, they shed their wings after finding a place to establish a new colony. These discarded wings often pile up near windowsills, doors, or other light sources. If you notice tiny, transparent wings indoors, you could be dealing with a nearby termite infestation.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass. These tiny mounds resemble sawdust or coffee grounds and are often found near entry points in wood. The presence of frass is a clear sign that termites are actively feeding inside your home.
5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Termite activity can cause paint to bubble or peel, much like water damage. This happens when termites tunnel close to the surface, trapping moisture beneath the paint. While peeling paint isn’t always caused by termites, it’s worth investigating — especially if other warning signs are present.
6. Warped Doors and Windows
Termites introduce moisture into wood as they feed, which can cause doors and windows to warp. You might notice that they suddenly stick or become difficult to open and close. While humidity can also cause this problem, it’s best to have a professional inspect the area to rule out termite activity.
7. Clicking Sounds Inside Walls
Believe it or not, you can sometimes hear termites at work. Soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies to signal danger to the colony. Worker termites also make faint rustling or clicking noises as they chew. If you hear unexplained sounds coming from your walls, it’s time to investigate.
8. Sagging Floors or Ceilings
Extensive termite damage can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to sagging floors or ceilings. This is a serious issue that requires immediate professional intervention to prevent safety hazards.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Termites work around the clock, and the longer they go undetected, the more damage they can cause. DIY solutions may seem tempting, but they rarely address the root of the problem. Professional termite control is the most effective way to eliminate the colony and prevent future infestations.
How Pro Defense Pest Control Can Help
At Pro Defense Pest Control, we use advanced termite detection tools and proven treatment methods to protect San Antonio homes. Our process includes:
- Comprehensive inspections to locate all termite activity
- Targeted treatments to eliminate the entire colony
- Preventive measures to stop termites from returning
We understand the unique termite challenges in the San Antonio area and tailor our solutions to meet your home’s specific needs.
Protect Your Home Today
Termites won’t stop until they’ve caused significant damage — but you can stop them. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more you can save in repairs and stress.
Call Pro Defense Pest Control today to schedule a professional termite inspection and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected.