Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States, causing an estimated $5 billion in property damage every year. What makes them especially dangerous is that they work silently — by the time most homeowners notice the damage, termites may have been feeding on structural wood for months or even years. In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for subterranean termites, the most common and damaging species in our region.
At Bowling Green Pest Control, we've treated homes where termite damage was extensive and could have been prevented with earlier detection. Here are the key warning signs every homeowner should know.
Mud Tubes on Your Foundation
Subterranean termites build mud tubes — pencil-width tunnels made of soil, wood particles, and saliva — to travel between their underground colony and the wood they feed on. These tubes protect them from open air and predators. You'll most often find them running vertically along foundation walls, piers, and crawlspace supports.
If you see mud tubes on your home's exterior or interior foundation, it's a strong indicator of an active or recent termite infestation. Even if the tubes appear dry or old, it's worth having a professional inspection — termites may have simply moved to a new entry point.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber (or paint) on the surface. Tap on baseboards, door frames, window sills, and structural beams. If the wood sounds hollow or papery, termites may have consumed the interior. In advanced cases, you can press a screwdriver into the wood and it will sink in easily.
Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors
Termite swarmers (also called alates) are reproductive termites that leave the colony to start new ones. They typically swarm in spring after a warm rain. After landing, they shed their wings. Finding small piles of translucent, equal-length wings near windowsills, light fixtures, or doorways is a telltale sign that a termite colony is nearby — possibly inside your walls.
Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants. The key difference: termite swarmers have straight antennae, a uniform waist, and wings of equal length. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and wings of different lengths.
Bubbling or Peeling Paint
When termites feed close to the surface of walls, the moisture they introduce can cause paint to bubble, peel, or appear water-damaged — even when there's no plumbing leak. If you notice unexplained paint damage, especially near the base of walls, it's worth investigating further.
Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites — less common in Bowling Green but still present — push their droppings (called frass) out of tiny holes in the wood. Frass looks like small piles of sawdust or coffee grounds near wooden structures. If you find unexplained fine wood-colored debris, have a professional take a look.
Doors and Windows That Stick
As termites consume wood in door frames and window frames, the structural integrity changes. Doors and windows may begin to stick, warp, or become difficult to open and close. While this can also be caused by humidity or foundation settling, it's worth considering termites as a possible cause, especially if combined with other signs on this list.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
If you notice any of these warning signs, don't delay. Termite damage only gets worse with time, and it is not typically covered by homeowner's insurance. A professional inspection can confirm whether termites are present and determine the extent of any damage.
Visit our services page to learn more about how we handle termite problems in Kentucky homes.