Termites are one of the most destructive pests homeowners face in Florida. Because they work quietly and stay hidden, many infestations go unnoticed until serious damage has already occurred. Knowing the early warning signs can help you act before termites compromise the structure of your home.
Below are the five early signs of termites Florida homeowners should never ignore, along with additional warning signals that often go unnoticed.
Key Takeaways: Early Termite Warning Signs
- Discarded wings or flying termites indoors often signal an active colony nearby
- Mud tubes along foundations or walls are a strong indicator of subterranean termites
- Pellet-like droppings (frass) usually point to drywood termite activity
- Bubbling paint, warped doors, or hollow-sounding wood may hide internal damage
- If you notice more than one sign, schedule a professional inspection immediately
What Are Termites?
Termites are a common problem in South Florida, known for infesting many homes across the state. Their primary nutrition sources are wood and plant matter, which makes them a significant nuisance, as they can affect the wood inside and around your dwelling.
Most homeowners regard termites as one of the most threatening pests. With their aversion to direct light and small size, they often remain unseen until their nests are disturbed. As a result, infestations may go undetected for months or even years, quietly causing damage behind walls, floors, and ceilings.
The presence of swarmers or discarded wings is often the first visible sign homeowners notice.
How Can I Identify a Termite Infestation in Florida?
The eastern subterranean termite, Florida dampwood termite, Formosan termite, and drywood termite are the most common termite species in Florida. Termite swarming is prevalent during Florida’s spring and summer months, though activity can occur year-round due to the warm climate.
Subterranean termites are often harder to detect because they live in soil and travel through hidden tunnels, while drywood termites live directly inside wood structures. To catch infestations early, homeowners should routinely inspect their property and consider consulting a pest control company for annual termite inspections.
Below are five early signs of termite infestation every Florida homeowner should know.
5 Early Signs of Termites
1. Stuck Doors or Windows
If your doors or windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, termites may be the cause. As termites feed on wood around frames, moisture builds up and causes the wood to warp.
This damage can affect your home’s structural integrity and may also lead to sagging ceilings or deteriorating baseboards.
What to do next: Do not force stuck doors or windows. Schedule a professional inspection to determine whether termites are damaging the framing beneath.
2. Damage Under Paint or Wallpaper
Termites often feed on wood and cardboard hidden beneath walls, leaving behind tunnels (galleries) and tiny exit holes. This damage may not be obvious until paint bubbles, wallpaper peels, or surfaces appear discolored.
Common signs include:
- Pinholes in paint
- Bubbling or blistering paint
- Peeling or stained wallpaper
- Buckling wood
- Sunken or dented wall areas
3. Flying Termites & Discarded Wings
One of the earliest and clearest indicators of an active infestation is the appearance of swarmers, the reproductive members of a termite colony.
Swarmers have pale-colored wings and measure about ¼ to ½ inch long. After pairing, they shed their wings, which are often found near windows, doors, or light sources. In Florida, termite swarms are most common during spring but may occur throughout the year.
Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants, but termites have straight bodies, straight antennae, and two equal-sized wings. Flying ants have pinched waists, elbowed antennae, and mismatched wing sizes.
What to do next: Seeing swarmers indoors almost always indicates a nearby colony. Immediate inspection is strongly recommended.
4. Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are narrow, earthen tunnels commonly found along foundations, walls, or crawl spaces. Subterranean termites build these tubes to retain moisture and travel safely between their underground colonies and food sources.
You can break open a section of a tube to check for live termites, but even inactive-looking tubes may indicate an ongoing infestation elsewhere in the structure.
What to do next: Do not rely on visual checks alone. Professional inspection is the safest way to confirm activity.
5. Termite Droppings (Frass)
Frass, or termite droppings, is another key warning sign. Drywood termites push their waste out of their galleries, leaving behind small, pellet-like piles that resemble wood shavings or sand.
Subterranean termites, however, use their droppings to build tunnels, making frass harder to detect.
What to do next: If you see pellet-like debris near wooden structures, contact a termite professional to determine the species involved.
More Termite Warning Signs Homeowners Often Miss
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Wood that sounds hollow or papery when tapped may be damaged from the inside. Termites consume wood along the grain, leaving thin outer layers intact.
Musty or Moldy Smell
A persistent musty odor near walls or wooden surfaces can indicate moisture buildup caused by termite activity and associated mold growth.
Clicking or Tapping Sounds
Soldier termites may create faint clicking or tapping noises as they signal danger within the colony.
Types of Termites in Florida
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live entirely within wood structures and furniture. They leave behind pellet-shaped frass and often cause damage that resembles water stains. Shed wings with a fish-scale pattern are commonly found after swarming.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites live underground and enter homes through foundation cracks. Their presence is often marked by mud tubes near the foundation. Indoor swarmers typically indicate an active colony nearby.
When to Call a Termite Professional
Termite signs can remain hidden for months or even years, allowing damage to worsen silently. Working with a licensed termite professional can protect your home from extensive structural damage and costly repairs.
Your Best Defense Against Termites
On Demand Pest Control is a South Florida–based company specializing in safe and effective termite control. Our experienced technicians are trained to detect early signs of termite activity and apply proven treatment methods that protect both your home and pets.
Contact On Demand Pest Control today to schedule a free full attic and home inspection and receive a no-obligation estimate. Early detection can save thousands in repairs and provide lasting peace of mind.