Signs of Termite Damage in Miami Homes
Learn to identify termite activity early. Recognize the warning signs and protect your home from extensive damage.
6 Key Signs of Termite Damage
Early detection is crucial. If you spot any of these signs, contact a professional immediately for a thorough inspection.
Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundation
High AlertPencil-thick mud tunnels running from soil to wood structures. Subterranean termites build these protective highways.
Foundation, basement walls, crawl spaces, exterior walls
Call immediately - active infestation
Discarded Wings Near Doors/Windows
High AlertPiles of translucent wings left behind after swarmers (reproductive termites) shed them to start new colonies.
Window sills, door frames, bathtubs, sinks
Recent colony formation - inspect now
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Medium AlertWood that sounds hollow when tapped or feels weak/spongy. Termites eat wood from inside out, leaving thin shell.
Door frames, baseboards, support beams, furniture
May indicate extensive damage
Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Medium AlertPaint that appears water-damaged but no water leak present. Termite moisture/damage causes paint to bubble.
Walls, trim, wooden furniture
Investigate immediately
Frass (Termite Droppings)
Medium AlertTiny wood-colored pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds. Drywood termites push these out of galleries.
Below exit holes, window sills, near furniture
Sign of active drywood termites
Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows
Low AlertDoors/windows suddenly become difficult to open. Termite-produced moisture causes wood to warp.
All doors and window frames
Could be termites or humidity
⚠️ Don't Wait - Termites Work Fast
A colony of 60,000 termites can consume 1 foot of 2x4 wood in just 5 months. Early detection saves thousands in repairs.
Get Free Inspection TodayTermite Types in Miami & Their Signs
Subterranean Termites
Most Common (90% of Miami cases)
Mud tubes, moisture damage, hollow wood
Eat wood continuously, can cause severe structural damage
Drywood Termites
Common (Especially in coastal Miami)
Frass (droppings), kick-out holes, wings
Live entirely in wood, harder to detect, spread to furniture
Formosan Termites
Growing Threat in South Florida
Large mud cartons, aggressive damage, huge colonies
Most destructive species, can damage home in months
DIY Termite Inspection Checklist
Perform these quarterly inspections. If you find any signs, schedule a professional inspection immediately.
Foundation & Exterior
- □Check foundation for mud tubes (most obvious sign)
- □Inspect siding for damage or hollow spots
- □Look for wings near foundation vents
- □Check wooden fence posts and deck supports
- □Examine any wood touching soil
Crawl Space & Basement
- □Look for mud tubes on walls and floor joists
- □Tap support beams for hollow sound
- □Check moisture levels (termites love dampness)
- □Inspect stored wood or cardboard
- □Look for frass piles below beams
Interior Living Spaces
- □Check baseboards for damage or frass
- □Inspect door and window frames
- □Look for bubbling paint on walls
- □Examine wooden furniture (especially vintage)
- □Check attic rafters and beams
Garage & Storage
- □Inspect stored boxes and paper
- □Check wooden shelving for damage
- □Look for wings near garage doors
- □Examine any wood in contact with concrete
- □Check water heater area for moisture
Why Professional Inspections Matter
While DIY inspections help catch obvious signs, 80% of termite damage is hidden behind walls, in crawl spaces, or underground. Professional inspectors use:
- • Moisture meters to detect hidden activity
- • Infrared cameras for thermal imaging
- • Acoustic sensors for wall detection
- • Trained eyes for subtle indicators
Termite Damage Timeline
Minimal visible damage, possible mud tubes or wings. Damage often unnoticeable to homeowners.
Hollow wood sounds, minor structural weakening. Still repairable with moderate cost.
Visible damage to baseboards, door frames. Repair costs $3,000-$5,000+.
Major structural issues, sagging floors, wall cracks. Repairs can exceed $8,000-$15,000.
The sooner you catch termites, the less damage and lower the repair costs. Annual inspections are your best defense.
Protect Your Home - Schedule Inspection