Great service! Leo, our technician was very knowledgeable and professional, he helped me understand the do's and don'ts and how to keep my house free of pests. The green company is very pet and child friendly so we didn't loose time from our daily lives. For privacy and out of respect for your property, technicians do not open closed doors so you gotta let them know which rooms you want service in. Price is great, and includes unlimited follow-ups. Great job, thank you.
Caroline Canning
Tim Cloud is thorough and well spoken when it comes to explaining treatment. He gets the job done and we do not experience pests in between sprays, which is really appreciated.
M Hughes
Nathan green services : it was such a pleasure to meet your technician Mr Raul Espinosa. He was very knowledgeable about his job and meticulously checked the property and explained to us that unluckily we are connected to other neighbors which would’ve made his work impossible since the others apparently don’t care about the presence of mice in their attics and the six owners would’ve had to decide to do the job. We really appreciate his time and knowledge . Such a great asset for your company.
victor barbee
Great job. Cheerful, efficient, thorough.
Catherine Raines
Tim is very professional and kind. This is his 2nd time to do our pest control and just like last time was very thorough and made sure we were satisfied. Excellent customer service!
Hitesh Bhakta
Natran serviced my previous home and when I moved to my new house, I contacted them again since their service is excellent and they pay attention to detail.
Cindy Davis
Alex was very thorough and informative of the pest/roach problem I am experiencing. He cared and listened to my concerns. I am hopeful the pesticide and bait work to get rid of these pests.
Radeen Kabir
Whether you have Marc, Raul, or Damion coming by your home for your pest control needs, you will be very pleased with their service. They are highly professional and thorough. After the first pest control folks we used incorrectly told us we had American cockroaches when in fact we had mice, we reached out to Natran and they came by right away. Natran's traps helped us exterminate a number of mice and they also sealed the openings at our home. I highly recommend their services. And Kate at their office is great and will connect you to the right pest control professional, who is very well trained and dependable.
Debbie Hall
Very attentive, articulate, and thorough service person. We appreciate the effort he put in to find the dead rat that had escaped the trap.
Julie Brandom Atun
Thorough and professional!!!
Doug Block
Great pest company. Highly recommend them for fast, effective, and professional pest control. We'll be using them for regular service from now on!
Kevin Bice
Fast, friendly service. They seem to know what they’re doing, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.
Home > Blog > How to Get Rid of Termites in Houston Homes
Published Date - October 24, 2024
Article written by Jamar Williamson
Hey there, Houston homeowners! If you've ever had a run-in with termites, you know how sneaky and destructive they can be. These tiny pests can cause big problems, especially when it comes to your home’s structure. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you understand termites, recognize the signs of an infestation, and, most importantly, learn how to get rid of them. So, let’s get started on this termite journey!
Understanding Termites: A Brief Overview
First off, let’s talk about what termites actually are. Termites are small, wood-eating insects that love to chew through the wooden structures of your home. They feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and plant matter, making your home’s foundation, walls, and furniture all potential snacks for these pests.
Termites work quietly, often causing damage long before they’re noticed. If left untreated, a termite infestation can lead to costly repairs and even threaten the safety of your home’s structure. That’s why it’s so important to take action as soon as you notice any signs of these destructive insects.
Types of Termites Common in Houston
Houston’s warm, humid climate is paradise for termites. There are three main types of termites you’ll likely encounter in the area:
Subterranean Termites:
These termites are the most common in Houston. They live underground in colonies and build mud tubes to access food sources above ground (like your home!). Subterranean termites can cause serious damage to the wooden structures of your house.
Drywood Termites:
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need moisture to survive. They infest dry wood, such as furniture and hardwood floors. They’re sneaky and hard to detect, often hiding deep within the wood they infest.
Formosan Termites:
These are the most aggressive termites in Houston. Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite, but they cause damage at a faster rate than other species. If you spot these in your home, it’s time to act fast!
How Termites Infest Homes
So, how do these tiny critters find their way into your home? Termites are drawn to moisture and food sources. They usually enter through cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows or doors, or any other small opening they can find. Once inside, they’ll settle in and start feasting on the wood in your home.
