Termites: tearing down, not building up
Termites are familiar to every homeowner in the Dallas area. Even if you haven’t personally experienced them in your home, it’s likely that you have a vague idea of the damage that they can cause. It’s important to note, however, that not all termites are the same. Our region is home to a number of endemic termite species, each of which have specific life cycles, patterns of behavior and consequences for local homeowners.
Types of Termite Species in Texas
There are a number of termites that are endemic to Texas, including:
• Desert dampwood termites
• Eastern subterranean termites
• Formosan subterranean termites
• Arid-land subterranean termites
• Western drywood termites
Not all of these termites are present in the Metroplex region. Dallas-Fort Worth lies near the boundary between the subtropical forests of East Texas and the semi-arid steppes of the southern Great Plains and Llano Estacado regions. The climate here is too moist for desert dampwood, western drywood termites and arid-land subterranean termites. The most common and most damaging termite species in our neck of the woods is the eastern subterranean termite. Formosan subterranean termites are present as well.
How Destructive Can They Get?
Unfortunately, subterranean termites account for the vast majority of termite damage in the United States. The situation in Texas is no different. Over the course of several months, subterranean termites can burrow into the soils that surround your home and establish a nascent colony. Swarming is particularly common after heavy rains and on humid evenings. Fortunately, it can take years for a colony to reach its full size, leaving plenty of time to recognize and mitigate its destructive effects.
Is It Possible to Stave Off a Termite Infestation?
Although it’s difficult to mitigate an in-progress termite infection without professional help, you can reduce the chances that termites will burrow into your home and begin eating away at its wooden structural components. These include:
• Removing stacked wood and wooden ornamental fixtures from areas immediately adjacent to the home
• Removing moist soil and sand from around the house
• Set out termite baits in your basement and lower levels
• Leave any evidence of termite activity, including shelter tubes, in place for a professional to assess
ABC Home & Commercial Services: Your Source for Termite Control in Dallas
If you’re overwhelmed by termites in your home, the DIY solutions that can forestall an infestation may no longer be sufficient. Instead of battening down the hatches and accepting long-term damage to your home, contact a trusted authority with years of experience in termite control. To learn more about how we can mitigate termites in your home and prevent further damage, give our Dallas office a call at (469) 549-7300 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.