Conroe Termite Control

Types of Termites in Conroe, TX

There are more than 2,000 species of termites in the world, but only about 50 of them are found in the United States. In Texas, the most common type of termite is the subterranean termite. As their name suggests, subterranean termites live underground and build their nests in soil. They are social insects that live in large colonies and work together to build their nests and find food.

There are three types of termites in a subterranean colony:

• Workers – These are the termites that you are most likely to see. They are about 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long and are usually light-colored. Workers are responsible for building the nest, finding food, and taking care of the other termites in the colony.
• Soldiers – Soldiers are about the same size as workers, but they have large, powerful jaws that they use to defend the nest. They are usually light-colored and have long, narrow heads.
• Reproductives – Reproductives are the termites that are responsible for starting new colonies. They are usually dark brown or black and have wings. Reproductives leave the nest in the spring and summer to mate and start new colonies.

Another common type of termite in the Conroe area is the drywood termite. Unlike their subterranean cousins, drywood termites don't require contact with soil. They can infest your home through furniture, firewood, or even directly through walls, munching on dry wood. These pests can go unnoticed for years, causing significant structural damage before you discover them. If you suspect drywood termites, call a professional for inspection and treatment right away.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termites are often called “silent destroyers” because they can eat away at the wooden structures of a home for years without being detected. However, there are some signs that you can look for to determine if you have a termite problem.

Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Mud tubes – Subterranean termites build mud tubes to protect themselves from predators and to maintain a high level of humidity in their nests. These tubes are about the width of a pencil and are usually found on the foundation walls of a home or on other wooden structures.
• Discarded wings – Reproductive termites have wings that they shed after they mate. If you find a pile of wings on the floor or on a windowsill, it could be a sign that you have a termite problem.
• Wood damage – Termites eat wood from the inside out, so it can be difficult to detect wood damage. However, if you tap on a wooden structure and it sounds hollow, it could be a sign that termites have been eating away at it.
• Tight-fitting doors and windows – If your doors and windows are suddenly difficult to open and close, it could be a sign that termites are eating away at the wooden frames.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional right away. The longer you wait to get rid of termites, the more damage they can do to your home.

Preventing Termites in Conroe Homes

While it is not always possible to prevent a termite infestation, there are some things that you can do to make your home less attractive to these pests. For example, you should store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep it off the ground. You should also make sure that your gutters are clean and that they are directing water away from your home.

Additionally, you should fix any leaks in your home’s plumbing and make sure that your sprinkler system is not hitting your home’s foundation. Finally, you should have your home inspected for termites at least once a year. An annual termite inspection can help you catch a termite problem early and prevent it from causing serious damage to your home.