Signs of Termites to Watch for in your Dallas Home

Termites are social insects that live in colonies. The king and queen perform the reproductive functions of their colony, while workers carry out all other aspects like maintenance work and soldier defense for them. These individuals separated by the division of labor are called castes.

 

A home with a termite problem will have three types of castes present: workers, soldiers, and swarmers.

 

There are several signs of termites that you can watch for in your Dallas home.

 

The most common sign of a termite infestation is the presence of wings. Swarmer termites also called alates, leave their colonies in order to mate and start new ones. These swarmers will shed their wings after finding their mate and establishing their new colony. If you find wings in or around your home, it is likely that there is a termite problem.

 

Other signs of termites include:

-Mud tubes on the exterior of your home: These are used by termites as both shelter and a way to travel between the ground and your home without being exposed to sunlight, which would dry them out.

-Hollow-sounding wood: This is caused by termites eating away at the wood from the inside.

-Cracks in paint or plaster: These can be caused by termites expanding their tunnels.

-Sawdust: This is a sign that there is an active termite infestation in your home.

 

If you notice any of these signs of termites, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away to have the problem treated. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are left untreated.

 

When Does Swarming Season Start?

 

The specific time of year when termites swarm depends on the species of termite. In Dallas, the most common type of termite is the Formosan termite. This type of termite typically swarms during the months of April and May. However, it is not uncommon for them to swarm as early as March or as late as June. If you see wings in or around your home during these months, it is likely that you have a termite problem.

 

How Can I Prevent Termites?

 

There are several things that you can do to help prevent termites from infesting your home:

 

-Remove any wood that is touching your home: Termites are often attracted to homes because they are looking for a food source. If there is wood touching your home, it makes it an easy target.

-Eliminate moisture: Termites are attracted to damp areas. Be sure to fix any leaks in your home and keep the gutters clean so that water does not build up around your home.

-Caulk cracks: Be sure to seal any cracks in your home’s foundation or exterior so that termites cannot get in.

 

If you are concerned about termites, contact a pest control professional. They will be able to help you determine if you have a problem and, if so, how to best treat it.