Humble Termite Control Services

How to Identify Termites in Humble

Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies. There are a few different species of termites in Humble, but the most common species are subterranean termites and drywood termites. Both types of termites are similar in appearance, but there are a few key differences that can help you identify them.

Subterranean Termites

• Habitat: Live in the soil and build extensive underground colonies.
• Nesting: Create mud tubes to connect their nests to food sources above ground.
• Moisture Requirement: Require a significant amount of moisture to survive.
• Size and Color: Typically smaller, with a dark brown to black color for workers and soldiers.
• Damage: Cause extensive damage to structures by feeding on wood from the inside out, often undetected until severe damage has occurred.
• Signs of Infestation: Presence of mud tubes, damaged wood that sounds hollow, and sometimes swarming near the foundation.
• Reproductive Swarmers: Swarmers, also known as alates, have wings and are usually seen during spring when they leave the nest to start new colonies.

Drywood Termites

• Habitat: Live entirely within dry, undecayed wood and do not require contact with soil.
• Nesting: Create colonies inside the wood they infest, without the need for external tunnels or mud tubes.
• Moisture Requirement: Can survive in much drier conditions compared to subterranean termites.
• Size and Color: Slightly larger, with light brown to creamy-white color for workers and soldiers.
• Damage: Tend to be less destructive than subterranean termites but still cause significant damage by eating across the grain of wood, creating smooth galleries.
• Signs of Infestation: Presence of small, kick-out holes where they expel fecal pellets, which resemble tiny, dry pellets; discarded wings near windowsills and light sources.
• Reproductive Swarmers: Swarmers are less frequently seen and can be mistaken for other types of pests when they do emerge.

Signs of a Termite Infestation in Humble

Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies. They are often called the “silent destroyers” because they can cause significant damage to your home without you even knowing it. In fact, termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the United States alone.

Termites are most active during the spring and summer months. During this time, the reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, leave the nest to find a mate and start a new colony. If you see swarming termites in or around your home, it’s a sign that you have a termite problem.

There are several other signs of a termite infestation in Humble:

• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their nest and their food source. These tubes are about the width of a pencil and are usually found along the foundation of your home.
• Wood damage: Termites eat wood from the inside out, so it can be difficult to detect wood damage. However, there are a few things you can look for. If you tap on a piece of wood and it sounds hollow, it could be a sign of termite damage. You may also notice small holes in your wood.
• Swarmer wings: After termites mate, they shed their wings. If you find piles of wings in or around your home, it’s a sign that you have a termite problem.
• Frass: Drywood termites produce a powdery substance called frass. If you notice small piles of frass in or around your home, it’s a sign that you have a termite problem.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your home inspected by a professional. Preventive Pest Control offers free termite inspections in Humble. We will perform a thorough inspection of your home to identify any signs of termite activity. If we find termites, we will develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate them.

Preventing Termites in Humble

• Remove wood-to-soil contact: Store firewood away from your home and off the ground. Remove any wood debris from your yard, such as fallen trees, stumps, and branches. Do not allow wood to come into contact with the soil.
• Repair water damage: Termites are attracted to moisture. Repair any leaks in your home, such as leaky pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are working properly to direct water away from your home.
• Reduce humidity: Termites are also attracted to high humidity. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Make sure your home is properly ventilated.
• Seal cracks and crevices: Termites can enter your home through small cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps around your windows, doors, and foundation. Install weatherstripping on your doors and windows.
• Keep your yard well-maintained: Trim trees and shrubs away from your home. Do not allow mulch to touch your foundation. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean.

While these steps can help reduce your risk of a termite infestation, they are not foolproof. The best way to protect your home from termites is with professional termite control.