Which sign may indicate termites are present in a structure?

Mud tubes along walls or foundations are a strong indicator that termites are present in a structure. Termites typically build these tubes to provide moisture for their travel between their underground colonies and their food sources, which include wood in the structure. The presence of these tubes suggests not only that termites are nearby but also that they are actively seeking access to the wood in the building.

While signs like visible wood shavings, swollen wooden doors, and frequent insect sightings might suggest a pest issue, they do not specifically point to termite activity as definitively as mud tubes do. For instance, wood shavings could indicate wood-boring insects other than termites, and swollen doors can result from humidity or water damage rather than termite infestation. Frequent insect sightings could be related to various pests, making them less specific than the presence of mud tubes, which clearly signify termite activity.