Detecting termites early is essential to preventing extensive structural damage. Here are key indicators that termites may already be present in your home:

1. Winged Termites and Discarded Wings
   Termites reproduce by swarming, meaning that groups of winged termites—known as swarmers or alates—leave their colonies to start new ones. If you notice discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures, it could be a sign that termites have already entered your home.

2. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundations
   Subterranean termites construct small, tube-like structures from soil, saliva, and wood particles to stay moist while traveling between their nests and food sources. These mud tubes are commonly found along foundations, walls, or crawl spaces and indicate active infestation.

3. Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood
   Since termites feed on wood from the inside out, they often leave behind a thin outer shell, making it difficult to detect damage until it becomes severe. If you tap on wooden structures and hear a hollow sound or notice crumbling wood, termites may be the cause.

4. Bubbling or Uneven Paint
   When termites burrow through wood, they create moisture buildup beneath surfaces. This can cause paint to bubble, peel, or appear uneven, mimicking water damage. If there is no obvious source of water leakage, termites could be the culprit.

5. Droppings (Frass) From Drywood Termites
   Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not rely on soil for moisture. Instead, they push out small, pellet-like droppings (frass) from their tunnels. Finding tiny mounds of these wood-colored pellets inside or around your home suggests an active infestation.

6. Doors and Windows Becoming Hard to Open or Close
   Wood affected by termites can warp due to internal damage and moisture accumulation. If doors or windows suddenly start sticking or misaligning, termites might be weakening the wooden frames.

7. Soft Clicking or Tapping Noises in Walls
   Soldier termites create a faint tapping or clicking noise by banging their heads against tunnels to communicate with the colony. If you place your ear close to an infested wall, you may hear these subtle sounds of termite activity.

8. Sightings of Live Termites
   While termites often remain hidden, a visible swarm inside or around your home is a clear warning sign. These small, pale insects are rarely seen unless their colony is disturbed or they are actively seeking a new nesting site.

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