Signs of anay (termites) in your home and what to do

Anay is the Tagalog word for termites, and in Metro Manila homes it usually means subterranean termites that live in the soil and feed on wood. You rarely see them directly. The signs are mud tubes, winged swarmers, hollow-sounding wood and damage you find only by tapping. Knowing what to look for matters, because by the time the damage is obvious, the colony may have been feeding for a long time.

This guide lists the signs to check, explains what to do next and describes what a professional inspection should cover. For what treatment costs, the pest control guide in this series uses the same published figures.

What anay is and why it matters

Subterranean termites build colonies in the soil and reach wood through mud tubes. US state extension guides describe the signs below, which are the standard reference for homeowners. Termite species and swarm timing in the Philippines may differ, so a licensed local operator should confirm the species before any treatment starts.

A Philippine article from 2010 notes that subterranean termites swarm in the rainy season, when humidity is high. That matters because a swarm inside the home is often the first sign people notice. If you are new to the country, you may hear pest firms say termite as well as anay. Both words work when you ask for an inspection.

Mud tubes

Mud tubes are often the easiest sign to spot. They are pencil-sized tubes made of soil and termite saliva, and they protect the termites while they travel between the ground and their food. Look along the foundation, in crawl spaces and on walls. Tubes usually rise from the ground, cross non-wood surfaces and connect to the wood they are feeding on.

A dry tube can be old, which means the activity was in the past. Fresh, moist tubes suggest current activity. Do not try to test this yourself with a chemical. Take a clear photo of the tube and the place where it meets the wood, and show it to the inspector.

Swarmers and discarded wings

Swarmers are the winged reproductive termites. A few swarmers outdoors are not always a concern, but finding swarmers indoors is a strong sign of an infestation. Hundreds of discarded wings on a windowsill are a telltale sign that a colony is swarming inside or very close to the home.

Do not rely on killing the swarmers. Killing them does nothing to solve the problem, because the colony that produced them keeps going unless it is treated. Keep one or two in a sealed bag or take a clear photo, so the inspector can identify the species.

Hollow or damaged wood

Termites often damage wood without leaving visible marks. They eat wood from the inside out, which can leave a honeycomb pattern under a thin surface, so the damage may not show until the wood is weak. The simple check is to tap the wood with the handle of a screwdriver and listen for a hollow sound.

Also look for soft wood that gives under a screwdriver, discoloured or blistering wood, uneven or bubbling paint, and small piles of sawdust-like material near a nest. Subterranean termites usually do not leave the droppings known as frass. Mud-like soil inside wood or along walls is a more useful clue.

Check the places that are hard to see: under sinks, behind wall cabinets, around door frames, and in wood that touches the ground or a damp wall. Damp spots are worth checking first, because termites need moisture to survive. If you find hollow wood on a door frame or a cabinet base, mark it with tape and take a dated photo before anyone cleans the area. A dated photo helps the inspector see whether the damage is spreading between visits.

What to do next

If you find one or more of these signs, call a reputable pest management professional and ask for an inspection before any treatment. A good inspection identifies the species, shows you the affected areas and explains the options. Ask the operator to confirm the species in writing, because the treatment depends on it.

Ask for at least two written quotes. Find out whether the price is per linear metre of the building's perimeter, per square metre or a flat fee, whether it includes the warranty, and whether retreatment is free. Ask whether repairs to damaged wood are included or quoted separately, since weakened wood is a repair job as well as a treatment job.

Do not start with a do-it-yourself spray on the mud tubes. Surface spraying may not reach the colony, and any product should be used according to its label and the operator's advice.

A good inspection report covers more than the infested spot. Ask the inspector to check the perimeter of the building, the wood in the kitchen, bathroom and under-floor areas, and any wood that touches the ground. Ask for a list or a sketch of the areas inspected, and keep it with the quote, since the treatment area should match what was found.

Keep the house drier

Termites need moisture. Fix leaks, clear gutters and check the drain points around the house. Keep wood off bare concrete where you can, and store firewood and cardboard away from walls. These steps do not stop an active colony, but they make the home less inviting for the next one.

Aircon water is a small but steady source of damp. If your unit drips onto a wall or a wooden shelf, fix the drain line first. A regular aircon cleaning includes checking the drain line, so ask the technician to confirm it is clear.

Frequently asked questions

What does anay look like? Most of the time you will not see the termites themselves. Look for mud tubes, swarmers with wings, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

Are termite swarms always a sign of a problem? A few swarmers outdoors can be normal. Swarmers indoors, or hundreds of discarded wings near a window, are a strong sign of an infestation.

Can I kill the termites myself? You can kill the swarmers you see, but that does not solve the problem. The colony keeps producing swarmers unless it is treated, so ask a licensed operator for treatment.

What if the damage is already visible? Ask for an inspection that covers the structure as well as the treatment. Weak wood may need repair, and that is a separate job from killing the colony.