Top Signs Your Home Has a Wood-Destroying Insect Infestation

Wood-destroying insects are among the most damaging pests a homeowner can encounter. Termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can silently compromise the structural integrity of your property before you even know they’re there. In a region like Atascosa, Texas, where wood-framed homes are common and climate conditions can invite pests, early detection is vital. Knowing the warning signs helps prevent costly repairs and long-term damage. Recognizing a few telltale symptoms can save homeowners from structural hazards and expensive renovation bills. Timely inspection and intervention from a professional pest control service ensure your home remains protected from these hidden invaders. Below are four common warning signs that your home may be under attack by wood-destroying insects.

1. Hollow-Sounding Wood

When you tap on wooden beams, floors, or walls and hear a hollow or papery sound, it could indicate internal damage from insects. Termites often consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer on the surface. This can cause structural wood to lose its strength and create dangerous weaknesses. Pay close attention to wooden furniture, baseboards, and window frames.

2. Mud Tubes and Small Holes

Subterranean termites build distinctive mud tubes along walls, foundations, and other surfaces to retain moisture while they travel. These tubes are about the width of a pencil and often appear on concrete walls or crawl spaces. In addition, small, pinpoint holes in wood surfaces may indicate carpenter ants or beetles that bore through wood and create hidden galleries inside.

3. Discarded Wings or Frass

One of the early and visible signs of a termite infestation is discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or other entry points. These wings are left behind when swarmers (reproductive termites) leave the colony to start new ones. Similarly, the presence of frass, a sawdust-like material, often signals carpenter ants or beetles boring through wood and pushing out waste.

4. Warped Wood or Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

If your doors and windows suddenly start sticking or appear misaligned, this may indicate swelling caused by moisture and tunneling inside the wood. As termites eat through the structure, moisture can build up, causing wood to warp or expand. Warping, blistering, or bubbling on wood or paint surfaces are warning flags that demand professional attention.

Timely recognition of these signs is essential to minimize damage and avoid expensive restoration. Routine inspections by pest control experts can confirm the presence of wood-destroying insects and offer immediate solutions to safeguard your home.

COWBOY PEST CONTROL proudly serves homeowners in Atascosa, Texas, with over 4 years of expertise in pest and wood-destroying insect management. From detection to elimination, our team offers safe, reliable solutions to protect your property from long-term damage caused by termites, beetles, and carpenter ants. Your home’s protection starts with a thorough inspection from a trusted local provider.