One of the most reliable ways to check exterior wood for termites is by probing. Even if a board looks solid from the outside, a light probe can reveal hidden damage. When termites are present, the wood may break open and release small pellets, which are actually termite droppings. If the wood is sound, nothing will happen.

It doesn’t take force or a sharp tool to do this properly. A gentle probe is enough. What’s important is knowing where and when to probe, and when not to. For example, obviously infested or rotted boards don’t need probing—they already show damage.

A responsible inspector uses probing as a way to confirm activity and assess the condition of your home without causing unnecessary damage. If done correctly, it’s an invaluable tool for uncovering termites that would otherwise stay hidden inside the wood.