What is a major sign of an active termite infestation?

A major sign of an active termite infestation is the presence of visible mud tubes. Mud tubes are constructed by termites as a means of protecting themselves while they travel between their colony and food sources, typically wood. These tubes are made from soil, wood particles, and termite saliva, creating a protective path that allows termites to avoid exposure to the air, which can dehydrate them.

Finding these tubes, often located along foundations, inside walls, or near wooden structures, directly indicates that the termites are actively feeding and working in the vicinity, suggesting a significant infestation. The visibility of these tubes is a strong indicator of the presence of termites, as they are essential for the survival and movement of the colony.

While the presence of wings on windowsills may indicate prior swarming activity and dusty trails can suggest the presence of pests, these signs are less direct than visible mud tubes, which confirm ongoing activity. Unusual odors can be associated with various wood-destroying organisms, but they do not specifically indicate termite activity in the same concrete way that the observation of mud tubes does.