Termites can cause major damage long before you notice anything on the surface. This guide shows you exactly what termite damage looks like, how to identify the early signs, and how to tell whether you’re dealing with subterranean or drywood termites, the two species most common in California.
30-Second Termite Damage Checklist
If you see any of these, termites may be active:
- Mud tubes on foundation or crawlspace walls
- Hollow or papery wood
- Piles of frass (pellets that look like sand/coffee grounds)
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Tiny pinholes in drywall/wood
- Soft, uneven, or buckling floors
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Sticky or swollen doors/windows
One sign = possible issue.
Two signs = likely termites.
Three signs = call a professional termite specialist immediately.
Main Signs of Termite Damage
1. Mud Tubes
Looks like: Small, dirt-like tubes the width of a pencil.
Meaning: Subterranean termites are traveling from the soil into your home.
Where to check: Foundation, garage walls, crawlspace, pipes.
✔ This is the most reliable sign of subterranean termites.
2. Discarded Wings
Looks like: Light, translucent wings found in small piles.
Meaning: Swarmers have entered your home to start a new colony.
Where to check: Window sills, sliding doors, bathrooms, attic.
✔ Often the first indoor sign homeowners notice.
3. Hollow or Papery Wood
Looks like: Wood sounds hollow when tapped or breaks easily.
Meaning: Termites have eaten the inside of the wood.
Where to check: Baseboards, trim, door frames, cabinets.
✔ Indicates structural involvement.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Looks like: Tiny, dry pellets resembling sand or coffee grounds.
Meaning: Drywood termites are active inside the wood.
Where to check: Beneath window trim, along attic beams, under furniture, baseboards.
✔ One of the clearest signs of drywood termites.
5. Soft, Sagging, or Buckling Floors
Looks like: Spongy or uneven flooring.
Meaning: Subfloor or joist damage from subterranean termites.
Where to check: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, rooms above crawlspaces.
✔ Commonly mistaken for water damage.
6. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Looks like: Blistered paint or rippling surfaces.
Meaning: Moisture from termite tunnels inside the wall.
Where to check: Trim, exterior siding, garage walls, bathrooms.
✔ Suspect termites if no plumbing issue is present.
7. Tight or Sticky Doors and Windows
Looks like: Difficulty opening or closing frames.
Meaning: Termite moisture causes wood to swell.
Where to check: Doors, windows, sliders.
✔ This sign supports others — not a standalone indicator.
8. Pinholes in Drywall or Wood
Looks like: Tiny round holes with or without dust/pellets nearby.
Meaning: Termites create exit points or ventilation holes.
Where to check: Drywall, cabinets, baseboards, garage walls.
✔ Often accompanied by frass or fine dust.
Misdiagnosed Signs (Very Important)
Not every issue is termites. These often get confused:
- Water damage can mimic bubbling paint and soft floors.
- Old house settling can cause sticky windows or small cracks.
- Sawdust from repairs can resemble termite frass.
Key difference:
Termite signs usually appear together, not alone.
Termite Species Differences: Subterranean vs. Drywood (California)
California has two major destructive species. Their signs differ.
Subterranean Termites
(Common in Northern + Central CA)
Live in: Soil
Enter via: Mud tubes
Damage starts: Ground level → upward
Prefers: Moisture-rich areas
Subterranean-Specific Signs
- Mud tubes
- Moist, soft subflooring
- Damage to sill plates, joists, posts
- Wing piles near floors/baseboards
- Sagging or uneven floors
Drywood Termites
(Common in Southern CA, but found statewide)
Live in: Dry wood
Enter via: Flying swarmers
Damage starts: Upper areas → outward
Prefers: Attics, rafters, trim, furniture
Drywood-Specific Signs
- Frass (pellet-like droppings)
- Kick-out holes
- Hollow trim or beams
- Swarmers emerging from walls/ceilings
- Small piles of pellets under wood
Subterranean vs. Drywood: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Subterranean Termites | Drywood Termites |
| Nest | Soil | Inside wood |
| Entry | Mud tubes | Swarmers |
| Primary Sign | Mud tubes | Frass |
| Droppings | None visible | Pellets |
| Damage Location | Foundation, subfloor | Attic, trim, beams |
| Damage Style | Irregular, moist tunnels | Smooth, clean galleries |
| Common In | Northern & Central CA | Southern CA, statewide |
| Treatment | Soil treatment/baiting | Local treatment or fumigation |
What Termite Damage Looks Like in Different Parts of the Home
Wood
- Hollow interior
- Crumbling texture
- Thin outer shell
- Honeycomb tunnels
Walls
- Soft drywall
- Blistered paint
- Visible tunneling lines
- Clicking sounds inside walls
Floors
- Soft/bouncy areas
- Uneven hardwood
- Loose or cracked tiles
- Subfloor sagging
5-Minute DIY Termite Inspection
Outside
- Look for mud tubes on foundation
- Check wood-to-soil contact
- Inspect deck posts and fences
- Look into crawlspace for moisture
Inside
- Tap baseboards/trim
- Check for frass under trim or beams
- Inspect drywall for pinholes
- Look for wing piles
- Walk floors for soft spots
If you see multiple signs, call a professional immediately.
When You Must Call a Professional
Call right away if you find:
- Mud tubes
- Pellet-like frass
- Hollow wood
- Wing piles
- Soft floors
- Visible framing damage
Annual inspections are recommended for all California homes.
Termite Damage Repair Overview
Minor Repairs
- Replacing trim
- Patching drywall
- Treating local wood
- Sealing kick-out holes
Major Repairs
- Subfloor and joist replacement
- Sill plate repair
- Wall stud/framing reconstruction
- Roof rafter replacement
- Moisture correction in crawlspaces
Subterranean termites often require structural repairs.
Preventing Termite Infestations in California
To reduce termite risk in California, focus on moisture control, proper clearance, and sealing entry points:
- Fix leaks and improve drainage around your foundation
- Maintain 6–12 inches of wood-to-soil clearance
- Store firewood and mulch away from the home
- Seal cracks, gaps, and vent openings to block drywood swarmers
- Improve ventilation in crawlspaces and attics
- Repair damaged or rotted wood promptly
- Schedule annual termite inspections
FAQs
What’s the most common sign of termites?
Mud tubes (subterranean) or frass pellets (drywood).
How fast can termites cause damage?
Serious damage can occur within months.
Do California homes commonly get termites?
Yes — especially wood-frame homes.
Does insurance cover termite damage?
Usually not.
How do I know which species I have?
Mud tubes = subterranean.
Pellets = drywood.
A professional can confirm both.
