How to Tell If You Have Termites in Your Memphis Home

Are Termites Damaging Your Memphis Home Without You Knowing It?

If you’ve noticed strange wood damage, hollow-sounding walls, or what looks like sawdust near your baseboards, you could be dealing with a termite infestation. Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the South — especially in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett, where the warm, humid climate makes the perfect breeding ground.

The problem? Termites often work silently and out of sight, meaning by the time you see obvious signs, they’ve likely already caused thousands of dollars in damage.

This guide will walk you through how to spot termite activity early, how to confirm an infestation, and what to do next — including when to call Memphis Pest Shield, your local experts in termite inspection and control.

What Are the Most Common Signs of Termites in Memphis Homes?

When people search online or ask their smart speakers “How do I know if I have termites?”, these are the warning signs that typically come up — and every Memphis homeowner should recognize them:

Visible Warning Signs

• Hollow or soft-sounding wood: Tap on baseboards, floors, or wooden trim. If it sounds hollow or gives easily, termites could be eating from the inside out.
• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites (common in Memphis) build pencil-sized tunnels made of mud along foundations, crawl spaces, and walls to protect themselves from air exposure.
• Discarded wings: After swarming season (usually spring), termites shed their wings near windowsills, doors, or lights.
• Frass (termite droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored pellets near damaged areas.
• Bubbling paint or warped wood: Termite damage often resembles water damage because they introduce moisture as they tunnel.

If you’ve spotted even one of these, it’s time for a professional termite inspection — because the damage can progress quickly.

How Do Termites Get Into Memphis Homes?

Understanding how termites enter helps you prevent future infestations.

Common Entry Points

1. Foundation cracks: Even a crack as small as 1/32 inch can allow subterranean termites in.
2. Soil-to-wood contact: Deck posts, siding, or door frames that touch the ground are open invitations.
3. Moisture problems: Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, or damp crawl spaces attract termites.
4. Mulch too close to the house: Termites thrive in moist, decaying wood — keep mulch 12–18 inches away from your foundation.

Because of Memphis’s humidity and clay-rich soil, homes here are especially prone to subterranean termite issues.

How to Confirm Termite Activity: DIY Clues vs. Professional Inspections

Many homeowners try to spot termites themselves — but professional inspections go much deeper.

DIY Termite Check

You can:

• Knock on exposed wood to check for hollow spots
• Inspect crawl spaces and baseboards for mud tubes
• Look for piles of discarded wings

However, termite damage often hides behind walls, under floors, and inside foundations, where the average homeowner can’t see.

Why a Professional Termite Inspection Matters

A licensed pest control technician from Memphis Pest Shield uses specialized moisture meters, infrared cameras, and experience to detect even subtle termite activity.

They’ll identify:

• The species of termite
• The extent of the infestation
• The best treatment option (bait system vs. liquid barrier vs. spot treatment)

What Does Termite Damage Cost in Memphis?

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year, and homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it.

In Memphis, minor infestations might cost a few hundred dollars to treat — but widespread structural damage can cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more to repair.

That’s why early detection is essential. The sooner you schedule a professional inspection, the more likely you are to stop the problem before it becomes a financial disaster.

How Memphis Pest Shield Protects Your Home from Termites

When you call Memphis Pest Shield, you get more than just a surface-level treatment — you get a full protection plan designed for Memphis conditions.

Our Proven Termite Control Process:

1. Comprehensive inspection: We identify termite species and map out affected areas.
2. Custom treatment plan: Whether it’s baiting, barrier treatment, or localized control, we tailor it to your property.
3. Ongoing monitoring: Our termite protection plans include regular inspections and follow-up visits to prevent future issues.
4. Eco-friendly options: We use industry-leading, family-safe solutions that protect your home and the environment.

Serving Greater Memphis

We proudly protect homes across:

• Memphis
• Germantown
• Collierville
• Bartlett
• Cordova
• Southaven, MS
• Olive Branch, MS

Wherever you are in the Mid-South, Memphis Pest Shield delivers trusted, long-lasting termite protection.

FAQs About Termite Infestations in Memphis