Kelly explains that termite tunnels and mud tubes, or galleries, have a more raggedy appearance than those of carpenter ants, which are smoother and more polished.Termite damage on a door frame. Quick tip: Carpenter ants and termites can both damage wood. Termites often build mud tubes in visible locations such as along fences, porches, nearby tree trunks, and wall corners. Still, mud tunnels are a clear sign of termite activity. Not seeing any mud tunnels on the outside of your home doesn't mean you don't have an infestation. However, subterranean termites can find other ways into your home.

Because these types of termites have soft bodies, mud tubes allow them to travel around your home without exposing them to external threats like dry weather and predators. Subterranean termites are most likely to create mud tubes, which are brown-colored tunnels composed of wood and soil, measuring about 0.5 to 2.5 centimeters wide. You can tell wood is hollowed out because it sounds that way when tapped.Īccording to the University of Missouri Extension Service, the termite species most likely to cause damage to homes in the US is the eastern subterranean termite. Hollow wood, on the other hand, or wood with tunnels, is a sign of a termite infestation. 'If you find any, then you have a wood rot problem.' Wood rot isn't a sign of termite damage, but continuously damp wood can attract pests like termites.ĭry wood that comes off easily in chunks is likely dry rot, says Kelly, a type of damage caused when fungal spores come into contact with damp wood. Mildew typically has a powdery appearance while mold may look damp or fuzzy. If you spot wood damage, Kelly recommends carefully inspecting the damaged area for signs of mold or mildew. You're most likely to spot wood damage in areas where termites can get into your home through wood-to-ground contact, says Kelly, including door frames, deck posts, porch steps, and structural supports. Wood damage will appear in the places where termites have easy access to your home.ĭamaged wood is another potential sign of termite activity. If you're unsure what kind of pest you're dealing with - whether termites or carpenter ants - contact a professional exterminator to identify them properly. They're black with a red hue, have translucent wings, narrow bodies, and are roughly 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. Note: Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites. Twin Forks Pest Control founder Brian Kelly shares five common signs of termites you should never ignore. Knowing how to spot them can help you prevent and promptly treat an infestation before you need to spend thousands on repairs. While they won't eat plastic or foam, they're happy to tunnel through these materials. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), estimates suggest they cause billions of dollars in structural damage annually.Īnd they don't just eat through wood – they can damage anything containing cellulose, including wallpaper and carpeting.

Termites are small wood-destroying insects that live in colonies, similar to ants. But how can you tell they're termites? And what should you do if you identify a termite infestation? You've recently spotted some insects fluttering around your home and find yourself worrying about the potential of termites.

Black baby termites