7 Termite Warning Signs Most Homeowners Miss
Termites cause billions in US home damage every year, and almost none of it is covered by insurance — it's classified as preventable. The colonies work silently for years, but they leave these seven fingerprints.
The 7 signs, in the order you'll likely find them
- Mud tubes — pencil-width earthen tunnels climbing foundation walls, piers, or plumbing penetrations. Subterranean termites build them to travel between soil and wood. Break a section open; if it's rebuilt in days, the colony is active.
- Discarded wings — piles of identical translucent wings on window sills or in spider webs, usually in spring. Swarmers shed them after finding a new home — possibly yours.
- Hollow-sounding wood — tap baseboards, door frames, and window trim. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell that sounds papery.
- Bubbling or uneven paint — moisture from termite activity makes paint blister in ways that mimic water damage. If there's no plumbing or roof leak nearby, suspect termites.
- Frass — drywood termites push out pellet-like droppings resembling coffee grounds or sawdust below tiny kick-out holes.
- Tight doors and windows — tunneling moisture warps frames; sudden sticking without a humidity change is a flag.
- Sagging floors or ceiling spots — a late-stage sign meaning structural members are compromised. At this point you need both treatment and repair.
What treatment costs in 2026
| Treatment | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Inspection | $0 – $150 (often free with quote) |
| Liquid soil treatment (subterranean) | $800 – $2,500 |
| Bait station system installed | $1,200 – $3,000 + annual monitoring |
| Spot treatment (drywood) | $300 – $1,500 |
| Whole-structure fumigation (drywood) | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Annual renewal/warranty | $150 – $400/yr |
Broader pest pricing is in our pest control cost guide.
Prevention that actually works
- Keep wood, mulch, and soil at least 6 inches below siding and off direct wood contact
- Fix moisture problems — leaky hose bibs, clogged gutters, poor drainage all attract subterranean colonies (see our gutter guide)
- Store firewood 20+ feet from the house, raised off the ground
- In high-pressure states (the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Southern California, Hawaii), keep a bond/warranty active — retreatment under warranty beats paying twice
Termite damage repair is almost never covered by homeowners insurance. An annual $100–$150 inspection is the cheapest structural protection you can buy in a termite-prone state.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of termites in a house?
Mud tubes on the foundation, piles of discarded wings after spring swarms, and hollow-sounding wood trim are usually the earliest visible signs. Drywood termites also leave frass — sawdust-like pellets below small holes.
How much does termite treatment cost?
In 2026, liquid soil treatments run $800–$2,500 for an average home, bait systems $1,200–$3,000 plus annual monitoring, and whole-structure fumigation for drywood termites $2,500–$8,000. Inspections are often free with a treatment quote.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Almost never — insurers classify termite damage as preventable maintenance. That's why annual inspections and an active treatment warranty matter in termite-prone regions.