How can I tell termite swarmers from flying ants?
Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings that are the same length and extend well past the body. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back pair. Termite wings break off easily, so piles of loose wings are a strong clue.
Eastern subterranean swarmers are dark brown to black and usually fly during the day in late winter and spring, often after a warm rain. Formosan swarmers are larger, yellowish-brown and fly at dusk in late spring, crowding around porch lights and windows.
What are mud tubes and what should I do if I find one?
Mud tubes are pencil-width tunnels of soil, saliva and wood particles that subterranean termites build to travel between the ground and wood while staying moist and hidden. If you find one, leave it in place and book an inspection, because an intact tube helps show whether the termites are still active.
Why do slab homes in Magnolia still get termites?
A concrete slab does not stop subterranean termites. They enter through hairline cracks, expansion joints, plumbing and electrical penetrations, and the open soil under bathtub drains. Brick veneer, stucco or foam insulation that runs below grade can also hide their tubes, so entry points are often invisible from inside the house.
Leaking hose bibs, AC condensate lines and flowerbeds piled above the slab line keep soil damp where termites forage, and regular general pest control visits are a good chance to check the foundation.
Should I choose a liquid treatment or a bait system?
Choose a liquid treatment when you want fast protection and the foundation can be trenched and drilled. Choose a bait system when drilling is difficult, you prefer less product in the soil, or you want ongoing monitoring. Many homes in Montgomery County suit either approach, and the inspection shows which one fits yours best.
What is a WDI report and when do I need one?
A WDI report is the Texas Official Wood Destroying Insect Report, the form the Texas Department of Agriculture prescribes for real estate transactions. It records visible evidence of termites and other wood-destroying insects, plus conducive conditions. Buyers often order one during the option period, and some lenders require it before closing.
