Spring termite swarm season has arrived in the Houston area, prompting pest control specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services to issue guidance for homeowners concerned about potential infestations.
Termites cause over fifty billion dollars in property damage across the United States each year. Texas ranks among the highest-risk states for infestations due to warm temperatures and high humidity, which create ideal conditions for termite colonies. The spring months bring increased termite activity as reproductive swarmers emerge from mature colonies to establish new nests.
Recognizing Active Termite Signs
Several indicators suggest termites have established colonies within a structure. Discarded wings near closed doors and windows serve as one of the earliest warning signs. Reproductive termites shed their wings after emerging from established colonies to start new ones, typically leaving these remnants near entry points during spring months.
Mud tubes running along foundation walls indicate subterranean termite activity. These pencil-width tunnels protect termites from dry air as they travel between underground nests and above-ground food sources. Breaking off a small section and checking whether it gets rebuilt within a few days confirms active infestation.
Frass, or termite droppings, provides another telltale sign. These small pellets resemble sawdust and accumulate near wooden structures as termites push waste out of their tunnels. Blistering floors that mimic water damage without any moisture source present also warrant immediate professional inspection.
Professional Inspection Recommended
Distinguishing termites from carpenter ants requires trained expertise. Both species vary in color and size, making visual identification difficult for untrained observers. Wing length and antennae shape provide the most reliable distinctions, but a qualified Houston exterminator uses multiple assessment methods to confirm pest species.
ABC Home & Commercial Services, a family-owned company serving Houston since 1986, offers free estimates for homeowners concerned about potential termite activity. The company’s inspection process identifies current damage, locates entry points, and develops customized treatment plans.
Houston homeowners can learn more about how to tell if termites are active and schedule professional inspections through ABC’s termite control services. Content developed in partnership with national digital marketing agency ASTOUNDZ.
ABC Home & Commercial Services Houston
+1 281 730 9500
11934 Barker Cypress Rd
Cypress
TX
77433
United States