Why Subterranean Termites Are a Serious Threat
Subterranean termites are different from other wood-destroying insects because they:
- Build their colonies underground, often right next to or beneath your home
- Need moisture to survive, making crawl spaces, slab foundations, and plumbing leaks perfect access points
- Eat structural wood from the inside out, making damage harder to detect
- Can go undetected for months or years without a professional inspection
These termites are especially active in the spring and summer months in Texas and Oklahoma, but thanks to the mild climate and high humidity, infestations can happen year-round.
Common Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation
Subterranean termites can be active long before you see damage. These pests work from the ground up and often remain hidden behind walls, under floors, or inside support beams. But if you know what to look for, sometimes you can spot the warning signs early.
Watch for these telltale signs around your home:
- Swarming termites
One of the first visible signs of a mature termite colony is a swarm. Winged reproductive termites (called swarmers or alates) emerge from the colony to search for a place to start a new colony. This often happens in spring or early summer, especially after a warm rain. Indoors, swarmers may emerge from baseboards, wall vents, or light fixtures. Outside, they might be seen fluttering near the soil or wood siding. If you see a swarm, it usually means a colony is already well-established nearby. - Discarded wings
After mating, swarmers shed their wings, and homeowners often find these tiny, translucent pieces near windowsills, doors, light fixtures, or on the floor. Wings are often found in piles. Even if you missed the swarm itself, discarded wings are a strong clue that termites are active close to your home. - Mud tubes
Subterranean termites build narrow, brownish tubes out of mud and saliva to protect themselves as they move between the soil and your home. These tubes help retain moisture and shield termites from light and air. You’ll often find them on foundation walls, along cinder blocks, under siding, inside crawl spaces, or even on drywall. Fresh, active tubes indicate current termite activity. - Hollow-sounding or soft wood
Termites feed on the interior of wood structures, leaving only a thin outer shell. Tap on baseboards, floors, or wood trim—if it sounds hollow or papery, that’s a red flag. In more advanced infestations, the wood may crack, break away, or collapse under pressure. - Buckled or blistered floors and bubbling paint
Termite tunneling just below the surface can cause subtle ripples or bubbles in paint, wood flooring, or drywall. These signs are often mistaken for water damage, but in many cases, termites are the true cause, especially if no plumbing leaks are present. - Sticking doors or windows
As termites hollow out the wood around window and door frames, moisture builds up, causing the wood to swell or warp. This can make doors and windows difficult to open or close, even in homes without a humidity problem.
Where to Look for Signs of Termites
These pests tend to start low and move up. Check these areas regularly:
- Around the foundation: Especially where wood touches soil, such as porch posts, deck supports, and exterior trim
- Inside crawl spaces: Focus on joists, beams, and any exposed wood
- Bathrooms and kitchens: Termites are drawn to moisture-rich areas, especially under sinks and near plumbing
- Basements or slab homes: Subterranean termites easily enter through cracks or gaps in the concrete
- Window sills and door frames: Swarmers often gather here before shedding wings
Why Moisture Makes Things Worse
Termites need a constant source of moisture, and homes in humid areas are especially vulnerable. You may be at higher risk if your home has:
- Leaky pipes or faucets
- Poor crawl space ventilation
- Gutters that overflow or drain near the foundation
- Wood mulch beds against the siding
- Improper grading around the home
Addressing these issues helps prevent termites and may improve your home’s overall health.
What to Do If You Spot the Signs of Termites
Finding a wing or tube doesn’t always mean a full-blown infestation, but it should never be ignored. If you spot mud tubes around your home, don’t remove them or treat them with DIY sprays. In some cases, a professional may break a small section to test for activity, but disturbing them too early can make inspection and treatment more difficult. It’s best to leave them in place and call a licensed termite inspector to evaluate the situation.
Expert Termite Control From The Pied Piper
With offices in Texas and Oklahoma, The Pied Piper has been protecting homes for decades. We know what to look for and how to stop termites before they cause expensive damage. Our termite control services include:
- Thorough, no-obligation inspections
- Advanced detection tools and proven treatment methods
- Preventative treatment options and termite baiting systems
- Ongoing monitoring and long-term protection plans
If you’re seeing the signs—or just want peace of mind—give The Pied Piper a call today. We’re here to help protect your home from the ground up.
