Signs You May Have Termites in Your Chandler Home

Why Termite Signs Are Easy to Miss

Subterranean termites — the type most common in the Chandler area — live underground and often travel to a food source (wood) through mud tubes that keep them protected and out of sight. That means damage can progress before it becomes obvious to a homeowner.

Mud Tubes

One of the clearest signs of subterranean termite activity is mud tubes — narrow tunnels made of soil and saliva that termites build to travel between the ground and wood while staying protected from open air. Check along the foundation, crawl space, and any exterior walls close to soil.

Wood That Sounds Hollow

Termites consume wood from the inside out, so affected wood often sounds hollow when tapped, even though the surface may look intact. Baseboards, door frames, and wood trim near the ground are common places to check.

• Wood that sounds hollow or feels soft when pressed
• Discarded wings near windowsills or doors, especially in spring
• Blistering or unusual darkening on painted wood surfaces
• Small piles of frass (termite droppings) near wood structures

Swarms in Spring

Termite colonies periodically send out winged reproductive termites (swarmers) to establish new colonies, often in spring after rain. Finding discarded wings near doors or windows can be an early indicator of a nearby colony, even if you haven't seen active tubes yet.

What to Do Next

Because subterranean termite damage isn't always visible early on, a professional inspection is the most reliable way to confirm whether activity is present and how extensive it is — particularly important if you're buying or selling a home, or simply haven't had an inspection in several years.

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