Eastern subterranean termites live in large underground colonies and travel through mud tubes to reach food sources above ground. These tubes protect them from light and allow them to move between the soil and the structure without being seen. 

Homeowners often first notice signs such as mud tubes along foundation walls, soft or hollow-sounding wood, or discarded wings near windows and doors during swarming season. Because they feed from the inside out, damage is often hidden beneath the surface until it becomes more advanced. 

Infestations typically begin at ground level and spread upward as termites expand their feeding areas. What may start as localized damage can gradually affect larger portions of the structure over time. Because colonies remain active and continue feeding, damage will persist and worsen if not addressed. Early signs often indicate an established colony already present within or beneath the structure.