Spring is a beautiful time in Texas and Oklahoma—blooming flowers, warmer weather, and the perfect season for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it's also when termites become most active. These destructive pests work quietly behind the scenes, often causing significant damage before homeowners even realize there's a problem. Knowing the early warning signs can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs and protect your most important investment.

Why Early Detection Matters

Termites feed on wood and cellulose materials, working silently within your walls and beneath your foundation. Because their activity is hidden, infestations can go undetected for months. Early detection means less damage and more affordable treatment.

Common Early-Season Warning Signs

Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors

One of the most telltale signs of termite activity appears in early spring. After mating, termite swarmers shed their wings, leaving them in small piles near light sources, windowsills, and doorways. If you notice these delicate, translucent wings around your home, it's a strong indicator that a colony is nearby or already established.

In Houston, swarms of Formosan "super termites" are often seen at night around Mother's Day, making this an especially critical time to stay vigilant.

Mud Tubes on Foundation Walls

Subterranean termites, the most common type in our region, build mud tubes to travel between their underground nests and food sources. These pencil-thin tunnels appear on foundation walls, crawl spaces, and other areas where the ground meets your home. Check your basement and exterior walls regularly for these brown, dried-mud pathways.

Hollow-Sounding Wood

Tap on wooden surfaces throughout your home, including beams, pillars, furniture, and support structures. If the wood sounds hollow or feels weak when you push against it, termites may have eaten away the interior. This is particularly important to check in attics, basements, and zones near plumbing where moisture attracts these pests.

Wood-Colored or Dark Brown Pellets

Drywood termites leave behind small, wood-colored or dark brown pellets that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. These are actually termite droppings. If you find these pellets near wooden furniture, window frames, or baseboards, inspect the surrounding wood carefully for signs of infestation.

Visible Damage to Wood Structures

Look for wood that appears blistered, damaged, or easily crumbles when probed. You might notice that painted or stained surfaces seem uneven or bubbled. If you can push a screwdriver into wood with little resistance, this suggests the interior has been compromised by termite activity.

Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

Termites produce moisture when tunneling through wood, which can cause doors and windows to warp or become difficult to open. While this could be caused by humidity, it's worth investigating further if you notice this issue combined with other warning signs.

Areas to Inspect Regularly

Foundation beams and crawl spaces using a flashlight and screwdriver to check for hollow sounds
Attics and basements, where moisture levels tend to be higher
Areas near plumbing, including under sinks, around water heaters, and near bathroom fixtures
Wood-to-ground contact points, such as deck supports, fence posts, and exterior stairs
Stored firewood and lumber that's been sitting for extended periods

What to Do If You Spot Warning Signs

If you discover any early warning signs, act quickly. The sooner you address termites, the less damage and expense you'll face. At Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, our licensed technicians conduct detailed inspections to identify termite species and assess infestations. We develop thoughtful strategies using liquid treatments to create protective barriers or advanced Sentricon® baiting systems that eliminate entire colonies.

Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Fix water leaks and ensure proper drainage
Keep firewood and mulch away from your foundation
Trim vegetation near your home
Seal gaps around utility lines
Maintain ventilation in crawl spaces
Schedule annual professional inspections

Protect Your Home with Professional Termite Control

Texas and Oklahoma's warm climates create ideal conditions for termites year-round. At Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, we've been protecting homes since 1996 with safe, effective termite control solutions that are tough on pests but gentle on people, pets, and the planet.

Don't wait until you see visible damage. If you notice any warning signs or simply want peace of mind, our team is ready to help with comprehensive termite protection designed to defend your home from the ground up.

For termite control in Texas and Oklahoma, call Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control at (888) 840-5806 or contact us online to schedule your free inspection and estimate.

Early-Season Warning Signs of Termites: What Texas and Oklahoma Homeowners Need to Know