Houston Termites

It’s Springtime! The frost is beginning to thaw. The sun is shining brighter and warmer. The flowers are starting to bloom. Houston termites are becoming more active. The…what? Okay, so maybe termite season isn’t something to celebrate. It’s definitely not something to ignore or be unprepared for either.

“Termite Season” is usually considered to start around early spring and finish up around late fall. However, termites are always active, especially in toastier climates like Houston, TX. That means that regardless of how cold it is outside, depending on the shelter they’re provided (we’re talking about your house, here!) and the protection they can find (still, probably your house) they could already be getting busy in your basement or in a nest just below the ground’s surface.

Don’t panic!

While “termite” is a scary word, education and preparedness can help save you from the disaster these pesky guys can bring upon your home. Read on to learn the basics about who termites are and home termite control.

Is that a termite?

A termite is a colony-living insect that feeds on wood, namely trees and homes. They are light in color and are often mistaken for ants. Being a social insect that lives and works in a colony, there are different types of termites. Therefore, not all termites will look alike. Some have wings. Some have large heads and jaws. Young termites can appear to be almost white in color while older termites may be darker in appearance and almost an amber hue. An expert has had a lot of training to confidently identify whether or not your unwelcome pest is a termite.

Did a termite cause that?

Without professional termite expertise, detecting the presence of termites can be difficult. Termites can live in your home for long periods of time without any outwardly visible signs of damage. There are some things to look out for if you suspect termites.

Termite droppings – small, rigid droppings that are often the same color as nearby wood.

Termite constructions – Termites build tunnels and mud tubes. These are long, narrow tubes that are dirt colored and can appear nearly anywhere. They are often found in corners of basements, in crawlspaces and on the outsides of the home. Mud tubes vary in size but can grow quite large.

Kick-out holes – Termites exit from the nest through these tiny holes. Even worse, they use their own feces to plug them up.

Swarms – The most obvious of the termite evidence is, of course, a giant swarm of them.

Again, termites are often confused with other similar insects so contacting a professional immediately is the best way to properly identify what type of insect problem you have.

What do termites do?

They cause a serious amount of damage if not taken care of professionally. Termites are wood destroying insects. They can cause damage to floor coverings, wallpaper, paint, decks and porches. More seriously they can get into the very structure of your home and cause enough damage to collapse walls and ceilings.

How can you ensure home termite control?

Early detection is the most important way to protect your home against termite invasions. Seeking professional termite help before you see evidence is the best way to keep any damage at bay.