Termites are among the most destructive household pests because they feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials. Over time, a hidden colony can quietly weaken structural framing, trim, flooring, and other parts of a home long before you ever see obvious damage.
Because termites work behind walls, under floors, and in crawlspaces, it’s important to know how to tell if they’re active, what their warning signs look like, and when to bring in a professional for a full inspection.
Are Termites Active During Winter?
Yes, termites can remain active all year, but how and where they’re active changes with the seasons.
- Outdoors in cold soil: In colder climates, termites move deeper into the ground where temperatures are more stable. You may see less surface activity, but the colony is still alive and feeding.
- Near and under heated structures: Around heated homes and buildings, termites may continue feeding in foundation areas, crawlspaces, and wall voids even when air temperatures drop.
- Seasonal swarming: Most species swarm (send out flying reproductives) in warmer months, but the colony that produced those swarmers remains active long before and after swarm season.
So even if you don’t see flying termites during winter, an established colony can still be quietly damaging wood inside or around your home.
Key Signs Termites May Be Active
Because termites hide, homeowners rarely see the insects themselves. Instead, you’re more likely to notice clues they leave behind. Some common signs include:
- Mud tubes (shelter tubes): Pencil-width, dried mud “tunnels” on foundation walls, piers, stem walls, or in crawlspaces. Termites use these to travel between soil and wood while staying protected from light and dry air.
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood: Trim, baseboards, door frames, or subfloors that sound hollow when tapped, feel spongy, or dent easily may be damaged by termite feeding inside.
- Blistered or bubbling paint: Paint or drywall that bubbles, buckles, or looks water-damaged without an obvious leak can sometimes be hiding termite galleries beneath the surface.
- Frass (termite droppings): Drywood termites leave behind small, sand-like pellets pushed out of tiny kick-out holes. Subterranean termites usually keep their droppings inside their tunnels, so frass is less common with them.
- Discarded wings: Piles of identical, papery wings near windowsills, doorways, or light sources may be left from swarming termites that shed their wings after pairing.
- Noises inside walls: In very quiet conditions, some people report faint clicking or rustling sounds from termite workers and soldiers inside wood as they feed or respond to disturbance.
None of these signs confirms activity by themselves, but together they strongly suggest a colony may be present and should be evaluated by a professional.
Simple Ways to Check for Termite Activity
While a professional inspection is always the most reliable approach, there are a few safe checks homeowners can do:
- Inspect your foundation and crawlspace: Look for mud tubes on concrete, block walls, plumbing penetrations, or around piers and support posts.
- Probe suspicious wood: Gently press a screwdriver or similar tool into discolored or blistered trim, baseboards, or sill plates. Wood that gives way easily or reveals tunneling inside should be checked further.
- Check around moisture sources: Termites are drawn to moisture. Examine areas near leaky pipes, water heaters, crawlspace vents, and exterior hose bibs.
- Look for patterns, not just one clue: A single cracked board may not mean much, but mud tubes plus soft wood and discarded wings are a strong combination of warning signs.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is termite-related or not, it’s best to have an inspection rather than wait and see. Hidden damage can progress for years.
How to Get Rid of Termites and Stop Further Damage
Once termites are active in or around a structure, DIY fixes are rarely enough. Effective termite control typically involves one or more professional-grade options such as:
- Liquid soil treatments: A non-repellent termiticide is applied in the soil around the foundation to create a treated zone that termites pass through, picking up and transferring the product back to the colony.
- Termite bait systems: Bait stations installed in the soil around the structure allow termites to feed on a slow-acting bait and share it with other colony members, including the queen.
- Localized wood treatments: In some situations, damaged or at-risk wood can be treated or replaced, and borate-based products may be applied to help protect structural lumber.
Because every home and colony is different, a licensed termite professional can recommend the best approach based on your structure, soil conditions, moisture issues, and level of activity.
Termite Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Whether you’re currently dealing with termites or just want to reduce your risk, prevention is critical. Helpful steps include:
- Reduce wood-to-soil contact: Keep siding, trim, and wood steps off the soil where possible. Use concrete or metal barriers between soil and wood.
- Control moisture: Fix leaky faucets and pipes, maintain proper drainage away from the foundation, and use dehumidifiers or crawlspace ventilation as recommended.
- Store firewood properly: Keep firewood, lumber, and landscape timbers off the ground and away from the foundation.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Caulk around utility lines, foundation cracks, and other small openings that can allow moisture and pests in.
- Schedule regular inspections: Professional termite inspections, especially in termite-prone areas, can detect activity early—before damage becomes extensive.
Using a combination of moisture control, structural maintenance, and regular inspections greatly reduces the likelihood of serious termite damage over time.
If you suspect termite activity or would like a professional opinion on your home’s risk, consider contacting a local, licensed termite control company for a thorough inspection and customized treatment plan.