Termites are often called “silent destroyers” for a reason. They can chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper without showing obvious signs until the damage is severe. In fact, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage every year in the United States alone—and most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover it. Catching an infestation early is the key to saving thousands in repair costs. Here are the top five signs you may have a termite problem.

1. Mud Tubes Near Your Foundation

Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to travel between their colony in the soil and the wood they’re eating in your home. These tubes are often found along foundations, walls, or crawl spaces. If you spot them, it’s a clear warning sign.

2. Hollow-Sounding or Soft Wood

Knock on wooden beams, floors, or furniture. If it sounds hollow or feels soft when pressed, termites may have been tunneling inside. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of your home.

3. Discarded Wings

Termites swarm in the spring and early summer. After mating, they shed their wings near windowsills, doors, or baseboards. Finding piles of discarded wings indoors is often the first visible sign homeowners notice.

4. Buckling Floors and Sticking Doors

As termites damage wood, it can warp, causing floors to buckle or doors and windows to become difficult to open and close. Many homeowners mistake this for humidity issues, when in fact it’s termites at work.

5. Termite Droppings (Frass)

Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored pellets as they tunnel. If you notice small mounds of what looks like sawdust, it could be termite frass—a definite indicator of activity.