5 Warning Signs of Termites Every Fort Worth Homeowner Should Know

Termites are among the most destructive pests in TX, causing thousands of dollars in structural damage — often before homeowners even realize they have a problem. The key to minimizing damage is early detection. Here are five warning signs that General Pest Co wants every homeowner in the greater Fort Worth and Tarrant County area to know.

1. Mud Tubes on Foundation Walls

Subterranean termites build pencil-width tubes made of soil and saliva to travel between their underground colony and your home's wood. These tubes are most commonly found on foundation walls, in crawl spaces, and around plumbing penetrations. If you see what looks like a thin line of dried mud running up your foundation, break it open — if it's rebuilt within a few days, you have an active termite problem.

2. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell on the surface. Tap on baseboards, door frames, and window sills with a screwdriver handle. If the wood sounds hollow or papery, termites may have already caused significant damage behind the surface.

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors

Each spring, mature termite colonies release swarmers — winged reproductive termites that fly out to establish new colonies. After landing, they shed their wings. Finding small piles of identical wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures is a strong indicator that a colony is nearby, possibly within your home's structure.

4. Blistering or Bubbling Paint

When termites feed close to the surface of wood, moisture from their activity can cause paint to blister or bubble. This is sometimes mistaken for water damage. If you notice unexplained paint irregularities — especially on trim, siding, or around the foundation — have it investigated.

5. Frass (Drywood Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites push their droppings out of small holes near their feeding sites. These droppings, called frass, look like tiny pellets or sawdust and are often found in small piles on window sills, in attics, or along baseboards. If you find unexplained granular material that resembles coarse sand, it could be frass.

What to Do If You Spot These Signs

If you notice any of these warning signs, don't panic — but don't delay either. The sooner a termite problem is identified and treated, the less damage your home will sustain. General Pest Co offers free termite inspections throughout the greater Fort Worth and Tarrant County area. Our licensed inspectors will thoroughly assess your property, identify the termite species, and recommend the most effective treatment.

Don't wait for the damage to get worse. Schedule your free termite inspection or call (817) 555-2847 today.