5 Signs You Have Termites in Your St. Augustine Home (And What to Do Next)

Florida's warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for termites to thrive. In fact, St. Augustine and Northeast Florida rank among the highest-risk areas for termite activity in the entire country. Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage nationwide—and most homeowner's insurance policies don't cover it.

The good news? Early detection can save you thousands in repair costs. Here are the five warning signs that termites may have invaded your St. Augustine home.

1. Mud Tubes on Your Foundation

Subterranean termites—the most common and destructive species in Florida—build mud tubes to travel between their underground colonies and your home. These pencil-sized tunnels are typically found along your foundation, in crawl spaces, or near pipes and utility lines.

What to look for: Brown or tan tubes running vertically along concrete, block, or brick surfaces. They may also appear on interior walls in severe infestations.

Pro tip: Break open a small section of the tube. If you see small, white insects inside, you have an active infestation and should contact a [professional termite treatment service](/services/termite-treatment) immediately.

2. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint on the surface. This means structural damage can be extensive before you notice any visible signs.

What to look for: Tap on wooden surfaces like door frames, baseboards, and window sills. If they sound hollow or papery, termites may have been feeding inside.

In Jacksonville and St. Augustine homes, pay special attention to areas where wood contacts the soil or where moisture accumulates—termites need both wood and water to survive.

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows and Doors

Every spring in Northeast Florida, termite colonies release "swarmers"—winged reproductive termites that fly off to start new colonies. After landing, they shed their wings.

What to look for: Piles of small, translucent wings near windowsills, door frames, or light fixtures. Swarms typically occur on warm days following rain, which is common during Florida's spring season. Check out our [spring pest control checklist](/blog/spring-pest-control-checklist-florida) for more seasonal tips.

Important: Many homeowners mistake termite swarmers for flying ants. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thick waist. Flying ants have bent antennae, unequal wings, and a pinched waist.

4. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites—another common species in Florida—push their fecal pellets out of tiny holes in the wood. This sawdust-like material is called frass.

What to look for: Small piles of what looks like wood-colored sawdust or coffee grounds near wooden structures. You may also notice tiny holes (about 1-2mm) in wood surfaces.

Unlike subterranean termites that need soil contact, drywood termites can infest any wooden structure in your home, including furniture, door frames, and roof framing.

5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

When termites feed close to the surface, moisture from their activity can cause paint to bubble, crack, or peel—similar to water damage.

What to look for: Unexplained paint damage on walls, especially near the foundation or in areas with no history of water leaks. The wood underneath may feel soft or spongy when pressed.

In humid St. Augustine weather, it's easy to blame paint problems on moisture alone. But if you're seeing bubbling paint combined with any other signs on this list, termites could be the culprit.

What to Do If You See These Signs

If you notice any of these warning signs, don't wait. Termite damage compounds quickly—what starts as a minor infestation can become a major structural problem within months.

Here's what we recommend:

1. Don't disturb the area. Disrupting termites can cause them to relocate, making treatment more difficult.
2. Document what you find. Take photos of any mud tubes, damaged wood, or wings you discover.
3. Call a professional immediately. DIY treatments rarely eliminate entire colonies and can actually make the problem worse.

At Bug Mechanix, we offer free termite inspections for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida homeowners. Our licensed technicians use advanced detection methods to identify termite activity and assess the extent of any damage. Learn more about our termite inspection and treatment services.

Protect Your St. Augustine Home

Termites never stop eating. The average termite colony consumes about one foot of 2x4 lumber per year—and mature colonies can contain hundreds of thousands of termites.

Whether you've spotted warning signs or just want peace of mind, a professional inspection is the best investment you can make in your home's structural integrity. Many homeowners find that regular pest control maintenance is the most cost-effective way to protect their property long-term.

Call Bug Mechanix today at (718) 873-7908 for your free termite inspection. We serve St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and all of Northeast Florida.