There are several species of termites that affect the state of Texas. One of the most common species of termite is the subterranean termite. Subterranean termites are one of the hardest species of termite to detect because they often burrow through the ground to get to their food source and avoid the heat from the sun. Subterranean termites require moisture and cooler conditions in order to survive. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control will share some of the most common signs of termite activity.

Signs of Termite Activity

Termite Reproductive Swarmers – Swarmers are the fertile males and females of the termite colony. They greatly differ in appearance from the other termite colony members. The swarmers or Alates, look like winged ants but with a longer abdomen. They can vary in color depending on the species. They can be black, tan or a reddish-brown color. They also have a long pair of wings. Their wing color will vary depending on species. Swarmers wings are tear-dropped shaped and can be white, tan, black, and even transparent. If you see a pile of broken off or discarded wings that fits the description as listed, you’re most likely in the early stages of being infested with termites. The females, after mating and once they’ve found a nesting site for their future generations, will twist off their wings.
Termite Frass – If your home is housing the drywood termite species you may notice frass or termite poop. As drywood termites feast on decaying wood, they will leave wood colored droppings. Typically, in the same area they have been feeding, you may see evidence of the wood that’s been chewed through.
Sounds of Hollow Wood – You won’t typically see termite damage until it is too late. However, there are some warning signs such as the sound of hollow wood. Termites don’t like to be exposed and won’t feed on any of the surface wood so as to remain hidden form predators and the heat. For those with multiple storied homes, you may notice the floor sounding squeakier or even hollow. You can also tap or knock on the wall near the framing to hear the sounds of hollowed out wood.
Distorted Paint – Surfaces of wood with paint that’s been victimized by a termite colony will look distorted. The paint may seem bubbled, cracked or separated from the wall. You can easily peel back the paint and see the burrowed holes of the termites or the wood damage itself.
Termite Mud Tunnels – Termites, especially subterranean termites, can’t handle the sun. If they can’t gain access to a food source under the ground they will create a tunneling system on the surface. Termites can create these tunnels using dirt, saliva, and their feces. The tunnel will look like mud tubes about the width of a pencil. They may make one long tunnel going into a weak point of a wooden object or you may see veins of these tunnels going up the side of a building.
Sawdust – Another sign is sawdust near small holes or near the ground. While they create their galleries into the wood, they will push out the sawdust just like a mole pushes dirt out of the ground. If you see piles of sawdust on the ground, begin looking for the hole or holes where the termites are feeding in your home.

Subterranean Termite Inspections, Control & More in Cibolo, Universal City, New Braunfels & San Antonio, Texas

If you are seeing signs of termite activity, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control right away. We can inspect and treat your home for a termite invasion. Act quickly before termites cause considerable amount of damage that can cost thousands. To save your home from termites, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today.