Hello,
I found what I believe to be evidence of a past termite infestation on a window sill at an inspection today. I’m trying to determine if this is an active infestation or not. I couldn’t find any mud tubes on the exterior, and the basement ceiling was finished so the joists weren’t visible. Normal readings with the moisture meter. Any advice on how to proceed?
Report what you see and refer it out to a WDI professional.
In Oklahoma, I cannot call out termites, active or not. It has to be identified and reported by a licensed pest control company.
I would say something along the lines of “apparent evidence of wood destroying insects visible on window sill. Have this evaluated and correct as needed by a licensed pest control company.”
Most likely, moisture entered from around the window and infiltrated the framing under the window, rotting the framing, inviting carpenter ants, YUM, YUM. 
Same in Ohio, one must be licensed to report on the presence or absence of Wood Destroying Insects. and it must be reported on an NPMA-33 form
Call out any damage you see Patrick and as others have stated, recommend a licensed WDI inspector to inspect for possible WDI infestation.
So, I actually am (newly) licensed for WDI in Ohio and I’m trying to fill out the NPMA-33 currently. The spot here is just so small and IMO looks to have been there for awhile. I cant get a good look at the gallery. But the absence of mud tunnels makes me curious. As Scott said it may have been carpenter ants. It just makes me nervous to put that I see no evidence of an active infestation when this damage is clearly visible.
I see damage all the time from a previous infestations that I don’t recommend treatment for. And trust me, I know the struggle you’re going through, but if the damage is old, there’s no sign of current infestation, report exactly what you see and state the reason why you are or aren’t recommending treatment. That’s all we can do.
Feel free to PM me or call me if you like for any help.
Research “Wood Boring Beetles”. Could take you concerns about mud tunnels out of the picture.
did you check the exterior concrete driveway, walkways and such for drill marks patched about 1/4" to 1/2" ? this would indicate that it has been treated in the past.
is there no area in the basement that was not finished? like a closet, utility room etc?
did you check the attic?
I am licensed to do WDI inspections. we all should be. its just added cash in our pockets.
did the buyer not get a separate termite inspection? if so just report what you saw and move on.
evidence & damage of subterranean termites observed.
no evidence of previous treatment observed.
possible hidden damage may exist.
call All Tropic Pest & Termite Service for further evaluation/scope of treatment/costs
Marc, you have the better eye in this. Are you sure it’s termite damage?
Yes those are sub galleries.
Probably was deeper but they may “rise” to the surface if encountering a hardened area, like a knot in the wood. They’re lazy & don’t want anything to do with it.
Old stuff, at least there. It is open, they’re cryptobiotic, don’t want anything to do with the outside environment.
I see old, dried mastification in some areas.
It also goes with the grain of the wood. same lazy harvesting reason.
Great eye Marc. 
Thanks, all! Your comments are very helpful.
that sure was some beautiful mahogany trim in its day I’ll bet…
