Found Possible Termite Damage? Start With an Inspection

Reviewed September 16, 2026.​

Possible termite damage deserves an inspection. It does not need a frightening estimate of how many inches of lumber a colony might eat. The extent of damage depends on the species, colony, conditions and length of activity, and cannot be established from a photograph alone.

What to record

Photograph suspected mud tubes, swarmers, discarded wings or damaged wood. Note the room and when you first noticed the sign. Avoid covering the area with paint or repair work before it has been assessed, unless an urgent safety repair is needed.

Moisture problems and wood-to-soil contact are worth checking, but fixing a leak does not prove that an existing infestation has ended. An inspection should distinguish observed activity, evidence of past activity and areas that could not be accessed.

What to ask before treatment

Ask which parts of the building will be treated, what preparation is needed, what is included in the price, and what monitoring or follow-up is proposed. Any warranty should be in writing, including its duration and exclusions.

Pest treatment and structural repair are separate tasks. If a floor, stair or support appears weakened, keep people away and arrange an assessment by an appropriate building professional. Treatment does not restore damaged timber.

Call (201) 798-0087 or use Request service to describe a suspected termite problem in Northern New Jersey.

Source: EPA guidance on termite identification and control.