There are a number of termite species that affect the Texas region. The three main offenders of termite species are the Subterranean Termites, Western Drywood Termites, and the Desert Dampwood Termites. We want you to know about the main species of termites found in Texas homes. As most know, termites are one of the most destructive pests found in homes and businesses and they cost millions of dollars worth of damage a year. A-Tex Pest Management will share some basic signs of and descriptions of these awful intruders.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are one of the few species of termite that don’t create the nest in the food source such as other termites do. Most termites will burrow deep into woods and create elaborate tunneling systems throughout. Where most termite species will build their nests in wood such as wood framing and trees, subterranean termites build their nests underground. They will also create elaborate tunnels, both underground and on the surface where they will travel to and from their food source. You will often see muddy vein like tunneling systems on the ground near the foundations of homes or buildings, and even in the trees. These tunnels can also appear on the sides going up the wall and other objects that provide food.
Western Drywood Termites
The Western Drywood termites are one of the most common species of termite found in homes today. They thrive indoors and will feed and burrow on dry wood. Often these pesky guys are found inside the home’s wood interior framing and can effectively destroy a large part of the home if left unchecked. The Western Drywood Termite prefers drier wood verses wet wood or freshly cut wood or woods that hold in more moisture. Older homes often become a target for the Western Drywood Termite.
Desert Dampwood Termites
This is another species of termite that will live underground. They usually live next to or under damp wood objects such as dying or decaying trees, or other wooden objects constantly exposed to moisture. They prefer to feed on damp, softer woods unlike your typical drywood termites. These types of termite species are often found in gutter systems, feeding on the decaying leaves and tree limbs that get caught inside them.
Common Social Behaviors of Termites
A termite colony is comprised of queens, kings, workers and soldiers. The kings and queens are the breeders of the colony. They are known as alates or during breeding season, the swarmers. They will send out the mating pair away from the colony to breed and start up their own colony and sometimes very close to their original home. After mating, the male will eventually die. The female will look for a new spot with plenty of food to start her new colony. Once the female picks her new home, she will remove her wings. Discarded wings are a common sign of a future termite invasion. You will often find them by window seals. The soldiers are normally equipped will a pair of large pincers to defend the nest from intruders. The workers are smaller with a cream-colored body. They break down the food and then disperse it throughout the colony. All termites feed on cellulose such as woods, and even paper like cardboard and books.
Termite Inspections, Control, Treatment & Removal in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
The presence of termites should never be tolerated. Regular inspection, especially if you’re seeing signs of termite activity in or around your home, should be addressed quickly. It’s much easier to remove the problem before it gets out of hand. A-Tex Pest Management can do both inspections and treatment of termites. Don’t allow your home to become a victim of a termite invasion. Contact A-Tex Pest Management today.