What to look for
- Pencil-width mud tubes on foundation walls or crawl-space framing
- Discarded wings near windowsills and doors, typically in spring
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Paint that looks bubbled or rippled over wood
- Swarming insects indoors that could be mistaken for flying ants
Termites versus flying ants
- Termite swarmers have straight antennae; ants have elbowed antennae
- Termites have a broad waist; ants have a pinched waist
- Termite wings are roughly equal in length; ant hind wings are shorter
Why this is an inspection matter
Termite questions are structural questions. Rather than guessing, most homeowners have a qualified provider inspect and put findings in writing.