When is termite season in Texas? Believe it or not, there is no one definitive answer to that question.
The termite season in Texas can vary depending on your location within the state.
In general, termites become active and start swarming during the late spring and summer months.
Keep an eye out for these pesky insects, and take steps to protect your home from their damage!
Key Takeaways
- In Texas, termites are most active in the warmer months, from spring until fall, and remain more dormant in the winter months.
- There are several types of termites in Texas, including drywood termites, but all kinds of termite colonies can cause problems for property owners.
- Regardless of the time of year, it’s important to do a termite inspection to make sure your home stays safe.
Termite Overview
Size:
2-15 mm long
Characteristics:
Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that are often mistaken for ants. Their bodies are typically pale in color. Termites have two pairs of wings that are of equal size and shape. The length and width of termites can vary depending on the species.
Habitat
Termites are commonly found in warm, humid climates and typically live in colonies underground. Termites typically prefer dark, moist environments, so they are often found in basements or crawl spaces. However, they can also infest attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home where moisture levels are high.
Behavior
These small insects play an essential role in the ecosystem, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Termites are also notable for their highly social behavior, living in large colonies that can number in the millions.
Each colony is divided into distinct castes, with each individual termite fulfilling a specific role. While worker termites spend their days collecting food, soldier termites serve as protectors, defending the colony from predators.
When Is Termite Season in Texas?
Termite season in Texas generally falls between the months of February or March through the fall, although termites can be active year-round. The early spring tends to be the time when a new colony of termite swarmers is getting established.
The best way to get rid of these pests is to understand when they are most active and to call a pest control company to do an inspection for termites once warm weather arrives.
This is because termites are attracted to warmth, and the soil in Texas is typically warmest during these months. However, there are a few things that homeowners can do to help prevent termites from taking up residence on their property.
For example, sealing any cracks or openings in the foundation of your home can help to discourage termites from entering. Additionally, maintaining a well-groomed lawn can also help, as termites are attracted to areas of high moisture.
What Does a Termite Look Like?
Termites are small, winged insects that are often mistaken for ants. They range in color from white to brown and can be as small as one-eighth of an inch long.
Termites have two sets of wings that are equal in size, and their antennae are straight. Unlike ants, termites do not have a constriction between their thorax and abdomen. Instead, their body is smoothly rounded.
They range in color from white to brown, can be as small as one-eighth of an inch long, have two sets of wings that are equal in size, and their antennae are straight.
Termites live in colonies that can number in the millions and are found in every continent except Antarctica. These pests feed on wood, both living and dead, and they can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures. If you see an insect that you think may be a termite, it is best to contact a pest control professional for identification and treatment.
What Is the Habitat of Termites in Texas?
In Texas, there are three different types of termites that are commonly found in homes and other structures.
The first is the drywood termite, which is most common in the southern and western parts of the state.
These termites typically live in wood that has a low moisture content, such as furniture or hardwood floors.
The second type of termite found in Texas is the subterranean termite, which is most common in the eastern part of the state.
These termites live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to access above-ground food sources.
The third type of termite found in Texas is the Formosan termite, which is native to East Asia but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the southern United States.
These termites typically live in moist environments, such as damp basements or crawl spaces. As a result, they are often more difficult to control than other types of termites.
What Are the Behaviors of Termites?
Though small, termites can cause big problems. These pests commonly infest homes and other buildings, feeding on wood and causing extensive damage. In order to control termites, it is important to understand their behaviors.
One of the most characteristic behaviors of termites is their tendency to travel in swarms. After a period of maturation, young termites will leave their nests in search of new areas to colonize. For winged termites, this process is known as “swarming.”
Swarms typically occur in the springtime, once warmer temperatures arrive, and are often the first sign that a home has been infested. If you see a termite swarm or other termite activity, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.
Another common behavior of termites is their love of damp and dark places. Termites typically build their nests in moist soil beneath the ground. They also prefer to tunnel through wood that has been damaged by water or condensation. This is why flooring tends to fall victim to these pests so often.
