Mud tubes are one of the clearest signs of subterranean termites. Look along foundation piers, slab edges, plumbing penetrations and other routes from soil to wood. Breaking a tube does not eliminate the colony; it only removes one visible pathway.
Swarmers and discarded wings deserve attention, especially around windows, doors and lights. In South Louisiana, Formosan termite swarms are common on warm, humid evenings. Wings indoors can mean activity within or very near the structure.
Wood may sound hollow when tapped or feel soft beneath a painted shell. Termites often consume the interior while leaving a thin surface intact. Bubbling paint, pinholes and unexplained cracks can be clues, but moisture damage can look similar.
Pay close attention to wet areas. Leaking plumbing, poor drainage, roof leaks and wood touching soil create favorable conditions. Porch columns, sills, additions and enclosed crawl spaces are frequent trouble spots in older New Orleans and Metairie homes.
A licensed pest professional should identify and treat active termites. After treatment, a renovation contractor can expose the full extent of damage, replace compromised structural wood and correct the moisture or access condition that helped the problem grow.