We are no strangers to the terrible termite issues we deal with here in Texas. It’s no wonder we made number two on the list for the most dense termite populations in the United States in 2016. Termites are the most destructive pests in the world, costing homeowners and business owners an estimated $5 billion dollars each year to control termite populations and repair the damage they cause to structures. That’s more money in structural damages each year than fires, floods and windstorms combined! Nearly 600,000 homes are damaged each year, thanks to these terrible wood destroying pests. This is why it’s so important in places like where we live, to have your home inspected annually for termite activity.

Subterranean Termites

Just as their name suggests, subterranean termites thrive underground in moist soils. They excavate tunnels underground and use these tunnels as a means to collect food for the colony and find nearby timber. They are the most widely distributed termite species in the U.S. today and cause the most damage of all termite species. Because they build their nests underground, they can be one of the most difficult termite species to detect and often go unnoticed for years at a time. They build “mud tubes” that they use to travel. These tubes can be found on the side or under structures, on wood, stucco, brick or any other surface on or around the home, leading to the soil. This is one of the easiest ways to identify a subterranean termite infestation. They need these mud tubes for traveling so they don’t dehydrate and also to hide from predators. They make honeycomb type carvings inside the wood that makes the wood hollow, eventually leading to the wood crumbling apart. It is not uncommon to find several subterranean termite colonies in one location. Eastern Subterranean termites begin swarming in February and continue through May usually on a warm day, just after rain. Swarming occurs near very mature colonies. If you find these termites swarming near your home, you can be sure there is a large infestation nearby.

Drywood Termites

These are the most common type of termite found in the San Antonio area. Unlike Subterranean termites, Drywood species infest wood found throughout the home. They nest in wood cavities in walls, attics, cupboards, wall voids, old furniture or any other wood with a low moisture content. They do not need to travel through the soil to survive and prefer dryer areas. They infest homes by making entry in tiny cracks and crevices found around the home. Their colonies are much smaller than that of a subterranean termite. Subterranean termites can have millions of termites in their colony, whereas the Drywood species colonies have about 1,000-10,000. Colonies are typically identified by seeing swarmers or fecal pellets called frass. The Western Drywood Termite swarms during the day in the Summertime and the Southeastern Drywood Termite swarms at night during the Spring.

Termite Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas

Each home and infestation is unique. A thorough termite inspection should be performed by a licensed, experienced pest control company with a vast knowledge of each termite species. Smaller infestations of Drywood Termites can be treated with spot treatments. Larger infestations will require a fumigation of the structure. This means the home will need to be vacated for a period while the home is being treated. Subterranean termites require various methods depending on the size of the infestation. Most treatments consist of placing bait throughout the colony for the termites to take back to the nest and poison the rest of the colony. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control is experienced in the identification and treatment of all types of termites. We have proven control methods and take an aggressive approach into helping you regain control of your home from termite infestations. If you need assistance or would like to schedule your annual termite inspection, give us a call. We’re glad to help!