Signs You Have Termites in Your Crestview FL Home
Termites cause more structural damage annually than fires, floods, and storms combined — and most homeowners don't notice them until the damage is done. Here are the signs to look for in Crestview, FL homes, and what to do immediately if you find them.
7 Warning Signs of Termites
1. Mud Tubes on Foundation Walls
Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes along foundations and walls to travel between soil and wood while staying protected from air. If you see these on your exterior walls, slab edges, or in your crawl space — you have termites.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on baseboards, door frames, and window sills. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell. A hollow sound where there should be solid wood is a red flag.
3. Discarded Swarmers' Wings
Termite swarmers (reproductives) shed their wings after finding a new nesting site. Small piles of translucent wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures indicate a swarm has recently occurred — meaning a new colony may be establishing.
4. Bubbling or Uneven Paint
This can look like water damage but is often caused by moisture termites produce while eating through wood. Check door frames and walls near the foundation first.
5. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
Termite damage causes wood to warp. If doors or windows that used to operate smoothly are suddenly stiff, it can be an early structural sign.
6. Visible Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites push their droppings out of small holes — small piles of what looks like sawdust or coffee grounds near wood surfaces.
7. Clicking Sounds in Walls
Soldier termites bang their heads against wood to signal danger. If you put your ear near a wall and hear faint clicking — that's them.
What to Do If You Find Signs of Termites
Don't wait. Termite colonies grow rapidly — a mature Formosan termite colony can contain over one million workers and cause tens of thousands of dollars in structural damage within months.
Call Cadenhead Services immediately at (850) 682-4333 for a termite inspection. We'll identify the species, assess the damage, and recommend the right treatment.
Why We Use Sentricon — Not Just Liquid
Liquid termiticides create a chemical barrier around your home, but they don't eliminate the colony. Sentricon bait systems eliminate the queen and the entire colony — including termites that never contacted your home. It's the difference between blocking a leak and fixing the pipe.
Cadenhead Services is a Certified Sentricon Specialist serving Crestview and all of Okaloosa County. FL License JB365.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does termite treatment cost in Crestview FL?
Treatment costs vary based on home size, infestation severity, and treatment type. Call (850) 682-4333 for a free inspection and quote.
Are termites common in Crestview FL?
Yes. Northwest Florida's warm, humid climate and sandy soil make it one of the highest-risk termite zones in the country. Subterranean and Formosan termites are both active in Okaloosa County.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover termite damage?
Most standard policies do not cover termite damage — it's considered a preventable maintenance issue. This makes proactive protection even more critical.
