Termite Warning Signs in Older Homes: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Termites are sneaky little destroyers—and if you own or live in an older home, you’re at an even higher risk. These pests can go unnoticed for years while chewing through the very structure of your home. By the time the signs are obvious, you’re already looking at serious (and expensive) damage.
In this FAQ-style guide, we’ll break down the most common warning signs of termite activity in older homes, how to tell the difference between old and active infestations, and what you should do immediately if you suspect a problem.
Let’s dive in.
Why Are Older Homes More Prone to Termites?
Older homes typically have aging wood, cracks in the foundation, and years of accumulated moisture damage—all of which make a perfect breeding ground for termites. Many older homes also lack updated termite prevention methods like treated wood or modern vapor barriers.
If your home was built before the 1990s and hasn’t had a recent termite inspection, you could already have termites and not even know it.
1. What Are the First Signs of a Termite Infestation?
The earliest signs are subtle, but there are a few giveaways to watch for:
- Mud tubes on walls or foundation – Termites build pencil-width tunnels out of dirt and saliva to protect themselves from light and predators.
- Tiny holes in drywall or wood – These pinholes are how termites enter and exit the wood they’re feeding on.
- Discarded wings – Especially near windowsills or light fixtures. When termites swarm, they drop their wings after finding a place to nest.
- Soft wood that sounds hollow – Tap on baseboards, window trim, or floorboards. If it sounds hollow, termites may be eating from the inside out.
2. What Do Termite Droppings Look Like?
Termite droppings—also known as frass—look like small piles of sawdust or coffee grounds. You might find them near windows, door frames, or baseboards. It’s a clear sign that drywood termites are inside the structure.
Note: Subterranean termites don’t leave visible droppings, so the absence of frass doesn’t mean you’re safe.
3. Are Swarming Termites a Bad Sign?
Yes—swarming termites are a huge red flag.
A swarm means a mature colony is trying to expand. It usually happens in spring or after rain. If you see winged termites flying inside or around your home, you likely already have a colony inside the walls or under the foundation.
4. What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
Termite damage can look like:
- Buckling wood
- Bubbling paint (often mistaken for water damage)
- Crumbling drywall
- Sagging floors or ceilings
- Maze-like tunnels inside exposed wood
In older homes, this kind of damage often gets chalked up to age. But don’t assume—have it inspected. You can get Detroit pest control services to come out and take care of any issues or problems that will become larger if there is no treatment.
5. Can You Hear Termites in the Walls?
Yes, in quiet environments, some people report hearing faint clicking or chewing sounds inside the walls. That noise comes from worker termites eating or soldier termites banging their heads to signal danger.
It’s rare—but if you hear it, act fast.
6. How Fast Can Termites Cause Serious Damage?
A large termite colony can eat through a foot of a 2×4 beam in just six months. Over a few years, they can compromise structural supports, flooring, and even the home’s foundation.
In older homes, where wood is already stressed, the damage accelerates faster.
7. How Do You Know If Termite Damage Is Old or Active?
This is where people get confused. Just because you see damage doesn’t mean termites are still present. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Active damage has mud tubes, frass, or soft/hollow wood.
- Old damage is dry, brittle, and doesn’t have any new signs of life.
A trained technician can inspect the area and tell you what’s current and what’s not. Don’t guess.
8. Is Termite Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Usually not.
Most insurance policies exclude termite damage because it’s considered preventable with regular maintenance. That means you’ll be paying out of pocket for any repairs.
The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to the price of ignoring it.
9. Can I Check for Termites Myself?
You can do a basic inspection, but DIY checks only go so far. Termites live deep inside walls and below ground—places most homeowners can’t access.
That said, walk around your home and look for:
- Dirt tubes around the foundation
- Warped wood
- Paint bubbles
- Frass piles
- Any suspicious hollow-sounding wood
Still, a professional knows exactly where to look and how to test for hidden infestations.
10. What Should I Do If I See Termite Warning Signs?
Don’t ignore it. Don’t assume it’s old damage. And definitely don’t wait until it gets worse.
Here’s what to do:
- Call a professional immediately to inspect the home (yes, even if you’re not sure).
- Avoid disturbing the area—breaking open walls or wood can cause termites to retreat deeper.
- Don’t spray anything yourself—store-bought sprays can scatter the colony and make treatment harder.
11. How Often Should Older Homes Be Inspected for Termites?
For older homes, an annual termite inspection is the bare minimum.
If your property has a history of termite problems or is in a high-risk area (warm, humid, or damp), inspections every 6–9 months are ideal.
12. How Can I Prevent Termites in an Older Home?
You can’t make a house “termite-proof,” but you can reduce the risk:
- Fix leaks and moisture issues (termites love damp wood).
- Seal cracks in the foundation and around plumbing.
- Keep mulch, firewood, and landscaping away from the base of the home.
- Install vapor barriers in crawl spaces.
- Use treated wood for repairs and renovations.
Most importantly: get regular inspections.
Take Action Before Termites Take Over
Older homes have charm and character—but they also come with vulnerabilities. Termites are one of the most expensive threats to ignore, and they don’t go away on their own.
