Termite Season in Texas: What Every Homeowner Must Know

Last Updated: November 26, 2025 | Texas Current Conditions

The $5 Billion Problem Texas Homeowners Face

As a Licensed Pest Control Operator with 12 years specializing in termite control across Texas, I've witnessed thousands of homeowners discover termite damage too late. The average repair cost? $3,000-8,000. And here's the worst part: homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover termite damage.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything I've learned inspecting over 5,000 Texas homes—so you can avoid becoming another statistic.

Understanding Texas Termite Species

Subterranean Termites (95% of Texas Infestations)

Scientific Name: Reticulitermes species
Colony Size: 60,000 - 2,000,000+ termites
Damage Rate: Can consume 1 pound of wood per day (large colonies)

Why They're So Destructive in Texas:

• Thrive in Texas' humid climate (they need moisture)
• Build mud tubes to travel from soil to wood
• Work 24/7 inside walls where you can't see them
• Can completely destroy floor joists in 3-5 years

Swarming Season in Texas:

• Primary swarm: Late February - May
• Secondary swarm: September - October
• Swarms occur after rain when temps reach 70°F+

Drywood Termites (5% of Texas Infestations, Coastal Areas)

Less Common But Still Dangerous:

• Don't require soil contact
• Live entirely inside wood
• Smaller colonies (2,500-3,000 termites)
• Harder to detect (no mud tubes)
• Common in Houston, Galveston coastal areas

How to Identify Termite Activity in Your Texas Home

Critical Warning Signs (Immediate Inspection Needed)

1. Mud Tubes

What They Look Like:

• Pencil-width tunnels made of soil and saliva
• Run along foundation walls, piers, or inside crawl spaces
• Connect soil to wood food sources

Where to Check:

• Foundation walls (especially corners)
• Pier and beam supports
• Interior walls near plumbing
• Garage walls and ceilings

Pro Tip: Break open a section of mud tube. If you see white, ant-like insects, you have active termites. Even if empty, tubes indicate current or recent activity.

2. Swarmers or Discarded Wings

Spring Swarms (March-May):

• Hundreds or thousands of winged termites emerge
• Attracted to light (found near windows)
• Swarms last 30-40 minutes
• Males and females pair off to start new colonies

After Swarm Evidence:

• Piles of discarded wings near windows or doors
• Dead termites on windowsills
• Evidence near exterior lights

Critical: If you see a swarm inside your home, you have an active infestation. If outside, there's a colony nearby (within 300 feet).

3. Wood Damage

How Termites Eat:

• Consume wood from inside out
• Leave thin veneer of surface wood or paint
• Create honeycomb pattern inside

Testing for Damage:

• Tap wood with screwdriver handle (sounds hollow)
• Press on suspicious areas (damaged wood feels soft)
• Look for blistering wood or paint
• Check for sagging floors or ceilings

High-Risk Areas in Texas Homes:

• Bathroom and kitchen framing (moisture attracts termites)
• Window sills and door frames
• Attic framing near roof leaks
• Pier and beam homes: floor joists and sill plates
• Wooden fence posts touching soil

4. Frass (Drywood Termite Droppings)

Only Drywood Termites:

• Small piles of pellets resembling sawdust or coffee grounds
• Six-sided pellets (visible under magnification)
• Found below kick-out holes in wood
• Colors range from light tan to dark brown

Why Termites Love Texas (And Your Home)

Climate Factors

Texas Temperature: 65°F — Perfect for termite activity (termites are active year-round when temps exceed 50°F)

Humidity: Texas' humidity provides moisture termites need

Soil Type: Texas clay soil retains moisture, supporting huge underground colonies

Construction Factors

Common in Texas Homes:

• Pier and beam foundations (easy access to wood)
• Wooden siding and trim in contact with soil
• Mulch against foundation (termite highway)
• Poor drainage creating moisture problems
• Older homes with more wood components

The Real Cost of Ignoring Termites

Financial Impact

Average Termite Damage Costs:

• Minor damage: $1,500-3,000
• Moderate damage: $3,000-8,000
• Severe structural damage: $8,000-30,000+

Additional Costs:

• Emergency repairs if floor collapses: $5,000-15,000
• Reduced home value when selling: 10-20% discount
• Failed home inspections requiring treatment before sale
• Extended treatment for active infestations: $2,000-5,000

Time Factor

Termite Damage Timeline:

• Year 1: Minimal visible damage, colony establishment
• Year 2-3: Significant internal damage to framing
• Year 4-5: Structural integrity compromised, floor sagging
• Year 6+: Major repairs required, potential safety hazards

The Problem: Most homeowners discover termites in Year 3-5, when damage is extensive.

