Most termite damage starts quietly. You might notice a soft spot in the floor or a window that suddenly sticks. By the time the signs become obvious, the problem is often much bigger than it looks.

In South Carolina, termites are a year-round threat. Whether you live near the coast or farther inland, understanding what termites look like and how their damage shows up can help you act fast before serious structural problems begin.

Here’s what to look for, what happens if you wait too long, and what steps to take if you think termites have already moved in.

What a Termite Looks Like and How to Spot One

Termites are often mistaken for ants, especially the winged swarmers. But if you look closely, termites have some key differences:

• Body shape: Termites have straight bodies without a narrow waist.
• Color: Workers are usually creamy white or translucent. Swarmers are dark brown or black.
• Wings: Termites have four wings that are the same size and much longer than their body.
• Antennae: Termite antennae are straight or slightly curved, not elbowed like an ant’s.

If you see insects like this around your baseboards, window sills, or vents, you’re probably dealing with termites, not ants.

And if you see only their wings? That’s actually worse. Swarmers shed them after settling in to form a new colony. The wings are often the first clue homeowners notice.

What Termite Damage Looks Like

The most common termite species in South Carolina is the Eastern subterranean termite. They live underground and build mud tubes to reach wooden structures above the soil. They rarely come out into the open, which is why their damage often goes unnoticed.

Signs of termite damage:

• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Blistering or bubbling under paint
• Cracked or warped baseboards
• Small pinpoint holes in drywall or wood
• Mud tubes on foundation walls or joists
• Droppings that look like tiny brown pellets or sawdust
• Soft spots in the flooring or sagging wood trim

According to Clemson University’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, a warm and moist climate increases termite pressure throughout the year. This is especially true in homes with high humidity, wood-to-soil contact, or aging crawlspaces.

What might start as one small damaged board can quickly spread to structural supports, subflooring, and even interior walls if not addressed.

Early Warning Signs Homeowners Miss

Most termite infestations are discovered by accident. You might be renovating a room or having another repair done when you peel back drywall or flooring and find extensive tunneling underneath.

That’s because termite damage is often hidden beneath the surface. Their goal is to eat wood from the inside out while remaining protected from light and air.

Some of the most commonly overlooked early signs include:

• Tiny holes near window trim or baseboards
• Bubbling paint or warped flooring
• A faint clicking or chewing sound in quiet rooms
• Discarded wings on windowsills or porches
• A door that suddenly won’t close properly

In houses with crawlspaces or old wood siding, these clues are even easier to miss. By the time damage becomes visible in the living space, the colony has likely been active for months.

What Happens If You Ignore It?

Termite damage doesn’t pause. A single colony can contain 60,000 to 1 million workers, and they eat wood around the clock. Even a small infestation can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage in less than a year.

Ignoring the problem may lead to:

• Weakened support beams
• Subfloor collapse
• Interior wall damage
• Compromised roof framing
• Sagging door and window frames
• Expensive mold growth from moisture buildup

The National Pest Management Association estimates that termite damage costs U.S. homeowners over $5 billion annually. Most insurance policies do not cover it.

In South Carolina, where both subterranean and drywood termites are active, the risk is especially high for older homes, coastal properties, and houses with wood-based siding or unsealed crawlspaces.

Why DIY Treatments Aren’t Enough

Termite colonies are complex. Killing visible bugs won’t eliminate the queen or reach the full network of tunnels. Store-bought sprays might offer temporary relief, but they rarely solve the root of the issue.

Professional termite treatments are designed to:

• Kill the colony at the source
• Penetrate deep into soil or wood
• Prevent reentry with long-term barriers
• Monitor high-risk areas over time

At Precision Pest and Home Services, we inspect every inch of the structure, including the attic, crawlspace, siding, and exterior grading, to find the exact source of the infestation and apply the right treatment for your home and region.

Related Questions

How do I know if it’s termite damage or just water damage?
Water damage usually looks darker and may feel wet or soft, but it doesn’t include droppings, mud tubes, or hollow tunnels inside wood. If you’re not sure, have both checked. Water and termites can show up in the same spot.

Can termites spread from my neighbor’s house?
Yes. Subterranean termites can travel underground across yards and foundations, especially if they find moisture or wood nearby. Treating your home’s perimeter is key if neighbors have had issues.

Are termite inspections required when buying a home?
In South Carolina, many lenders require a wood-destroying insect report (WDIR) during the home-buying process. Even if it’s not required, getting one can prevent surprises later.

How often should my home be inspected?
We recommend annual termite inspections, especially in South Carolina. If you live in a wooded area or have a history of infestations, a biannual check is even better.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve spotted signs of damage or aren’t sure whether termites are to blame, now is the time to schedule a professional inspection. Even a small area of hidden damage can point to a larger colony at work behind the scenes.

At Precision Pest and Home Services, we don’t just treat visible signs. We inspect the full structure (inside and out), including crawlspaces, support beams, and moisture-prone areas where termites are most active in South Carolina homes. Our team is trained to identify both current infestations and early-stage conditions that attract termites in the first place.

We tailor every treatment plan to the home’s construction, location, and risk level, so you’re not left with a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s your first inspection or part of your long-term prevention plan, we help you act with confidence and stop damage before it spreads.

Final Thoughts

Termite damage doesn’t always look dramatic, but once it starts, it spreads fast. Learning what termites and their destruction look like up close can help you catch problems before they turn into costly structural repairs.

Whether you’re already seeing signs or just want to stay ahead of potential problems, Precision Pest and Home Services is ready to help. We treat homes with care, attention to detail, and the right tools to stop termite activity at the source.

Request your termite inspection today and protect what matters most.