How to Spot Early Signs of a Termite Infestation in North Myrtle Beach

Common Termite Signs in North Myrtle Beach

Termites are one of the most destructive pests in coastal South Carolina, and North Myrtle Beach homeowners are especially at risk. The warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for subterranean termites to thrive year-round. Knowing the early signs of termite activity can help you act quickly and prevent costly structural damage.

If you’ve noticed unusual wood damage or small insect wings near your home, it is time to hire a North Myrtle Beach termite exterminator.

1. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundations

One of the clearest signs of a termite infestation is the appearance of mud tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are built by subterranean termites to travel safely between their colony and food source.

You’ll often find them:

• Along your foundation walls
• Behind baseboards or drywall
• In crawl spaces or near wooden beams

Because North Myrtle Beach homes often have high moisture levels and crawl space foundations, mud tubes are particularly common. If you break one open and see small, white insects inside, you likely have an active infestation.

2. Hollow or Damaged Wood

Termites feed from the inside out, which means wood can appear solid while being hollow underneath. Lightly tap wooden surfaces with a screwdriver or hammer handle. If it sounds hollow or crumbles easily, it could indicate termite damage.

Common areas to inspect include:

• Window sills and door frames
• Support beams and subfloors
• Wooden decks, porches, and fencing

In coastal communities like North Myrtle Beach, moisture-softened wood becomes an easy target for termites, especially around decks and porches exposed to sea air.

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors

When termites swarm, they shed their wings shortly after finding a new nesting site. These small, translucent wings are often mistaken for ant wings but are a key sign of reproductive termite activity.

Check windowsills, door frames, and light fixtures; especially in the spring and early summer when termite swarming season peaks in South Carolina.

If you find piles of wings indoors, it may mean termites have already entered your home.

4. Bubbling Paint or Warped Floors

Moisture buildup caused by termite tunneling can make paint bubble or flooring warp. This damage can mimic a water leak, but if no plumbing issue is found, termites may be the culprit.

In North Myrtle Beach, where high humidity is common, this type of damage often appears in bathrooms, kitchens, and around exterior walls exposed to moisture.

5. Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows

If doors or windows suddenly become hard to open or close, termites may be weakening the wood around the frames. As they consume the material, it causes subtle warping that changes how the frame fits.

Although it seems minor, this can be an early signal that termites are active within your walls or trim.

6. Clicking Sounds Inside Walls

It may sound strange, but termites can sometimes be heard. Soldier termites make soft clicking or tapping noises when disturbed. If you place your ear close to an infested wall, you might hear faint movement or chewing.

Homes in quieter residential areas of North Myrtle Beach sometimes make these signs more noticeable, especially at night.

Why Termite Damage Is a Bigger Threat in Coastal South Carolina

The North Myrtle Beach area is naturally prone to termites because of its sandy soil and high humidity. These conditions allow subterranean termite colonies to thrive underground and invade homes undetected.

Homes built with wood framing or pier foundations are particularly vulnerable. Even brick homes aren’t immune—termites can enter through expansion joints, utility lines, or cracks in the foundation.

That’s why regular termite inspections are essential for coastal homeowners.

Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection in North Myrtle Beach

Catching the signs of termites early can save thousands in repair costs. Whether you suspect activity or simply want peace of mind, the experts at Pest & Termite Consultants are ready to help.

Our licensed technicians use proven methods to detect and eliminate termite infestations quickly, keeping your home protected year-round.

Call (854) 588-7770 or schedule your termite inspection in North Myrtle Beach today.