Signs of a Termite Infestation and What to Do About It
Termites are one of the most destructive pests you can have in your home—and the worst part is, they often go unnoticed until significant damage is already done. In North Carolina, subterranean termites are especially common, and with the state’s warm, humid climate, your home could be at risk year-round.
At Capital Pest, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small termite issue can turn into a major (and expensive) problem. That’s why we want to help you recognize the early signs of an infestation and take action before it’s too late.
Common Signs of a Termite Infestation
1. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites build mud tubes—pencil-thin tunnels made of dirt and saliva—to travel from their colony to their food source without being exposed to air. These are often found on foundations, walls, or in crawlspaces and are one of the most visible signs of an infestation.
2. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors
During swarming season (usually spring), reproductive termites leave the colony to form new ones. After they swarm, they shed their wings, which you might find around windowsills, doorframes, or other entry points. Don’t ignore them—this is often the first sign homeowners notice.
3. Hollow-Sounding or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so damage may not be visible until it’s severe. Tap on baseboards, floors, or wood beams—if it sounds hollow or papery, termites might be tunneling beneath the surface. You might also see bubbling paint or warped wood.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites (less common in NC, but still possible) leave behind tiny wood-colored pellets as droppings, known as frass. If you see piles of what looks like sawdust, especially near wooden structures, that could be a red flag.
5. Stuck Windows or Doors
As termites damage the wood around windows and doors, the frames can warp, making them difficult to open or close. While this can also be due to moisture, when combined with other signs, it could point to an infestation.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
1. Don’t Disturb the Area
It’s tempting to poke around, remove damaged wood, or knock down mud tubes—but doing so can cause termites to scatter and make them harder to treat. It’s best to leave the evidence in place for inspection.
2. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection
Contact a licensed pest control company like Capital Pest right away. Our trained technicians will conduct a thorough inspection, identify the extent of the infestation, and recommend the best treatment plan for your home.
3. Choose the Right Treatment Option
Depending on your situation, treatment may include liquid termiticides, baiting systems, or direct wood treatments. We’ll walk you through your options and tailor a solution that works for your property and budget.
4. Protect Your Home Year-Round
After treatment, prevention is key. Our annual termite protection plans keep your home monitored and protected 24/7—so you don’t have to worry about another infestation sneaking up on you.
Don’t Wait Until the Damage Is Done
If you notice any signs of termites, act fast. The sooner you catch an infestation, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Contact Capital Pest today to schedule your termite inspection and keep your home protected from silent destroyers.
Capital Pest is proud to be a family-owned and operated pest control company serving Raleigh, NC and its surrounding area (Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Clayton, Pinehurst, Pittsboro, Fuquay-Varina, etc). Contact us for our pest control services today!