Termites cause more damage to homes than fires and storms combined, and they do it silently. In Tallahassee — humid, warm, tree-shaded, and home to both subterranean and drywood termites — they're a when-not-if concern rather than an if. Knowing the warning signs is how you catch them before they cost thousands.
The 7 signs to watch for
1. Mud tubes
Pencil-width tubes of mud running up your foundation, piers or crawl-space walls are the classic sign of subterranean termites, which build them to travel from the soil to your wood. See how to read mud tubes.
2. Swarmers and discarded wings
Winged termites (swarmers) around windows in spring, or small piles of identical discarded wings on sills and floors, mean a mature colony is nearby — often in or under your home. See termite swarmers.
3. Pellet piles (drywood termites)
Tiny, uniform, ridged pellets that look like coffee grounds or sawdust beneath wood trim signal drywood termites, which live inside the wood itself. See drywood vs subterranean.
4. Hollow-sounding or blistered wood
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or looks blistered/rippled, may be eaten out from the inside.
5. Sticking doors and windows
Termite damage and the moisture they bring can warp frames, making doors and windows suddenly stick.
6. Sagging or soft floors
Advanced damage to subfloors and joists.
7. Bubbling or peeling paint
Paint that bubbles like water damage can be termite activity beneath the surface.
Why Tallahassee is high-risk: our humidity, warm season, and abundant wood and mature trees create ideal termite conditions. Older neighborhoods like Betton Hills and Midtown see the most.
Quick answers
Can I have termites and not know it?
Absolutely — they work out of sight, and most homeowners don't notice until there's visible damage. That's why annual inspection matters here.
What should I do if I see a sign?
Don't disturb it and don't spray — get an inspection. Killing visible termites does nothing to the colony, and disturbing them can make them harder to treat.
How much does treatment cost?
It's quoted after inspection because it depends on method and home size. Catching it early is dramatically cheaper than repairing structural damage.
Seeing any of these? Book a free inspection and we'll confirm it and lay out your options — see termite control.
Dealing with this pest right now?
A free inspection identifies the pest, the entry points and an exact quote — in writing, with no obligation.