WOOD THAT HAS BEEN HOLLOWED OR HAS BEEN DAMAGED
Wood damage can be found under and behind walls, floors, and other surfaces. Termites chewing through the wood in pursuit of cellulose may cause this, leaving long grooves behind. These grooves weaken the wood and cause structural damage over time. Hollowed wood has a honeycomb interior which makes a hollow appearance.
MUD TUBES
Mud tubes the size of pencils can be found anywhere the ground reaches your home, as well as any other potential food source such as a tree or shed. This is due to the fact that subterranean termites build their nests underground and forage up to their food source, which is often a house structure. To live, these termites need specific temperatures and humidity levels. Their tunnels help to shut out cool, dry air, essentially transforming your home into a breeding ground for them.
DISCARDED WINGS
Termite colonies develop "swarmers" at certain times of the year, who are winged adults who fly away to start their own colonies. Swarming is nature's way of reminding you that termites are nearby, and it typically happens during the day.
The swarmers were most likely from an underground nest nearby. If the majority of the insects are found outside, the nest is most likely in your yard, maybe near an old tree stump or landscape timbers. If the majority of the swarmers are found indoors, you almost certainly have an infestation under/in your home or company.
If termite swarmers are unable to escape from your home, they will most likely die. They can be drawn to light and perish on window sills or in open spaces. Very often, you'll just come across dead insects or just the wings, as seen in the picture. Collect any of the insects (or their wings) so that a pest control service can identify them.
FRASS OR TERMITE DROPPINGS
Termites that live within the wood are known as Drywood Termites. They build galleries while tunneling and consuming the wood they infest, and they like to keep them clean. They build kick-out holes where they extract their excrement to keep themselves clean. Since Drywood Termites consume wood, their excrement is also wood, resulting in pellet mounds. Drywood Termites can be present if you see mounds of pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
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