Tips and Tricks: 7 Signs of Subterranean Termite Infestation

Brian Mount

Mud shelter tubes or tunnels are the most common signs of subterranean termite infestation, but here are seven more factors to consider:

1. damaged exterior wood that contains soil or termite carton material (mixture of soil, chewed wood and excrement) in porches, fences, garages, roof eaves, and window and door trim;
2. damaged interior wood or walls, including baseboards, hardwood floors, and wood around plumbing accesses;
3. damaged wood in basements or crawlspaces, especially where the foundation meets the walls, sill plates, box joists, sub flooring, and around support piers;
4. cracked, blistered or distorted paint on wood surfaces and/or cracked or uneven sheetrock;
5. groups of winged termites called alates (swarmers) or discarded wings;
6. above-ground nests, or arboreal termite nests that look like growths on trees (not common in the U.S., but noted in South Florida); and
7. areas of water leakage, or raised or split floors.

Brian Mount, BCE, is Technical Service manager for FMC Professional Solutions.