Dallas homeowners deal with pests year-round, but termites pose some of the most serious problems. The warm Texas weather and long spring season give termites more time to grow and spread. Knowing the types of termites in Dallas helps you act early before damage becomes costly.
Many Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners notice swarmers near windows after rain. Others see mud tubes on slabs or in crawl spaces. Some discover termites during a remodel after they have already eaten through wood. Understanding how each termite species behaves makes early warning signs easier to spot.
This guide explains the main types of termites in Dallas, how to recognize signs of activity, how colonies grow, and when to call a termite exterminator in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
Subterranean termites are the most common termites in Dallas. They build underground colonies and move toward wood or other materials containing cellulose. They need moisture and often enter through small gaps near the foundation or in crawl spaces. These termites usually cause hidden damage long before a homeowner notices a problem.
Early signs include mud tubes, soil tunnels, and light brown swarmers around doors or windows. Worker termites grow the colony by moving from soil to wood, and soldier termites protect it from ants. When termites swarm, they try to form a new colony in or around a Dallas home.
If you see mud tubes or swarmers on your home, our team can help stop termite activity and install long-term protection around your foundation.
Drywood termites are less common in Dallas, but they still show up in furniture, attics, and older wood. These termites do not need to come into contact with soil. Instead, they live inside the wood they eat. Because they do not require contact with soil, they are harder to find and often remain hidden until they cause greater damage.
Drywood termites leave tiny droppings that look like sand. They also create hollow spots in wood, especially in attic beams or trim. These termites spread when swarmers slip inside vents or small gaps. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not make mud tubes, so the usual signs may not appear.
If you think drywood termites may be in your Dallas home, we can inspect the area and create a tailored plan to help keep your rooms pest-free.
Formosan termites are a stronger and faster version of subterranean termites. They are common in Houston and are spreading north toward Dallas-Fort Worth. Their colonies grow larger, allowing them to damage wooden structures more quickly. Many homeowners see large groups of swarmers at night near porch lights.
Formosan termites chew through wood in framing, fences, and wall sheathing. If moisture builds up in the walls, they may even form a new colony inside the home, which can make the infestation grow faster than usual. These termites are light to dark brown and often create multiple areas of activity simultaneously.
Several signs help homeowners spot termite activity early. Many people notice these signs during home projects, in crawl spaces, or around the foundation.
One of the most common signs is the presence of mud tubes. These tubes protect worker termites from dry air and help them reach wood without being exposed. You may also see swarmers indoors during spring storms or find discarded wings near windows.
Structural damage is another warning sign. Wood may sound hollow, bubble, or break apart in thin layers. Termites also damage wood near kitchens, bathrooms, and other moist areas. Some homeowners get messages from neighbors warning about termite activity, which often means swarmers are on the move.
When you notice early signs of termite infestation in your Dallas-Fort Worth home, such as swarming inside or outside, schedule an inspection right away.
A termite colony starts when reproductives leave the colony and create a new colony near soil, wood, or moisture. If you’ve ever wondered where termites come from, this process begins with swarmers searching for a safe place to settle. Once the colony grows, worker termites start feeding, and soldier termites defend the area.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, warm temperatures help termites stay active longer, giving them more time to move through the wood and cause damage. Homes with shaded yards, excess mulch, or wood-to-soil contact are at a higher risk of termite infestation.
Addressing a termite problem early helps protect your home and reduce damage.
Understanding the types of termites Dallas homes face helps you act early and keep your home safe. Subterranean termites cause most of the issues, while drywood termites and Formosan termites also create serious risks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. When you know the warning signs and the signs of damage, you can protect your home before the problem grows.
If you need termite treatment or want long-term termite protection, Forterra Pest Control offers termite inspections, safe products, and skilled exterminators who understand the construction of Dallas homes.
Contact us today and let our pest management team help you stay pest-free and protect the value of your home.
Termites swarm in Dallas during warm spring weather, usually after heavy rain. Swarmers gather near windows or doors and are one of the earliest signs of termites in the area.
Yes. The climate in Dallas-Fort Worth creates ideal conditions for termite activity, especially for subterranean termites and Formosan termites. Homes with wood-to-soil contact are at higher risk.
Keep moisture away from your foundation, fix leaks, remove excess mulch, and schedule regular termite inspections. Professional pest control offers strong termite protection for Dallas homes.
