Every year, property owners in the United States spend over two billion dollars to get rid of termites and repair the damage they cause.

Are you concerned about how termites might affect your Texas property?
Below, you’ll find answers to your most pressing Texas termite season questions, from when it is and how long it lasts to how you can recognize and manage a termite infestation.
According to Texas A&M University, termites are insects that feed on wood. Two primary types of termites affect people’s homes-
Texas’s most common termite species are the Formosan Subterranean and Southeastern Drywood termites.
Formosan Subterranean termites are among the most aggressive species. They destroy wooden structures faster than other subterranean species because their colonies multiply quicker and grow larger -- one nest can contain millions of termites. Are the fastest growing population of termites in Texas.
Southeastern Drywood termites typically contain a few thousand members. These termites are attracted to all wood structures, both healthy and rotting.
Termites are most active when the weather warms up. The first of the swarmers are typically seen after the first warm rain of the season and cold rain of the season. They generally continue to swarm after rainfall on warm days.
Formosan termite swarms take place at night during the late spring. Southeastern Drywood termites swarm at night in the spring.
These are the most common times when you’ll experience a termite infestation. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t deal with them at other times of the year.
Termites can swarm as early as February or as late as the fall season. In large, heated buildings, swarms can even occur during the winter.
It’s not too late to prepare for termite season and reduce your chances of experiencing an infestation. Here are some of the most effective strategies you can use:
If branches from trees or shrubs are too close to your home, they could provide easy access for opportunistic termites.
Termites may use heavy bushes, in particular, as breeding grounds. When mating ends, and termites are looking for a new place to live, they may transfer to your house since it’s so close.
Make sure branches are at least six inches away from your house. You may also want to remove them altogether for extra peace of mind.
It’s common to have leftover wood or cardboard scraps lying around your property, especially if you’re in the middle of a home renovation project. These scraps can serve as a temporary food source for termites.
Once they’ve finished snacking on the scraps, they’ll start looking for more food wherever they can get it -- including your home.
To prevent this issue, pick up and recycle leftover wood and cardboard. You can also store it in a secure location, like a shed or attic, if you still need it.
Termites are drawn to moisture since they need water to survive. If you have a leak in your basement or below your sink, the humidity could attract termites.
Scrutinize your home to check for signs of moisture, and then get them repaired as soon as possible. Remember that the cost of repairing leaks is far lower than the cost of repairing termite damage.
If you’re still concerned about termite infestations after taking these steps, reach out to a pest control professional that specializes in termite control.
They can inspect your home, identify potential issues that could attract termites, and provide a customized plant o help you address them and prevent an infestation from occurring.
Another critical aspect of managing and preparing for termite season is knowing the most common signs of an infestation, including the following:
When termites land and form new colonies, they discard their wings. If you notice piles of tiny discarded wings around your property (inside or outside), a new colony is likely forming -- which can soon turn into a full-fledged infestation.
Subterranean termites travel via mud tubes, which provide them with moisture while moving between their colony and primary food source (i.e., your home). Mud tubes typically show up near your home’s foundation.
Termites feast on wood from the inside out. Because of this, wood sounds hollow when you tap or knock on it. If you notice a hollow noise when tapping on the wood throughout your home, termites are almost certainly the culprits.
If you notice the paint in your home looking uneven or bubbling up, you’re either dealing with termites or water damage (which can eventually lead to termites and other types of property damage). Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to get to the bottom of this issue as quickly as possible.
Frass is another name for termite droppings. These tiny piles of wood-colored pellets indicate a termite infestation. Be on the lookout for them inside or outside your home.
Termite damage could cause your floors or ceilings to look like they’re filled with water. If you notice your floors or ceilings bubbling, consult a professional to see if water or termites (or both) are to blame.
Termites are known for giving off a moldy or mildewy smell. If you’ve checked thoroughly for leaks and mold/mildew buildup in your home, a termite colony could be the source of the odor.
In some cases, you can actually hear termites chowing down on your house. A faint clicking sound can indicate that termites have taken up residence and are wreaking havoc on your home.
If you notice any signs of termite infestation, no matter how minor they might seem, you should call a pest control professional right away.
Remember that DIY termite removal techniques may work in a few cases, but they’re typically not as consistently effective and successful as professional methods.
After you contact a pest control team, they’ll go through the following phases to identify the severity of your issue and create a plan to get it under control:
Before they start treating your home to eliminate termites, the pest control professionals will conduct a thorough inspection out side and inside of your home.
They’ll walk through your entire house and the perimeter of your yard to identify signs of termite infestations. They will also look for issues that could potentially lead to a termite issue in the future.
When the team has completed their inspection, they’ll talk to you about their findings and show you some of the problematic things (if any) they’ve found.
If the inspection yields signs of termite damage, the pest control team will install a bait system specially designed to eliminate the pests as quickly as possible.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of termites is installing bait systems around the perimeter of the house and inside (when needed). These systems don’t harm people, plants, or animals, but they do an excellent job of getting rid of termites.
Termite bait systems work with the help of cellulose and a special growth inhibitor. The bait catches termites’ attention and, when it’s consumed, interrupts the termites’ molting cycle. Without molting, termites will die.
Worker termites find the bait systems via natural foraging. The workers then take doses of growth inhibitor back to the colony and eventually kill the queen.
It’s important to note that bait systems don’t attract more termites to your home. They will only attract the ones that are already present so they can be eliminated as soon as possible.
After installing the bait systems and giving them some time to do their jobs, the pest control team will come back to investigate and ensure all the termites are gone.
They may also schedule regular maintenance treatments to keep your home free from termites and other pests long-term. These treatments are highly effective and much more affordable than waiting until another infestation occurs.
Termite season in Texas reaches its peak during the mid to late spring. However, these troublesome insects can also affect your home at any time.
If you notice signs of a termite infestation, you must contact a professional right away. The sooner you act, the sooner you can mitigate the problem and prevent severe property damage.
Natran Green Pest Control offers safe, effective, and eco-friendly treatments to manage all kinds of pests, including termites.
Reach out today to learn more about our termite control services.

