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7 Early Signs of Termites Every Homeowner Should Watch For

Termites are every homeowner’s nightmare — small, silent, and capable of causing thousands of dollars in damage before you even know they’re there. The good news? If you know what to look for, you can often catch an infestation early and prevent major repairs. At Affordable Pest Control, we help East Valley homeowners identify the early signs of termites and protect their homes year-round with proven prevention and treatment options. Here are the top early signs of termites and what they could mean for your home.

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1. Hollow or Blistered Wood

If your floors, trim, or furniture sound hollow when tapped, that’s a classic red flag. Subterranean termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin outer layer that can blister or bubble. Over time, this weakens your home’s structure and can lead to serious damage if left untreated.

2. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundations

Mud tubes are pencil-sized tunnels that termites use to travel between their underground colonies and your home. You’ll often spot them near foundations, garages, or crawlspaces. If you see one, don’t break it—call Affordable Pest Control right away for a professional termite inspection.

3. Discarded Wings

During termite swarm season (typically spring or early fall), reproductive termites shed their wings once they find a mate. You may find small piles of translucent wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures. These are one of the clearest early signs of termites inside your home.

4. Tight-Fitting Doors and Sticking Windows

If you notice doors that suddenly don’t close properly or windows that stick, it might not just be the Arizona humidity — it could be termites. As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause warping and structural shifts around frames.

5. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites leave behind droppings known as frass, which look like piles of sawdust or coffee grounds. You’ll often find them near baseboards or window sills. If you see this, it’s time to schedule an inspection.

6. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

Moisture buildup from termite tunnels can cause paint to bubble or peel, mimicking the appearance of water damage. If you don’t have a known leak, termites might be hiding just below the surface.

7. Clicking Sounds in Walls

Believe it or not, termites can make noise. Soldier termites bang their heads on tunnel walls to alert the colony of danger, creating a faint clicking sound. If you hear this coming from your walls, don’t ignore it.

What To Do If You Notice Early Signs of Termites

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, time is of the essence. Termites work 24/7, and the longer you wait, the more damage they can cause.

Affordable Pest Control offers comprehensive termite inspections and treatments for homeowners throughout Queen Creek, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and surrounding East Valley areas. Our licensed technicians will identify the problem, create a customized treatment plan, and help ensure your home stays termite-free.

Prevent Termites Before They Start

  • Keep woodpiles and mulch away from your home’s foundation.

  • Fix leaky faucets, irrigation, or AC lines that create moisture.

  • Schedule an annual termite inspection with a trusted professional.

Protect Your Home with Affordable Pest Control

Don’t wait until termites cause costly structural damage. Catch the problem early with help from Arizona’s trusted local experts.

Call Affordable Pest Control today at (480) 907-7913 or schedule your termite inspection online to protect your home and peace of mind.

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