When it comes to protecting your home, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket concerns—roof condition, plumbing, foundation. But there’s another threat that can quietly cause thousands in damage while staying completely out of sight: wood-destroying insects.
In places like East Tennessee, where humid summers and wooded landscapes are part of the charm, your home can become the perfect buffet for termites, carpenter ants, and other invasive pests. Here’s what you need to know to spot the signs early, protect your investment, and keep your home off the menu.
The Big Culprit: Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common—and destructive—species in Tennessee. They live underground and build mud tubes to reach wood above ground. These silent invaders can eat 24/7 and cause structural damage long before you realize they’re even there.
Signs of Termite Activity:
- Mud tubes along your foundation, walls, or crawlspace
- Discarded wings from swarmers near windows and doors
- Hollow-sounding or blistered wood
- Buckling floors or drooping drywall
Pro tip: Termites love moisture. Poor drainage, leaky spigots, and damp crawlspaces all raise the risk.
Other Home-Eating Pests
Carpenter Ants
They don’t eat wood like termites—but they excavate it to build nests. Over time, they can cause serious structural weakening, especially in moist or rotting wood.
Powderpost Beetles
These tiny insects lay eggs in exposed wood. Their larvae bore holes through the wood as they grow, leaving behind fine sawdust and exit holes that look like tiny pinpricks.
Carpenter Bees
Unlike honeybees, these solitary insects drill near-perfect holes in exposed wood (like fascia boards and decks) to lay eggs. Over time, their burrows can split and weaken boards.
How to Spot an Infestation (Before It’s Too Late)
- Inspect wood near your foundation, crawlspace, attic, and deck annually
- Look for bubbling paint or dark staining on drywall
- Listen for faint clicking or tapping inside walls
- Schedule a professional wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection, especially before buying or selling a home
How to Protect Your Home
- Keep Wood Dry: Repair leaks, maintain gutters, and ensure proper drainage
- Avoid Wood-to-Ground Contact: Deck posts, siding, and trim should sit above ground level and be properly sealed
- Declutter the Perimeter: Remove firewood, tree stumps, and mulch piles from around the house
- Seal Entry Points: Fill cracks in foundations and gaps around windows, vents, and pipes
- Use Treated Wood: For decks, fences, or additions, choose pressure-treated wood
- Schedule Annual Inspections: A licensed pest control company can monitor and treat if needed
Buying or Selling? Don’t Skip the Pest Inspection
In East Tennessee, a WDI report is often required during the home buying process—and for good reason. Infestations can impact a home’s value, delay closing, and cause serious safety concerns.
Sellers: It’s wise to have a pre-listing inspection and address any issues before they scare off buyers.
Buyers: Always ask for a termite inspection, especially in older homes or wooded lots.
Final Thoughts
Wood-destroying insects are silent, sneaky, and surprisingly common. But with the right maintenance, inspections, and awareness, you can keep them at bay and protect one of your greatest investments—your home.
If you’re unsure about what to look for or need trusted pest control referrals, I’m here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your property, a bug-free home is a smart, healthy home.
Need local termite experts or planning to sell your home soon? Let’s chat.
I’ve helped many East Tennessee homeowners navigate inspections and repairs to keep their sales smooth and stress-free.