As a termite professional, I’ve often been called to homes where the owner is convinced they have termites — but the signs tell a different story. Here are some common culprits that can mimic signs of termite activity:

1. Piles of Black Droppings
   Crickets have a strange habit of clustering their droppings in one spot, often forming a pile that, aside from the color, resembles drywood termite droppings. Here’s a trick: if you’re comfortable handling it, pick up a bit and rub it between your fingers. If it crumbles easily, it’s not termites. If it feels gritty like sand, termites may be involved.
2. Random Crawling Insects
   Termites are rarely seen wandering around on their own. They generally stay within their colony or tunnels. The only time you’ll see termites openly is during swarming season when swarmers take flight to establish new colonies. If you’re seeing lone insects, it’s likely something else.
3. Swarming Ants
   Ant swarmers can be easily confused with termite swarmers due to their similar size. A few distinctions: ants have a pinched, narrow waist, while termite swarmers have a broad waist. Additionally, ants have one set of wings while termites have two pairs of equal-length wings.
4. Holes in Wood
   Typically, termite entry points aren’t visible. The only exception is with subterranean termites, which create mud tubes leading to the wood. If you’re seeing holes, it’s more likely the work of wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, or bees.
5. Sounds from Inside the Wood
   Termites are silent intruders. However, you might hear noises from other wood-damaging pests like carpenter ants or deathwatch beetles. The latter are known for a distinctive ticking sound, made by the male beetle hitting his head against the wood during mating.

If you’re unsure about any signs you’re seeing, consider scheduling a termite inspection. Many inspections are free, and early detection can save you significantly in repair costs. The sooner a termite issue is addressed, the more you’ll reduce the likelihood of costly treatments like tenting and extensive wood repair.