Signs of Termites in Long Island Homes (and What to Do)
Termites are the single most destructive pest threat to Long Island homes. Older housing stock in Nassau and Suffolk County, mature landscaping, and damp coastal soil create perfect conditions for subterranean termite colonies. Catching the signs early can save tens of thousands in structural repair.
The Seven Clearest Signs of Termites in a Long Island Home
1. Mud Tubes on Foundation Walls
Subterranean termites build pencil-thin mud tubes from the soil to the wood inside your home. Check basement walls, the outside of the foundation, crawlspaces, and around piers. Even broken or abandoned tubes mean the colony is — or was — active.
2. Spring Termite Swarms
Every spring, mature colonies release winged reproductives. Long Island swarms typically peak in April and May. If you see clouds of winged insects near windows, doors, or porch lights, you may have a colony nearby.
3. Discarded Wings on Windowsills
After swarming, termites shed their wings. Small piles of nearly identical wings on windowsills, in spider webs, or along baseboards are a strong sign of an active colony.
4. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap suspect wood with a screwdriver handle. Termite-damaged wood sounds hollow because the inside has been eaten away while the surface remains intact.
5. Sticking Doors and Windows
Termite damage warps wood frames. If a door or window suddenly sticks for no clear reason — and there's no humidity change to explain it — termites could be the cause.
6. Bubbling or Damaged Paint
Paint that bubbles, peels, or looks water-damaged on walls without any leak is a warning sign. Termites moving through wood behind drywall create moisture and pressure that damages the finish.
7. Frass Below Wood Beams
Drywood termites push out small piles of pellet-shaped frass (fecal pellets) below infested wood. Subterranean termites don't produce frass — but in either case, fine sawdust-like material is a red flag.
What to Do If You See Any of These Signs
Don't wait. A termite colony can damage structural wood within months. Schedule a free termite inspection immediately, or read our 2026 Long Island termite treatment cost guide to understand what comes next.