How to Tell If Termites Are Active or Gone
Not sure if those suspicious wood shavings, mud tubes, or wall noises are signs of a current infestation — or just leftovers from the past? You’re not alone. Many homeowners deal with termite damage long after the colony has packed up and moved on. The key is learning how to distinguish between active and inactive termite activity.
In this guide, we’ll break down the telltale signs of ongoing termite problems, how to rule out old damage, and why professional inspections are the safest way to get peace of mind.
Why It’s Important to Know the Difference
Termites are sneaky, silent, and often invisible until the damage is already extensive. If you’ve had termite issues in the past — or just suspect something might be happening behind your walls — it’s important to confirm whether the threat is active.
Why? Because if termites are still around, they’re still feeding. And every day of delay can mean more structural damage and costly repairs.
On the other hand, if they’re long gone, you may only need a cosmetic fix or preventive maintenance — not a full-blown treatment.
Signs of an Active Termite Infestation
Here are the key signs that termites are still present and actively damaging your home:
1. Fresh Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build pencil-width tunnels along walls and foundations to stay moist and protected while traveling. If those tubes are:
- Moist or soft to the touch
- Rebuilt after being scraped off
…they’re likely active. Dry or brittle tubes that remain broken often signal an inactive colony.
2. Live Termites
If you break open a wall, wood beam, or mud tube and spot small, creamy-white insects with soft bodies — you’re looking at live termites. A major red flag.
3. Clicking Noises in Walls
Soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies when the colony is disturbed. If you hear faint tapping or clicking inside your walls, that’s a strong indicator that termites are alive and communicating.
4. Fresh Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind piles of tiny wood-colored pellets that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. Fresh droppings around entry points, windowsills, or floors are a sign of ongoing activity.
5. New Damage to Wood
If your wood sounds hollow, crumbles easily, or has blistering paint — and the damage wasn’t there before — it may be fresh evidence of termite feeding.
Signs That Termites Are Gone
Now let’s flip it. If you’re noticing these conditions, the termites may have already left the building:
- Mud tubes that stay broken and don’t get rebuilt
- No visible insects when probing damaged areas
- No recent frass or droppings accumulating
- Damage looks weathered, aged, or hasn’t changed in appearance for months
- A previous treatment was performed and there’s been no new activity since
Still, it’s important to note: termite damage doesn’t go away just because the termites do. Even if the infestation is inactive, the structural risks may remain.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters
Even if you’re fairly sure the signs are old, it’s never a bad idea to get a professional opinion — especially when it comes to termites.
At Specter Pest Control, we use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and physical inspection techniques to check beneath the surface. We’ll identify whether termites are active, how extensive the damage is, and what next steps (if any) are needed.
For homeowners who’ve had treatments in the past, we also offer monitoring services and follow-up inspections to make sure the problem stays gone.
Protecting Your Home Going Forward
Whether you’re dealing with a current infestation or just want to make sure it doesn’t return, prevention is key:
- Reduce moisture around the home, especially near the foundation
- Store firewood off the ground and away from exterior walls
- Seal cracks and gaps in siding, vents, and windows
- Schedule annual termite inspections — even if you don’t see obvious signs
Specter Pest Control specializes in proactive, eco-conscious termite treatments that protect your home long-term.
Schedule Your Termite Inspection Today
Not sure if your termite problem is past or present? Let us help. Specter Pest Control provides honest, thorough inspections and solutions tailored to your home.
Schedule your free home inspection today and get clarity from your local termite pros.