Subterranean termites typically enter through the soil, building mud tubes to travel between their underground colony and your home. Drywood termites, on the other hand, can enter directly through exposed wood, such as door frames or wooden furniture. Once they’re in, they can be tough to spot—but the damage can quickly add up.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Now that we know how termites get in, let’s talk about how to recognize if they’ve already made themselves at home. Here are some common signs of a termite infestation to look out for:
Visible Damage to Wood and Structures
If you notice that wooden structures in your home—like beams, floors, or walls—are beginning to sag, crack, or appear hollow, termites may be the culprit. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so by the time you see damage on the outside, the inside might already be compromised.
2. Mud Tubes and Subterranean Tunnels
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and their food source. These pencil-sized tubes can usually be found on walls, foundations, or around the perimeter of your home. If you see these tubes, it’s a strong sign of subterranean termite activity.
3. Frass and Other Indicators
Frass is a fancy term for termite droppings. Drywood termites push frass out of small holes in the wood, creating small piles of sawdust-like material. Finding frass around your home is a clear indicator that termites are present. Other signs include discarded wings from termite swarmers or hearing faint clicking noises coming from your walls (this could be termites munching on your wood!).
Prevention Measures for Homeowners
Dealing with termites can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from ever becoming a problem. Let’s look at some simple ways to protect your home from termites:
1. Moisture Control Strategies
Since termites are attracted to moisture, controlling moisture levels in and around your home is key to preventing an infestation. Here’s how to keep moisture in check:
Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units.
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and direct water away from your home.
Keep your home well-ventilated to prevent dampness, especially in attics and crawl spaces.
2. Routine Home Inspections
Regularly inspect your home for signs of termites, especially in areas with exposed wood or moisture. Check your foundation, windowsills, door frames, and any wooden structures for damage, mud tubes, or frass. Early detection is crucial in stopping an infestation before it gets out of hand.
3. Importance of Early Detection and Action
Catching a termite infestation early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. If you suspect that termites are present in your home, don’t wait! Early action can prevent serious damage. If the infestation is small, DIY solutions may work, but for large infestations, you’ll want to call in the pros.
Natran Green Pest Control: Your Termite Solution
If you’re facing a termite infestation, Natran Green Pest Control has your back! We offer eco-friendly pest control solutions that are safe for your family, pets, and the environment. Our experts will assess your termite problem, provide a targeted treatment plan, and help protect your home from future infestations.
With our green pest control methods, you can rest easy knowing that we’re not only getting rid of termites but also taking care of the environment. Whether you’ve spotted mud tubes, frass, or simply suspect termite activity, don’t hesitate to give Natran Green Pest Control a call. We’ll take care of the issue and ensure your home is termite-free.
Conclusion
Termites can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, but the good news is that you don’t have to face them alone. By staying vigilant, recognizing the signs of an infestation, and taking preventive measures, you can protect your Houston home from these wood-eating pests. Remember, early detection and quick action are key to minimizing damage.
If you ever find yourself dealing with a termite problem that’s too big to handle on your own, Natran Green Pest Control is here to help. With eco-friendly treatments and expert services, we’ll ensure your home stays safe and termite-free.
Thanks for reading, and here’s to keeping your home safe from termites!
FAQs
How do I get rid of termites permanently? While you cannot get rid of termites permanently from the environment, you can help prevent them from taking root in your home and control any active colonies nearby. Although it may be tempting to try termite control yourself, prevention and treatment is best left to the professionals.
Can a house be saved from termites? A house can be saved from termite damage depending on the severity of the problem. Fixing termite damage involved inspecting a home, exterminating any termites within and repairing or replacing structural damage before restoring the affected area cosmetically.
What are the first signs of a termite infestation in a Houston home? The first signs of a termite infestation in a Houston home include the appearance of mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, and the presence of discarded wings near windows or entry points. Additionally, you might notice bubbling or uneven paint, which can indicate termites feeding underneath. Regular inspection is crucial, as termites can cause significant structural damage before becoming visibly apparent.
How can homeowners prevent a future termite infestation? Homeowners can prevent future termite infestations by regularly inspecting their homes for signs of termite activity, maintaining a barrier by ensuring soil and mulch are kept away from the foundation, and addressing moisture issues by repairing leaks and improving ventilation. Additionally, scheduling periodic professional termite inspections and treatments can help detect and mitigate potential infestations early.