Professional vs. DIY Termite Treatment

Why DIY Rarely Works

Store-Bought Termite Products:

• Only kill termites on contact (don't eliminate colonies)
• Can't reach termites inside walls and framing
• May cause termites to relocate (spread infestation)
• No barrier protection to prevent re-infestation

Example: One Texas homeowner spent $600 on DIY products over 8 months. Termites persisted. Professional treatment eliminated colony in 90 days.

Professional Treatment Methods

1. Liquid Barrier Treatment (Most Common)

How It Works:

• Treat soil around foundation perimeter
• Create continuous chemical barrier
• Termites can't detect treated soil
• They die when attempting to cross barrier
• Protects entire structure

Treatment Process:

1. Trench along foundation (4-6 inches deep)
2. Apply EPA-approved termiticide
3. Treat around piers, plumbing, and cracks
4. Inject into walls if active infestation detected

Duration: 5-10 years protection (varies by product)

Cost: $1,500-3,500 for average home

2. Bait Station System

How It Works:

• Install monitoring stations around property
• Termites discover bait stations while foraging
• Consume bait containing slow-acting toxin
• Return to colony, share food (trophallaxis)
• Entire colony eliminated over 2-3 months

Advantages:

• Minimal chemical use
• Targets entire colony (including queen)
• Ongoing monitoring included
• Environmentally friendly option

Cost: $1,800-4,000 initial + $300-500 annual monitoring

3. Fumigation (Drywood Termites)

When Needed:

• Drywood termite infestation
• Multiple colonies throughout structure
• Termites in inaccessible locations

Process:

• Tent entire structure
• Release sulfuryl fluoride gas
• Gas penetrates all wood, killing all termites
• Occupants vacate 24-72 hours

Cost: $1,200-2,500 (1,250 sq ft home)

Termite Prevention: Protect Your Texas Home

Moisture Control (Critical in Texas)

Why It Matters: Termites need moisture to survive. Eliminate moisture, reduce termite risk.

Action Steps:

1. Fix Leaks Immediately

   • Check under sinks, around toilets, shower pans
   • Inspect attic for roof leaks
   • Repair exterior wall cracks allowing rain penetration

2. Improve Drainage

   • Slope soil away from foundation (minimum 1 inch per foot)
   • Install or repair gutters and downspouts
   • Extend downspouts 5+ feet from foundation
   • Use splash blocks or underground drain pipes

3. Crawl Space Ventilation

   • Install vapor barrier (6-mil plastic) over soil
   • Ensure vents aren't blocked
   • Consider crawl space dehumidifier if moisture persists

Eliminate Wood-to-Soil Contact

Remove These Termite Highways:

• Wooden siding touching soil (maintain 6-inch gap)
• Deck posts in ground contact (use concrete footers)
• Firewood stacked against house (store 20+ feet away)
• Wooden fence posts connected to house
• Tree roots or stumps against foundation

Install Termite Barriers:

• Metal termite shields on pier and beam homes
• Crushed rock or sand barriers (4+ inches, 12+ inches wide)
• Termite-resistant materials for new construction

Landscape Management

Mulch Problems:

• Creates moisture trap against foundation
• Provides food source (termites eat decaying wood)
• Makes inspections difficult

Better Options:

• Rubber mulch or rock within 12 inches of foundation
• Limit wood mulch to 2-inch depth maximum
• Pull mulch 6+ inches away from siding

Tree and Shrub Placement:

• Plant trees 15+ feet from structure
• Trim shrubs away from siding
• Remove dead tree stumps promptly

Regular Inspections

DIY Monthly Inspection:

• Walk foundation perimeter checking for mud tubes
• Examine crawl space or basement
• Look for moisture problems
• Check wooden components for damage

Professional Annual Inspection:

• Certified inspectors check hidden areas
• Advanced detection tools (moisture meters, infrared cameras)
• Written report documenting findings
• Peace of mind and early detection

Cost: $75-150 per inspection (often free with treatment contract)