As a result, homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of moisture damage, such as warping or water stains. In addition, it is important to keep crawlspaces and basements well-ventilated to prevent dampness from accumulating.
How Dangerous Is a Termite?
Termite damage to homes is estimated at billions of dollars annually in the United States. In addition, termites also cause extensive damage to crops each year.
Extensive tunneling by termites can weaken the structure of buildings and other wooden structures, making them more susceptible to collapse during an earthquake. The eating habits of termites can also lead to starvation among plant life, as they feed primarily on the woody cellulose found in plants.
While most people are familiar with the destructive potential of termites, few realize just how dangerous these tiny insects can be.
Termites are known to carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to humans and animals. In addition, their bites can cause itching and swelling, and in some cases, may even transmit diseases.
In rare cases, termites have been known to cause blindness in humans after their bites have become infected. As a result, it is important to be aware of the dangers posed by these insects and take steps to prevent them from entering your home or business.
What Should I Do if I’m Bitten by a Termite?
If you suspect that you have been bitten by a termite, the first thing you should do is wash the area with soap and water. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the skin, as well as any toxic substances that the insect may have injected.
You should then apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and pain. If you are experiencing severe pain, redness, or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
In most cases, however, termite bites are not serious and will heal on their own within a few days.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Protostomia
Infrakingdom: Ecdysozoa
Superphylum: Arthropoda
Phylum: Insecta
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Lepidoptera
Order: Ditrysia
Family: Termitidae
Genus & species: Termes
Termites Facts and Myths
Homeowners often fear termites due to the damage they can cause to structures. But do you know everything there is to know about these creatures? Let’s break down some common misconceptions.
Myth: Termite Infestations Are Easy to Spot
Spotting a termite infestation can be tricky, as these pests are small and adept at hiding.
Additionally, termites often swarm in the springtime, which can make it difficult to tell if you have an infestation or simply a group of stragglers. There are, however, a few signs that you can look for to determine whether or not you have a termite problem.
One telltale sign of a termite infestation is the presence of wings near doors and windows. These wings are shed by swarming termites and can be a sign that there is an active nest nearby.
Another sign of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These tubes are used by termites to travel between their nests and their food sources, and they are often visible on the exterior walls of homes. If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.
Lastly, drywood termites eat wood and make tiny holes to the outside as they do. They also push their droppings out of these holes. You might see the piles of droppings, but not the termites themselves.
Myth: Termites Don’t Really Have a Purpose – They’re Just Destructive
Termites are actually an essential part of the ecosystem.
They help to break down dead wood and other organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This is important for both plant growth and for preventing soil erosion. In addition, termites provide a food source for many animals, including birds, lizards, and rodents. As a result, they play an important role in the food chain
Myth: Termites Can Eat Through Concrete
Termites can only consume wood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials.
However, the damage they can cause to structures made of concrete is still significant. This is because termites typically enter buildings through cracks in the foundation. Once inside, they can quickly destroy wooden framing and other cellulose-based materials.
As a result, even a small colony of termites can cause major damage to a concrete structure over time.
Myth: If You’ve Treated Your House for Termites, You Won’t Need to Do it Again
You should constantly be on the lookout for signs of termite infestation.
Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. In fact, by the time most homeowners realize they have termites, considerable damage has already been done.
Myth: You Can Use DIY Termite Treatments Instead of Professional Exterminators for Termites
Dealing with a termite infestation on your own can be costly and time-consuming.
Termites are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and DIY treatments are often ineffective. In addition, these products can be toxic and pose a danger to children and pets.
Conclusion
If you’re living in Texas, it’s important to be aware of when termite season is so that you can take the necessary precautions to protect your home. Termites cause millions of dollars in damage each year, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to learn about these destructive pests and what you can do to keep them at bay.
Conduct annual inspections at different times throughout the year – and be sure to use certified pest control professionals for these. These companies are professionals who know exactly what to look for and can give you tips on how to keep these pests out for good. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your home from all termite species throughout the entire year.
Have you ever had a problem with termites? Let us know in the comments!
