Houston Termite Control

Termite Damages in Houston

Termites are unwelcome pests in many homes and businesses, as they can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Here in the Houston area, thousands or tens of thousands of homes are damaged by these tiny insects every year, to the tune of millions of dollars worth of damage.

Think you’re going to get help fixing it from your insurance company? Think again: insurance companies view termite damage as preventable, and they don’t cover it. You need a comprehensive inspection, treatment, and termite control in Houston and the surrounding areas.

Why Choose Preventive Pest Control for Termite Treatment in Houston?

Here at Preventive Pest Control, termites are our specialty. Our pest exterminators in Houston have been highly-trained in termite behavior, signs of termite damage, and tools and techniques to stop and remove termite problems for good. 

We don’t just locate termites; we find where they’ve found their way into your home, how much damage they have caused, and how you can stop them from continuing to wreak havoc on your home’s structure. We use the latest methods, including the Sentricon® termite system—one of the most effective termite prevention systems available today. 

We offer termite control in Houston for residential and commercial structures, meaning you can give us a call for any termite problems you might have!

Termite FAQs

How Can You Tell if You Have a Termite Problem?

A single termite may not be able to do all that much, but the problem is termites are never alone—they’re usually backed up by thousands or even millions of others in a single colony. A termite colony of that size could cause thousands and thousands of dollars of damage to your home in as little as a few months, and you may never even have been aware they were there. 

You can’t afford to take that risk; check out some of the signs of termites below and call right away if you find any of them.

Below are signs you have a termite problem and should request inspection and treatment:

• Termite droppings
• Papery or hollow-sounding timber
• Visible tunnels in visible wood
• Tight-fitting doors or hard-to-open windows
• White ants walking through your home (they aren’t ants, they’re termites)
• A very soft tapping sound inside your walls (this is the sound of termite soldiers communicating)
• Flying termites (swarmers, a type of termite intended to spread and form new colonies)

What Do Termites Look Like?

Termites vary in appearance depending on their role in the colony. 

• Workers, the most common caste, are pale, soft-bodied insects, about 1/4 inch long, with straight antennae and a uniform, creamy color. 
• Soldiers have larger, darker heads with powerful jaws for defense. 
• Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers or alates, have wings and are darker, with straight antennae and a robust body. They resemble flying ants but have a straighter waist, equal-length wings, and shed their wings after swarming. 

What's the Difference Between Termites & Carpenter Ants?

Termites and carpenter ants share similarities but have distinct features. Termites have straight, bead-like antennae, uniform color, and soft bodies. Their waist is thick and not easily distinguishable from the rest of the body. 

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, have bent antennae, segmented bodies with a narrow waist, and elbowed, jointed antennae. They are usually larger than termites and come in various colors. Additionally, carpenter ants don't eat wood but excavate it for nesting, leaving behind sawdust-like frass. 

Knowing these differences helps in accurate identification and enables targeted pest control measures. If uncertain, consult a professional for proper diagnosis.

How Do You Get Rid of Termites?

Consulting a licensed pest control expert is crucial for a targeted and effective termite elimination plan. They will start by conducting a thorough inspection to identify the extent of the infestation. 

Then, your termite exterminator will present options like chemical treatments (termiticides), bait systems, or fumigation, depending on the severity of the infestation. Non-toxic alternatives can potentially be used for smaller infestations. 

Regular maintenance, like fixing leaks and removing wood-to-soil contact, helps prevent re-infestation. 

Can You Prevent the Need For Termite Control?

• Avoid wood-to-soil contact - The best way to avoid termites altogether is to ensure that all wooden floorboards are elevated off of the ground during the construction of your home. Keep firewood and anything else that's wooden off the ground.
• Dehumidify and questionable areas - If you have any crawl spaces or wooden areas underneath your deck, you should consider installing a dehumidifier to avoid calling in our Houston termite control experts.
• Avoid using mulch if possible - Since mulch does an excellent job retaining moisture, termites love it even if they don't necessarily feast on it. Try using gravel or rocks as a substitute and if you must use mulch, make sure it's not touching your home.
• Act quickly on slab leaks or any moisture around your foundation- Not only can slab leaks throw off the entire foundation of your home, but they can provide termites with the moisture level they need to thrive.

Do Termites Bite People?

While they do have small mandibles, termites mainly attack wood, not humans. That doesn't take away from the other problems these nasty pests cause though. Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and paper products, quickly destroying anything made of these materials in their path. While it's true that they can be beneficial to nature in breaking down dead and decaying matter, any home structure built with wood is susceptible to termite infestation and all the costly repairs that come with it.

Are Termites a Health Hazard People?

Termites themselves are not directly harmful to humans. Unlike some other pests, termites do not pose a direct threat to human health or safety. They don't bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, termites can cause significant harm to structures, particularly wooden elements of buildings.

The primary concern with termites is the damage they can inflict on wooden structures, including homes, furniture, and other wooden items. Subterranean termites, in particular, are known for creating extensive tunnels and galleries within wood, weakening its structural integrity over time. If left untreated, termite infestations can lead to costly repairs and compromise the safety and stability of a building.

While termites themselves are not harmful to humans, the economic impact of termite damage and the potential for structural issues make it important to address termite infestations promptly through effective control and prevention measures. Regular inspections and early intervention can help mitigate the risk of significant damage caused by termites.

Struggling with termites? Contact Houston's trusted termite control team at (713) 955-7405 or schedule an inspection online today.