When to Schedule Professional Termite Inspection

Immediate Inspection Required:

• Swarmers or discarded wings observed
• Mud tubes discovered
• Suspected wood damage
• Buying or selling home
• Neighbors report termite activity

Annual Inspection Recommended:

• Home is 10+ years old
• Never had termite inspection
• Previous termite treatment older than 5 years
• Property has conducive conditions (moisture, wood contact)

Post-Treatment Inspection:

• 30 days after initial treatment
• Annually to verify treatment effectiveness
• Before warranty expiration

Romex Termite Protection Program

Our Certified Wood Destroying Insect Inspection has protected thousands of Texas homes from termite damage.

Comprehensive Inspection Includes:

✓ 47-Point Property Assessment

• Complete interior and exterior inspection
• Attic, crawl space, and garage examination
• Moisture meter testing of high-risk areas
• Infrared camera detection (when applicable)

✓ Detailed Written Report

• Current termite activity (if any)
• Evidence of past infestations
• Conducive conditions noted
• Repair recommendations
• Treatment options with pricing

✓ Licensed Inspector All inspections performed by Texas-licensed operators with specialized termite training.

Our Treatment Guarantee

100% Termite Elimination Guarantee:

• If termites return during warranty period, we re-treat at no charge
• Annual re-inspections included
• Damage repair assistance (structural warranties available)
• Transferable warranty (increases home value)

Current Termite Special

Comprehensive Termite Treatment Package:

• Complete inspection
• Liquid barrier treatment (perimeter + interior if needed)
• 5-year renewable warranty
• Annual inspections included
• Repair estimates provided

Investment: $1,495 (reg. $2,200) — Limited time offer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have termites or wood rot?

Termites: Mud tubes present, wood sounds hollow, honeycomb pattern inside, discarded wings
Wood Rot: Wood darkens, becomes spongy, no mud tubes, no insects

Sometimes both occur simultaneously (rot attracts termites). Professional inspection recommended for accurate diagnosis.

Are termites active in winter in Texas?

Yes! Unlike northern states, Texas termites remain active year-round because:

• Soil rarely freezes
• Indoor temperatures always suitable
• Colonies deep underground stay warm

Winter is an excellent time for treatment because:

• Termites are less active (easier to control)
• You're preparing before spring swarm season
• Scheduling is easier (less demand)

How fast do termites cause damage?

Timeline varies based on:

• Colony size (larger = faster damage)
• Wood type (softwoods damaged faster)
• Moisture level (wet wood eaten faster)
• Number of colonies (multiple = severe damage)

Average home: Noticeable damage in 2-3 years, significant structural issues in 5-7 years.

Can I sell my house if it has termites?

Yes, but:

• Must disclose termite history to buyers
• Buyers will likely require professional treatment before closing
• May reduce sale price by $5,000-15,000
• Can delay closing 30-60 days

Better approach: Get inspection and treatment before listing. Shows buyers the home is well-maintained.

What's the difference between termites and flying ants?

Termite Swarmers:

• Body has no "waist" (looks straight)
• Four wings all same length
• Straight antennae
• Soft-bodied, white to tan color

Flying Ants:

• Narrow waist between thorax and abdomen
• Front wings longer than back wings
• Bent/elbowed antennae
• Hard-bodied, black or red color

Not sure? Capture specimen in plastic bag and have it identified (we offer free identification).

Take Action: Protect Your Investment

Your home is likely your largest investment. Don't let termites destroy it.

Every day you wait:

• Termites consume more of your home's structure
• Damage becomes more expensive to repair
• Colony grows larger (harder to eliminate)
• Risk of structural failure increases

Schedule Your Free Termite Inspection

What to Expect:

1. Licensed inspector examines property (45-60 minutes)
2. Detailed findings discussion
3. Treatment recommendations if needed
4. Written estimate provided
5. No obligation to proceed

Why Choose Romex:

• Licensed termite specialists (not general technicians)
• Advanced detection technology
• Comprehensive warranties
• Same-day service available
• A+ BBB rating

Special for Texas Homeowners: Free termite inspection ($125 value) with mention of this article.

About the Author: Glen Thomson holds a Texas Structural Pest Control License and specializes in wood-destroying insect control. He has inspected over 5,000 Texas properties and provides expert testimony in real estate termite disputes.