During the spring many pests will become more active, including termites. Here in Texas, termites will retreat to their nest during the winter and the swarmers will emerge during late spring to mate. It is during the spring season that the threat of termites increase. After mating the male dies while the female will look for a new nesting site. If a female chooses your home for her new nesting site, come the summer your home can be infested. As many well know, termites can easily cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in a single home. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to share some of the common signs of termites and what you can do to help prevent your home from becoming a termite’s future banquet.
Termite Species Found in Texas; Formosan, Subterranean, Dampwood & Drywood
There are a many species of termites that thrive in Texas. Some of the most common species found are the Subterranean, Formosan Subterranean, Dampwood, and Drywood termites. Since Texas can be home to so many species of termites, signs will vary. The subterranean species will nest underground, usually near the home or they will enter the home through basements. Dampwood and Drywood termites can infest your home directly. They will usually enter in through the attic first or the exterior wood structure like decks. However, where nest sites may vary, they all share a few common signs of their presence.
Termite Swarmers
To determine if your home may be a target for termites, look for swarmers. Swarmers are the reproductive members of the colony. Both male and female swarmers will have wings that allow them to leave the nest in search of a mate. After mating the males will die. You may find the remains of the males around window seals or in various areas of your yard. The only evidence of the female will be discarded wings. The female removes her wings after mating and when she finds a nesting site. You may see her wings around window seals as well. If you find her wings around your home, this is bad news. Once she has removed her wings, this indicates that she has found a nesting site–your home. Swarmer wings vary in color depending on species. However, all their wings are tear-drop shaped and are transparent with a black, bronze, or clear tint.
Signs You have Termites in Your House & Yard
Later signs of an infestation can vary from species to species. However, outside your home you may find odd mud like tunneling systems that may travel along the ground or extend upward along the outside of the home. Inside the home you may find small piles of saw dust on the floors, small holes in furniture or other wooden features in the home. You may even find stalactite like structures hanging from the ceiling, typically in basements. These will be made of saw dust and mud. Baseboards, hardwood floors, and other wooden features may even sound hollow and can easily be penetrated with a knife.
Termite Inspection, Treatment, Control & 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
When your home develops these classic signs of termites, seek professional assistance immediately. Contact a quality pest control service like A Five Star Termite & Pest Control. Often we will first inspect the home to help locate termite nesting sites and the extent of the damage. Next we will treat your home using a custom approach best suited to your needs. Depending on how severe the infestation is, treatments can vary. For quality termite and pest control services, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control and schedule our services today.
