5 Telltale Signs of Termites in Your South Carolina Home

Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage every year, working silently and hidden from view. But even the most secretive colonies leave behind critical evidence.

To prevent costly structural damage, you must recognize the physical signs of an infestation. The five most urgent signs of termites in SC are:

If you observe any of these symptoms, immediate action is essential. Knowing what to look for is your best defense. Below, we break down each sign to help you protect your home.

1. Mud Tubes Along Your Foundation

This is the single most reliable indicator of active subterranean termites.

What they are: Mud tubes are narrow, protective tunnels built from soil, wood particles, and termite saliva. They shield the termites from open air and predators (like ants) while allowing them to travel safely between the moist soil and the wood in your home.

Where to look for Termite Mud Tubes:

• Foundation walls (interior and exterior)
• Brick, cinder block, or crawlspace piers
• Exterior siding, especially near the ground
• Garage walls and baseboards

Action Tip: If you see an intact mud tube, you have an active colony. Do not disturb it. Call for a professional termite inspection immediately.

2. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Termites are masters of stealth, eating wood from the inside out and leaving only a thin veneer of paint or surface wood.

How to check:

• Tap on baseboards, door frames, window sills, and floorboards with the handle of a screwdriver.
• If the wood sounds hollow, or if you can easily press a finger into the surface, it’s a strong indicator of termite feeding.
• The Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that when damaged wood is broken open, subterranean termites often leave a distinctive, layered or ribbed appearance inside, where they have eaten along the grain. 

3. Discarded Wings (Alates) or Swarmers

Termite swarmers (alates) are the winged reproductives that leave the colony to start new ones. They shed their wings shortly after finding a new nesting site.

What to look for:

• Small, brittle piles of discarded wings are often found near windows, sliding doors, porch lights, or caught in spider webs.
• Key Identification: Termite wings are all uniform in size and shape, unlike flying ant wings, which are typically different sizes.
• In SC, swarming can start as early as February for Eastern Subterranean termites and can happen year-round for the highly destructive Formosan termites.

4. Bubbling Paint or Warped Drywall

Many homeowners mistakenly attribute bubbling, peeling paint, or warped drywall to plumbing or condensation issues; however, termites have been known to cause the paint and drywall to bubble and warp, making termite damage look exactly like a leak.

5. Soft Clicking or Tapping Sounds

While subtle, some homeowners report hearing soft, almost imperceptible clicking or tapping coming from their walls.

Termite soldiers sometimes bang their hard heads against tunnel walls to signal danger or to warn the rest of the colony. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from a wooden element of your home, it warrants further investigation.

What to Do If You See Any Termite Signs

If you see any of these termite signs in SC, do not disturb the area. Disturbing the mud tubes or damaged wood may cause the colony to retreat deeper into your home, making detection and treatment more difficult.

Instead, follow these critical steps:

1. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

Titan Termite & Pest Control uses advanced tools, including moisture meters and thermal imaging, to accurately identify damage, locate active tunnels, and pinpoint the colony's location. We are trained to differentiate termite damage from other wood-destroying organisms

2. Get a Full Termite Treatment Plan

For South Carolina homes, the gold standard in termite control includes a comprehensive approach tailored to your property:

• Sentricon® Baiting System: Providing continuous, non-intrusive monitoring and colony elimination.
• Soil Treatments: Strategic application of professional-grade termiticides around the foundation.
• Preventive Monitoring and Annual Bonds.

3. Protect Your Home Long-Term

Because SC’s climate ensures termite risk never goes away, the best defense is ongoing professional protection and monitoring.

Protect Your SC Home Before the Damage Spreads

Whether you’ve noticed mud tubes, discarded wings, or suspicious wood damage, early action saves thousands of dollars and protects your home’s structural integrity.

Titan Termite & Pest Control offers fast, thorough, and affordable termite inspections for homeowners across South Carolina.

Think you have termites? Don’t wait. → Request your professional inspection from Titan Termite Control today!