Signs of Termites in Florida:
10 Warning Signs Every Homeowner Should Know
Florida's climate makes termite infestations a year-round threat. Learn what to look for — and what to do if you find it.
Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage in the United States every year — and most homeowners don't realize they have an infestation until significant damage has already occurred. In Florida, where warm temperatures and high humidity create ideal conditions for termites year-round, knowing the warning signs isn't optional. It's essential. Here are the 10 signs every Florida homeowner should know.
Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundation
Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes along your foundation, walls, or crawlspace to travel between soil and wood while staying moist. These are one of the most reliable signs of an active subterranean infestation. Check your foundation perimeter, garage walls, and any exposed concrete.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on baseboards, door frames, and wood trim. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell. If it sounds hollow or papery rather than solid, termites may have been feeding inside for months or years.
Termite Frass (Droppings)
Drywood termites push their fecal pellets out of tiny kick-out holes in infested wood. The result looks like a small pile of sawdust or coffee grounds — often found near windowsills, door frames, or baseboards. Frass is a near-certain indicator of drywood termites.
Discarded Wings Near Windows & Doors
After a termite swarm, reproductive termites (alates) shed their wings. Finding small, equal-length wings piled near windowsills, doorways, or light fixtures is a strong sign that a swarm has occurred — and a colony may be establishing nearby or already inside.
Bubbling or Uneven Paint
Paint that bubbles, blisters, or looks water-damaged without an obvious moisture source can indicate termites feeding just beneath the surface. The moisture termites produce as they digest wood causes paint to lift and peel.
Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
Termite damage and the moisture they produce can cause wood to warp, making doors and windows suddenly difficult to open or close. While this can also indicate moisture issues, it warrants a professional inspection either way.
Visible Termite Swarmers
Seeing winged insects emerging from walls, floors, or soil — especially in spring — is a direct sign of an active colony. Florida has multiple termite species that swarm at different times of year. Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants; a professional can tell the difference.
Sagging Floors or Ceilings
Extensive termite damage can compromise structural wood to the point where floors feel spongy or ceilings begin to sag. By the time you notice this, the infestation has typically been active for years. This is a serious structural warning sign.
Damaged or Crumbling Wood
Wood that crumbles, breaks apart easily, or has a honeycomb-like interior when probed with a screwdriver has been heavily damaged by termites. Check wood in attics, crawlspaces, and anywhere near soil contact.
Clicking Sounds in Walls
Soldier termites bang their heads against wood to signal danger to the colony. Some homeowners report a faint clicking or rustling sound inside walls — particularly at night when the house is quiet. This is rare to notice but worth mentioning to your inspector.
Spotted Any of These Signs?
Don't wait — termite damage compounds quickly. TAPS provides professional termite inspections throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, DeLand, Deltona, Sanford, Orlando, and Palm Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell the difference between termite damage and water damage?
Termite damage typically shows a honeycomb or tunnel pattern inside the wood, while water damage causes wood to rot uniformly and feel soft throughout. Termite frass (small pellets) near the damage is a definitive indicator. When in doubt, have a professional inspect — both issues require prompt attention.
Can I have termites without seeing any signs?
Yes. Termites often feed inside walls, under floors, and in attics for years before visible signs appear. This is why annual professional inspections are critical in Florida — by the time you notice damage, the colony may have been active for a long time.
What should I do if I find termite signs?
Don't disturb the area or spray with store-bought pesticides — this can scatter the colony and make treatment harder. Call a licensed termite professional immediately for an inspection. The sooner treatment begins, the less damage occurs.
Are termite signs different for drywood vs subterranean termites?
Yes. Subterranean termites leave mud tubes and rarely leave frass. Drywood termites leave frass pellets and kick-out holes but no mud tubes. Both can cause hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings after swarming.