Straight answers from a licensed New York exterminator and Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) — serving all five boroughs, in English and Spanish.
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Quick answer: Termite damage usually shows up as wood that sounds hollow when tapped, blistered or buckling floors, paint that looks water-damaged (bubbling or peeling), pencil-width mud tubes on foundations and walls, sagging drywall, and doors or windows that suddenly stick. Because subterranean termites (the NYC type) eat wood from the inside out, the surface can look fine while the interior is hollowed along the grain.
The most common signs of termite damage
- Hollow-sounding wood: tap baseboards, door frames, and studs — a papery or hollow sound means the inside may be eaten away.
- Mud tubes: pencil-thick mud tunnels running up foundations, basement walls, or crawl spaces — subterranean termites build these to travel from soil to wood.
- Blistered or sagging floors: areas that feel spongy, look water-damaged, or buckle.
- Paint and drywall: bubbling, peeling, or tiny pinholes — damage that mimics water leaks.
- Sticking doors/windows: as termites damage frames, openings warp and jam.
- Shed wings or frass: piles of equal-length wings (subterranean) near windows after a swarm.
Why termite damage is easy to miss
Termites work silently inside walls, subfloors, and framing, often for months or years before signs surface. By the time floors sag or paint bubbles, the damage can be significant. That’s why NYC home sales and refinances frequently require a WDO (wood-destroying organism) / termite inspection letter — see our WDO inspection & termite letter.
See any of these signs? Damage compounds, so a prompt inspection protects both your structure and your home’s value. New York Exterminating’s NYC termite inspection & treatment is led by an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). Call (347) 210-4646. Not sure it’s termites? See what termites look like.
A Brooklyn-based, NYSDEC-registered company (Reg. #15140) led by Jorge Bedoya, an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). For termites, NYE provides termite inspection and targeted treatment with documented findings. ACE-led work comes with a client portal of service reports and photos, fully bilingual service, and no long-term contract.
Termite Damage — FAQ
How can I tell if it’s termite damage or water damage?
They look similar (bubbling paint, sagging wood). Termite damage often comes with mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or shed wings, and the wood is eaten along the grain. An inspection confirms the cause.
How fast do termites cause damage?
It varies, but a colony can work for months or years undetected, so damage tends to be cumulative. Early detection greatly limits the cost.
Can I see termite damage from the outside?
Sometimes — mud tubes on the foundation, blistered paint, or sagging trim are visible — but much of the damage is internal, which is why professional inspection matters.
Do I need a termite inspection to sell my home in NYC?
Many lenders and buyers require a WDO/termite letter as part of the transaction. We provide these inspections and reports.
