7 Warning Signs You Might Have Termites
By Tammy Clanton · August 22, 2025
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to American homes every year, and Arkansas is one of the most termite-prone states in the country. The trouble is, termites work silently behind your walls, and by the time you notice the damage, it can be extensive. Here are seven warning signs every Whajimminy homeowner should watch for.
1. Mud Tubes on Your Foundation
Subterranean termites — the most common type in Arkansas — build pencil-sized mud tubes along your home's foundation to travel between their underground colony and your wood structures. If you see these tubes, you almost certainly have an active infestation.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on wooden beams, door frames, and window sills around your home. If the wood sounds hollow or papery, termites may have eaten it from the inside out. This is one of the most telltale signs of termite damage.
3. Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors
Termite swarmers (the reproductive members of a colony) shed their wings after finding a mate and a new nesting site. If you find piles of small, translucent wings on windowsills or near exterior doors, a colony may be nearby.
4. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
When termites damage wood beneath painted surfaces, moisture builds up between the paint and the wood, causing the paint to bubble, peel, or appear water-damaged — even when there's no water leak.
5. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-shaped droppings called frass. You might find small piles of what looks like sawdust or coffee grounds near wooden structures. This is a strong indicator of drywood termite activity.
6. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
As termites eat through door and window frames, the structural wood warps, making doors and windows difficult to open or close. If a door that used to swing freely is suddenly sticking, termites could be the culprit.
7. Visible Damage to Wood Structures
In advanced infestations, you may see actual damage — sagging floors, crumbling baseboards, or wood that breaks apart easily when probed. At this stage, it's critical to act fast.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
Don't panic, but don't wait either. The sooner you address a termite problem, the less damage they'll do. Bobby's Bug Hunters offers free termite inspections for homeowners in the Whajimminy area. We use the latest detection technology and can recommend the right treatment plan for your situation — whether that's a baiting system, liquid barrier treatment, or a combination of both.
Think you might have termites? Call Bobby's Bug Hunters at (555) 867-5309 to schedule your free inspection today. Protecting Whajimminy homes, one house at a time.