For many people, summer equates to spending time outdoors enjoying the weather around the pool and spending time with family and friends at outdoor gatherings. Unfortunately, summer is optimal for nuisance pests like mosquitos and other stinging insects. Warm weather also brings out destructive pests, including termites. Termites are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of property damage annually. Termites are a severe problem in Austin, Texas, due to the hot summer temperatures. Two of the most common termites in Texas are subterranean and dry-wood termites. If you own a home in Texas, you should familiarize yourself with these two species and understand the threats each one poses to your property.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the most destructive, and if left untreated, they have the capability of causing a building to collapse. Subterranean termites are attracted to warm moist climates like those found in Texas and can often be found near wood. Subterranean termite infestations can occur inside and outside your home. They are especially attracted to moisture around the foundation of the house. Subterranean termites need water to thrive; they feed on wood creating mud tubes to travel to the foundation for food and water. Several colonies can co-exist at once, and each can range from sixty thousand to two million termites.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites, on the other hand, do not require contact with the soil, prefer to eat dry wood, and live in much smaller colonies. They access your home through small holes in damaged wood, eaves, and gaps around windows and doors. They are hard to locate as they tend to nest deep inside the structure chewing on support beams, walls, and floors. They are mainly active during the day when the temperatures are exceptionally high and can damage wooden furniture and other items inside your home. Termites may be tiny in stature, but they are capable of causing considerable damage to your home.

How Do You Protect Your House from Termites?

Your A-Tex Pest Management team can provide a termite inspection and comprehensive treatment program to protect and treat your home. Termites depend on water to survive and produce moisture as they feed, so reducing the moisture level around your home makes perfect sense. Tips to keep termites away from your home include:
– Apply Mulch Evenly. Mulch contains moisture, so it’s essential to distribute mulch evenly around your property and ensure your soil has sufficient drainage.
– Keep Wood Off Ground. Do not allow any wood to have direct contact with the ground near your home’s foundation.
– Eliminate excess moisture. Immediately fix water leaks and plumbing issues.
– Remove rotting or damaged wood.
– Get your HVAC Serviced Regularly to Control Moisture.
– Install Vent Fans. Install vent fans in your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to remove moisture.
– Keep Gutters Clean. Divert rainwater away from the structure of your home.
– Turn Outdoor Lighting Off. Termites are attracted to light sources, so ensure that outdoor lighting is turned off at night.
– Examine Weather Stripping. Examine the weather stripping around your windows and doors and repair or replace when needed.

Termite Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas

While these tips help deter termites, the only way to guarantee protection is with a professional A-Tex Pest Management inspection and termite control program. For year-round protection from termites for your Austin, Texas home and to schedule an appointment, contact the professionals at A-Tex Pest Management today.