Defending Your Houston Rental Properties Against Termites

Termites, the silent destroyers, can wreak havoc on your rental property in Houston, Texas if left unchecked. These tiny pests feed on wood and cellulose materials, causing extensive damage that can be costly to repair. Worry not though, because our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about all things termites in Houston.

From understanding what termites are to determining responsibility, and ultimately, taking action, our team at Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control has you covered – all you have to do is keep on reading.

Termites are social insects that belong to the order Isoptera.

They are often mistaken for ants due to their similar size and social behavior, but termites differ significantly in their impact on property. Unlike ants, termites feed on cellulose-based materials, primarily wood. You also have to keep in mind that there are three main types of termites found in Houston – these are subterranean, drywood, and damp wood termites.

a. Subterranean Termites

These termites live in underground colonies and are responsible for the majority of termite damage in Houston, Texas. They build mud tubes to access wood which can be extremely destructive – so keep an eye out for these types of termites.

b. Drywood Termites

Next, drywood termites infest dry and sound wood, and they don’t require contact with the soil. They often go unnoticed until the damage is severe.

c. Dampwood Termites

Lastly, damp wood termites prefer moist wood and are less common but can still pose a threat to your rental property in the Greater Houston Area.

Indeed, identifying termites can be challenging, as they often hide within the structures of your property. However, the following are some signs that you can look out for:

a. Mud Tubes

Know that subterranean termites create mud tubes that extend from the soil to their food source. These tubes are a clear indicator of termite activity in Houston, Texas.

b. Discarded Wings

Termites often shed their wings after swarming, so if you find discarded wings near windowsills or other entry points, it may signal a termite infestation.

c. Hollowed Wood

Lastly, try tapping on wooden surfaces in your rental property. If the wood sounds hollow or brittle, it could indicate termite damage.

Know that termite damage in Houston is a real concern due to the prevalence of these pests in the area. So identifying termite damage early on can save you from costly repairs.

Try looking out for the following signs of termite damage in Houston:

a. Sagging or Buckling Floors

Termites can weaken wooden floors, causing them to sag or buckle.

b. Peeling Paint of Blistered Wallpaper

Termite damage can make paint or wallpaper bubble or peel.

c. Visible Tunnels or Galleries

Termites create tunnels or galleries within wood as they feed. These can be visible on the surface or found by probing damaged wood with a screwdriver.

Once you’ve identified termites in your rental property, it’s essential to take prompt action to eliminate them once and for all. Some of the most common termite control methods used at Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control include the following:

a. Chemical Treatments

Both insecticides and termiticides are commonly used to treat termite infestations.

Trust us when we say that professional pest control services, like us at Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, can safely apply these chemicals to eradicate the pests in your space.

b. Bait Stations

Termite bait stations can be strategically placed around your property to attract termites and eliminate them.

c. Fumigation

In severe cases, fumigation may be necessary to eliminate termites.

This involves sealing the property and introducing gas to kill the pests.

d. Heat Treatment

Lastly, high-temperature treatment can also effectively eliminate termites by raising the temperature in the infested areas to a level that is lethal to them.