Termites in Houston, TX

What You Need To Know About Termites In Houston, TX

Texas is among the top ten states for termites, especially in the Houston region. Due to our humidity, termites are more of an issue because homes are more prone to moisture issues. To keep your Houston home protected against termites, read the information below and learn why termites are dangerous, how to get rid of them and what you can do to prevent them.

What are termites?

Termite swarmers, which are flying reproductive termites, are easily misidentified as flying ants. But although termites are often confused for ants, these wood-destroying insects are actually related to cockroaches.

Depending on the termite species you are dealing with, an infestation can consist of hundreds of thousands of individuals that play a vital role in the colony’s success. These roles include reproductives, soldiers, and workers, plus the queen, or multiple depending on the colony size.

Are termites dangerous?

When we consider whether or not pests are dangerous, we think of the diseases they spread or the physical threats they pose. However, some pests, like termites, don’t spread diseases or cause harm to people but are still dangerous. Termites can create structural damage to properties, leading to a collapse.

Also, termites are attracted to rotting or water-damaged wood, which is prone to mold. So when termites chew through and consume this wood, they release mold spores into the air, which can spread and be breathed in by people.

 

Why do I have a termite problem?

When termites can no longer sustain living in their current location, swarmers will leave the nest and look for a new place to build a colony. When this happens, they will look for somewhere with a good food source. As decomposers, termites consume cellulose, which plants and wood contain.

For termites that require wood to have a lot of moisture, they can be attracted to rotting decks, fence posts, dead trees and stumps, damaged wood inside a home, and more. It is essential to replace any wood on your property that has been water-damaged or is decaying.

Where will I find termites?

The most common termites in the United States require a lot of moisture. So to ensure constant contact with soil, they live underground and build mud tubes out of wood, dirt, and saliva to travel to and from a food source. 

Termites look for cracks and crevices to squeeze through to get inside, so if you have a problem with this pest, you will likely find mud tubes around the foundation of your home and a few feet up the exterior walls.

 

How do I get rid of termites?

The best way to get rid of a termite problem is with professional pest control services. Trying to do it yourself won’t cut it when it comes to these pests. 

Samson Pest and Termite Services provide several solutions to return a property to a termite-free environment. These solutions include conventional perimeter treatment, localized treatments, and spot treatments. 

Don’t wait; if you are worried about termites, now is the time to call Samson Pest and Termite Services. The longer you put off getting assistance from pest control experts, the more time termites will have to do expensive damage to your home. 

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Depending on your home and its location, preventing termites can be challenging. But here are a few steps you can take to help deter termites from making themselves at home on your property:

  • Address moisture issues like leaks and poor ventilation.
  • Replace any wood that is rotting or water-damaged.
  • Remove dead trees, logs, and stumps from your property.
  • Keep organic debris away from your foundation.
  • Create a barrier between the foundation and soil using crushed rocks.
  • Clear gutters of leaves and other debris.
  • Seal any cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.

Contact Samson Pest and Termite Services and ask about the Advance Termite Bait System to help keep your home free of these pests.