Magnolia, Texas, homeowners enjoy warm weather nearly year-round, but so do termites. With the perfect combination of humidity, soil, and wooden structures, our state is home to several common species of termites that can cause significant damage if left untreated.

From subterranean termites tunneling underground to drywood termites hiding deep within your walls, understanding the types of termites found in Texas and how to stop them is key to protecting your home.

 

Common Types of Termites in Texas

When it comes to Magnolia, Texas, two of the most common species of termites are subterranean termites and drywood termites, each with unique habits and threats.

 

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean species are the most common types of termites in Texas and among the most destructive. These social insects live in large colonies beneath the soil and build mud tubes to reach above-ground food sources like your home’s wooden beams and window frames.

A subterranean termite colony can include thousands—even millions—of members, including worker termites, soldier termites, and reproductive termites. The soldiers defend the nest while the workers feed on cellulose-containing materials such as wood, paper, and insulation. Over time, this feeding can wreak havoc on wooden structures, leading to costly repairs.

 

Drywood Termites

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need soil contact or moisture to survive. They live directly inside dry wood, where they form colonies and chew through support beams, furniture, and even door frames. A drywood termite infestation often goes unnoticed until termite droppings (small piles resembling sawdust) appear near infested wood.

Drywood termites are commonly found in coastal areas where humidity levels and standing water create ideal environments for these pests.

 

Formosan Termites

A particularly aggressive termite species, Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite known for their massive colonies and fast destruction rate. Once they build mud tubes and establish a nest, their termite activity can cause structural damage in just months.

 

Common Signs of Termite Infestations

Early detection is the key to minimizing termite damage. Watch for these common signs of a termite infestation:

• Mud tubes along walls or foundations (sign of subterranean termites)
• Discarded wings or flying termites (also called termite swarmers or winged termites) near windows or lights
• Small piles of droppings (a telltale sign of drywood termite infestations)
• Hollow-sounding or weakened wood
• Warping around door frames and window frames
• Blistering paint or excessive moisture near the baseboards
• Clicking sounds inside walls (a result of soldier termites warning their colony)

If you notice any of these indicators, it’s time to call a professional pest control company for an inspection.

 

How Termite Colonies Work

Termites are social insects, meaning each colony has a strict hierarchy. Workers gather food, soldiers defend the nest, and reproductive termites (or swarmers) leave to form new colonies.

When swarmers appear, they shed their two pairs of wings, often found in windowsills or near light fixtures, and look for a new place to start a nest. In Texas, termite swarmers are often seen during warm, humid spring days when moisture levels are high.

Once a new colony is established, these reproductive termites can begin causing significant damage in as little as six months.

 

Why Termites Are So Destructive

Termites feed on cellulose, the organic compound found in wood and other cellulose-containing materials. Because they rarely come to the surface, termite activity often goes unnoticed until the damage is severe.

Left untreated, termite infestations can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation, floor joists, and framing, leading to costly structural damage. The longer a termite problem persists, the harder it becomes to eliminate termites and repair the destruction they leave behind.

 

Prevent Termites Before They Invade

The best way to handle termites is to prevent them before they cause harm. Texas homeowners can reduce risk by:

• Fixing leaky pipes and eliminating standing water
• Keeping firewood and mulch away from the foundation
• Reducing excessive moisture around the home
• Sealing cracks in walls, door frames, and foundations
• Scheduling annual termite control with a trusted pest control expert

Because subterranean termites often require contact with soil, managing moisture and removing tree roots or decaying wood near your foundation can go a long way in prevention.

 

Professional Termite Control in Texas

At Solve Pest Pros, we know how destructive pests like termites can be. Our professional termite control solutions target the termite colony directly, using advanced treatments to eliminate termites at every stage. Whether you’re dealing with drywood termite colonies in your attic or subterranean termite nests beneath your home, we can help stop the damage before it spreads.

From early detection to complete elimination, our experts provide thorough inspections, customized treatment plans, and ongoing protection to safeguard your home from all types of termites.

 

Protect Your Texas Home from Termite Damage

Don’t let termites silently destroy your biggest investment. In Magnolia, Texas, termites continue to be a pest problem for homeowners year-round. Solve Pest Pros is here to help you identify, treat, and prevent termite infestations.

Schedule your free termite inspection today and take the first step toward total peace of mind.