Texas Termite Terminators

Termites

What are termites?

Termites are wood-destroying pests. They feed on cellulose found in trees and wooden structures, making our yards and homes a common target for these insects.

The most common and destructive type of termite in our area is the subterranean termite. These termites are social and live together in large underground nests. They move from the nest to their found food sources every day, collecting food to bring back to the nest. While some termites like to feed on dry, sound pieces of wood, subterranean termites prefer to feed on wet or decaying wood.

Are termites dangerous?

A termite's feeding habits cause damage to wood beams, furniture, floor joists, and flooring. The damage they cause to our homes is costly; in fact, across the country, each year, termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damages. Termites in nature are helpful, breaking down decaying wood into usable nutrients; however, when they are in your home, they negatively impact its structure and your bank account. Most homeowners' insurance doesn't cover termite damage, so repairing the damage is left to the property owner.

Why do I have a termite problem?

There are three main things that attract termites:

Wood: Fallen trees, old wooden fences, woodpiles, logs, and outbuildings that are in decay regularly provide food sources for termites.

Wood to soil contact: Termites regularly move into our structures through pieces of wood that make direct contact with the soil. Termites can use deck posts, wood trim, wood shingles, and porch steps as an entry point into your home.

Moisture: Subterranean termites have high moisture needs and are attracted to damp conditions. Things like leaky pipes, gaps around windows, roof damage, and poor ventilation will allow water to damage your home's structural wood and provide a food source for hungry termites.

If you have any or all of the above things on your property, termites will eventually find their way into your yard and then your home.

Where will I find termites?

Subterranean termites nest underground in areas of damp soil. The workers move through the soil or above the ground in mud tubes they build. Unlike ants or other insects, you won't see them trailing across your lawn or crawling over walkways.

A termite infestation is tricky to identify because the damage they cause to a home's structural wood, and the termites themselves remain hidden behind walls, siding, wood trim, and under floors.

Termites can destroy a structure because they move in and out of the house they are infesting without notice. Termites can be feeding on a home's structural wood for years before they, or more likely, their damage is noticed.

How do I get rid of termites?

Termites are some of the most challenging pests to control and keep out of our Houston area homes. The best way to guard your property against these pests is to get help from the experts at Texas Termite Terminators.

With the help of our thorough inspections, high-quality home pest control treatments, and ongoing services, we will eliminate termites from your home and property. To learn more about our effective termite control solutions in Houston, reach out today.