Every year, termites cause billions of dollars of property damage throughout the United States — including in Texas, which is home to several of the country’s most termite-ridden cities.

Are you worried that you’re dealing with a termite issue? Are you wondering what pest control professionals can do to help you manage it?

If so, you’re in the right place. 

Below, you’ll learn what to expect when you hire a pest control company for termite removal. You’ll also learn about the most common termite species in Texas and how you can prevent future infestations.

Most common termite species in Texas

If you have a termite infestation in your Texas home, you’re likely dealing with one of these two species:

Formosan subterranean termites

Formosan subterranean termites cause most of the termite damage in the United States (including damage that occurs in Texas).

These termites live in the soil and build large nests around homes. They connect those nests to cellulose food sources, including trees, wood fences, and the timbers that make up your home.

Formosan subterranean termites are very aggressive and are known for damaging wooden structures faster than other subterranean species.

Their effectiveness stems from the fact that their colonies multiply faster than other species (a nest can contain millions of termites). They’re also much larger than other species.

Southeastern dry wood termites

Southeastern dry wood termites don’t tunnel into homes through the soil. Instead, they build nests inside dry wood materials inside the walls, roof, and foundation.

Drywood termite colonies are smaller than those of subterranean termites. They typically contain a few thousand members. However, these termites are attracted to all types of wood, including rotting wood around the home and healthy wood within the home’s structures. 

Southeastern dry wood termites typically cause the most damage in Texas from early spring to fall.

Signs you need professional termite removal

If you suspect you have an infestation of Formosan subterranean termites or southeastern dry wood termites, you need to contact a pest control company immediately.

Here are some specific warning signs to watch for:

• Drywall discoloration or drooping
• Peeling paint (looks similar to paint damaged by water)
• Wood sounds hollow when tapped
• Tiny holes in drywall
• Buckling floorboards (particularly wooden or laminate boards)
• Extra squeaky floorboards
• Loosened tiles (caused by termites adding excess moisture to the floor)
• Crumbling or damaged wood
• Windows or doors getting stuck frequently
• Maze-like patterns appear on the furniture, floorboards, walls, etc.
• Termite pellets (look like small piles of salt and pepper)
• Leftover wings (look like fish scales)
• Mud tubes along the home’s foundation
• Flying termite swarms around your property

If you notice any of these signs, you must call a professional.

Don’t try to DIY something as crucial as termite removal. Trying to handle this process yourself causes you to waste time and money, creating more opportunities for termites to do more damage to the property. 

How does a pest control company get rid of termites?

What should you expect when you call a pest control company to get rid of termites? When you contact a team of professionals, they’ll go through the following steps to help you get a termite-free home:

Inspection and identification

Professional pest control — especially for something as serious as termites — starts with an inspection.

Technicians will come to your home and conduct a walk-through to look for signs of termite damage and identify the termite species that are affecting the property.

Once they determine that termites are the issue and know what you’re dealing with, they’ll devise a treatment plan to eliminate them as quickly as possible. 

Baiting and removal

One of the most effective methods of termite removal involves baiting.

Bait stations are installed around the home’s perimeter and use cellulose to attract nearby termites and draw them away from the property. The bait is highly appealing and also interrupts the termites’ molting cycle. When molting is interrupted, termites die.

Baiting also kills termites with the help of growth inhibitors, which worker termites take back to the queen. When the queen is affected, eventually, the whole colony is destroyed.

This process is fast and affordable. It also does not attract more termites to the property. It creates a barrier around the home and uses termites’ own foraging habits against them.

Maintenance treatments

Once the termites are entirely eliminated, the pest control company will talk to you about ongoing maintenance treatments.

These treatments help you avoid potential infestations in the future and are much more affordable than waiting until another infestation happens and starting the whole removal process over again.   

How to choose the best pest control company

Because termites are so prevalent in Texas, you have many pest control companies to choose from. They’re not all created equal, though. Here are some factors to look for to ensure you’re selecting the right company to handle your home’s needs:

Eco-friendly methods

Many pest control companies spray harsh chemicals throughout your home to get rid of termites. The problem with these solutions is that while they do eliminate termites, they can also be harmful to you, your family, and your pets. 

Look for pest control specialists that utilize eco-friendly methods instead. Tactics like baiting and removal are highly effective and don’t harm you and your loved ones.

Availability and fast responses

You need to get a pest control team to your property right away after you notice signs of termites.

The longer you wait, the longer it’ll take to get a termite-free home. Talk to multiple pest control companies to see who can get to you quickly (same-day or next-day services are the best).

Be wary of companies that don’t respond promptly to your calls or online requests. They might be too busy to assist you, or they may not offer the level of customer service you desire. 

Satisfaction guaranteed

The best pest control companies offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. In other words, if termites cause additional damage to your home after they treat your property, they will cover the cost of the repairs.  

How can you prevent termites?

Once you’ve worked with a professional to eliminate termites, you’ll likely want to do whatever you can to keep them away. Here are some preventative steps you can take to protect your property from more termite damage: 

Prevent contact between wood and the ground

If wood structures make direct contact with the ground, you’re essentially providing a bridge for termites to enter your home and start snacking on it.

Wood structures (siding, door frames, window frames, etc.) should be at least six inches away from the ground. Remember that pressure-treated wood is still vulnerable to termites, too.

Eliminate moisture buildup

Termites are attracted to moist places. If moisture accumulates near your home’s foundation, it’s more likely to attract termites because the nearby soil will consistently be wet. 

Avoid moisture and humidity in your home’s crawl spaces, too. If you notice dampness, eliminate it as quickly as you can by properly ventilating these areas. Keep vents free from leaves and debris as well.

Store wood away from the house

Do you have a pile of firewood next to your house? If so, that’s another way that you could be providing termites with easy entry.

Move wood piles away from the home’s foundation. Don’t let dense plants like ivy or other vines touch your house, either, as they can also help termites get inside.

Minimize mulch usage

Because termites love moisture so much, they’re drawn to mulch — which many people use in their landscaping process.

Although mulch is beneficial to your plants, it can contribute to termite issues. Use it sparingly to avoid extra moisture build-up, especially if you’ve dealt with termite infestations in the past.

Schedule regular maintenance treatments

Regular treatments will help you keep termites away.

Talk to your pest control team about the ideal maintenance schedule for your particular termite issue. They can offer expert recommendations to ensure your home stays free from termites and other common pests.  

Say goodbye to termites today with Natran Green Pest Control

If they’re left to their own devices, termites can easily and quickly cause severe damage to your home. With the right pest control company on your side, though, you can eliminate them just as fast and prevent further damage to your property.

When you hire the right pest control company for the job, they will promptly treat your house and reduce your chances of dealing with additional infestations later on.

If you’re looking for a pest control company that meets all the criteria discussed above, Natran Green Pest Control is here to help. We exclusively use safe, eco-friendly, and highly effective methods. 
Reach out today for more information on our termite control services or to schedule an inspection.