Signs of Termites in a Coastal Home
Mud tubes, swarms and hollow wood: how to spot Formosan and subterranean termites before they cost you thousands.
Termites are the most expensive pest a Galveston homeowner can ignore, and the coast makes it worse. The Gulf Coast is home to the Formosan subterranean termite, the most aggressive termite in the country, and the island's humidity plus its older wood-frame homes are exactly what it wants. The trouble is that termites work silently, so by the time damage is obvious, the colony has often been feeding for years. Here is how to catch them early.
1. Mud tubes on the foundation
Subterranean termites build pencil-width tunnels of mud to travel from the soil to the wood without drying out. Check the foundation, piers and crawl space for these tubes. They are one of the clearest signs of an active colony.
2. Swarmers and discarded wings
In spring, especially after warm rain, termites swarm to start new colonies. If you see clouds of winged insects or find piles of small, equal-length wings on windowsills and near doors, a colony is nearby.
3. Hollow or blistered wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out. Tap suspect trim, baseboards or framing, if it sounds hollow or the surface looks blistered or papery, that is a warning sign worth an inspection.
4. Sticking doors and windows
As termites tunnel and introduce moisture, wood warps, and doors or windows that suddenly stick can be a subtle clue, especially in older island homes where you might blame the humidity.
5. Frass from drywood termites
Drywood termites push out tiny, pellet-like droppings called frass, which pile up like coarse sawdust below infested wood. Finding it near baseboards or window frames is a sign to look closer.
Why coastal homes are higher risk
Humidity, moisture from storms and flooding, and the Strand and East End's century-old wood all raise the odds in Galveston. If you see any of these signs, do not wait, early treatment is a fraction of the cost of structural repair. A local pro can perform a wood-destroying insect inspection. For more on identifying termites, see Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, then call 409-220-0140 or read about our termite control service.