What You Need to Know About Termites in Texas
With the highest concentration of termites in the country, Texas homeowners are particularly vulnerable to damages from infestations.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- How to tell if you have a termite infestation
- Are termites a problem in Texas?
- What to do if you have termites
- How to save money on homeowners insurance
- FAQs
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Texas is home to many things: live music, hot weather, and Texas BBQ, to name a few. Unfortunately, Texas is also home to termites, which are active from Amarillo to Midland, Dallas to Fort Worth, and down to San Antonio, Houston, and Corpus Christi.
Texas’ two main types of termites, specifically those of the Formosan Subterranean and Southeastern drywood varieties, pose a major problem to Texas homeowners. If you own a home in Texas, it’s important to recognize the signs of a termite infestation.
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How to tell if you have a termite infestation
While termite infestations are a massive inconvenience for homeowners, the signs of an infestation can be easy to miss.
Texas’ most common species of termite, the subterranean termite, is particularly difficult to notice. This type of termite tunnels through soil underground and finds its food source—cellulose—in wood, plants, cardboard, insulation, and pet excrement. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t notice the infestation until extensive damage has already been done.
Early warning signs of infestation to look for include:
- The presence of mud tubes, which subterranean termites use to build foundations and enter your home
- Evidence of damaged wood, including hollow-sounding walls that point to evidence of termites
- Discarded termite wings near window sills
Are termites a problem in Texas?
Yes. According to
Termite Infestation Probability Zones
, eastern Texas is considered a heavy to moderate probability zone and western Texas is considered a moderate to heavy probability zone, signifying the widespread termite activity throughout the state. Though there are many types of termites, the most common in Texas are subterranean or drywood termites.
Subterranean termites
The most common type of termite in the country, subterranean termites, live in colonies underground, where they build tunnels to search for food (wood and other cellulose material). Most active in the spring and summer, these termites need a certain level of moisture to survive and tend to swarm when it is warm out.
These termites typically enter the home through cracks in concrete walls and hollow block foundations.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites tend to swarm at night in the late summer and fall months. Drywood termites, unlike Subterranean termites, don’t need a moist environment. They tend to nest under wooden roof shingles, eaves, or siding.
Drywood termites do not require soil contact, as they receive their moisture from the wood they have nested in. These pests can also feast on floors, furniture, and books. If you notice a small pile of pellets or feces, it is likely a sign that you have drywood termites.
What to do if you have termites
If you recognize the signs of a termite infestation, you should take action before any further damage is caused.
Colonies of termites can have up to 2 million members, and queen termites can reproduce a new egg every three seconds. While it may be difficult, it is possible to control and prevent a termite infestation in your home using the following tricks:
- Vinegar can kill termites if you happen to catch the pests when they're not submerged in soil
- Sprinkling bromates in areas of activity can kill termites
- Orange oil can kill termites on contact. However, to be effective, you would need to locate the colony, which may be tricky as they tend to live underground
- You can bait the termites using wet cardboard. Once they have reached the bait, you can place the cardboard into the sun, where they will dry up and die from a lack of moisture
While these methods may be effective in eliminating some termites, it is often difficult to locate and kill an entire colony. Your best bet will be to call in a pest control professional to perform a termite inspection, create a treatment plan, and eliminate the entire population.
How to save money on homeowners insurance
Termites cost up to $5 billion in damage each year. Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover the damage. To protect yourself from damages, you need a policy that will save you the stress, hassle, and cost of an unexpected home incident.
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FAQs
Do most homes in Texas have termites?
Unfortunately, yes. According to Safe Pro Pest Control, Texas has the highest concentration of termites in the country. Perhaps due to the high levels of moisture in Texas, you’re more than likely to have a problem with these pests, particularly if your house is 5 years or older.
How often should you treat your Texas home for termites?
Texas homeowners should have their homes inspected annually for termites and should have their homes treated for termites every 5 years to prevent infestation.
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