What Do Termites Look Like in Prairie, Texas?

Prairie, Texas, is known as the Site of one of the largest Industrial Districts in the US. It also offers a smart place to live and do business. But unfortunately, due to its warm climate, one of the challenges that every homeowner is facing is keeping their homes free from pests like termites which are known as one of the most destructive pests in the world.

What Do Termites Look Like in Prairie, Texas?

A termite is an insect that belongs to the order Isoptera. It is related to the cockroach and is widely distributed across the world. Termites are social insects that live in colonies and feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose-containing materials.

There are over 2,000 species of termites, with over 40 species in the United States. Although they are of different species, they mostly look similar. They are typically small, ranging from ¼ to ½ of an inch, with long and soft bodies and straight antennae.

Most termites feed on dead, decaying wood and other plant matter, but some species feed on living plants. They are especially fond of damp or moist wood and often cause significant damage to homes and other structures by eating through the wood beams and supports.

Termites are considered a major agricultural pest, as they can damage crops and other plants. They also can cause extensive damage to wooden fences, decks, and other outdoor structures.

Overview of Termite Habitats

Termites are a type of insect found in various habitats worldwide, but their habitat varies according to their species. They are known to cause damage to human structures, especially wooden structures, and can be a nuisance. Therefore, understanding their habitat is key to preventing and controlling termite infestations. The following are the three major termite species that you can find in Grand Prairie.

Subterranean Termite: One of the most common termite species in Grand Prairie, Texas, is a subterranean termite. These species built their colonies underground.

They are commonly found in yards or houses where soil, wood, and moisture are plenty which they need to support their colonies. To forage for food and find their way through their underground colonies, they create mud tubes out of their saliva, pieces of dirt, and wood.

Drywood termites: Drywood termites are also one of the most common termite species in Grand Prairie, Texas. They are social insects that do not require contact with soil to survive. These termites get the moisture they need from the wood, and they can travel and build their colonies on furniture and firewood. Since these termites live deeply in the wood, an infestation is hard to spot unless you know some of the infestation signs. Drywood termites infestations signs include hollow-sounding wood, clicking noise on the wood, termite wings, and frass.

Dampwood Termites: You can also find damp wood termites in the Prairie, Texas. This species is known for its tendency to feed on damp wood and wood-based materials, such as books and furniture. Dampwood termites can damage structural materials and require professional treatment to eradicate them.

What Attracts Termites in Your Grand Prairie Homes?

Rather than thinking about how much damage termites can cause, you should consider what attracts them to avoid infestation. Below are the things you should watch out for to avoid termite infestation.

Poor drainage or leaky pipes: According to some research, almost 90% of subterranean termite infestations are due to poor drainage. As we all know, termites love moisture and need it to start a colony. Therefore, with the moisture caused by poor drainage or leaky pipes, you are unintentionally creating perfect conditions for termites to build their colony.

Cracks in your home: When swarmers start to fly, they will look for a new place to make their colony. They can enter your homes and start to infest through gaps and cracks less than 1/16″ (1-2 mm) wide.

Mulch and gardens: Tree bark, wood chips, pine straw, moss, grass clippings, or leaves are the most typical materials used to make mulch. Additionally, manure, compost, newspaper, and rubber are common materials. Most of these contain cellulose and moisture that attract termites. Gardeners use mulch as it helps improve soil moisture and prevent plants from drying out. However, homeowners should ensure mulch doesn’t touch the building’s siding or door frames to avoid termite problems. Keep the wood mulch at least six inches away from the foundations, if possible.

Professional Termite Exterminator for Your Prairie, Texas Home

Understanding the different habitats of termites is essential for preventing and controlling infestations. In the prairies of Texas, there are four common species of termites: Eastern Subterranean, Formosan Subterranean, Drywood, and Dampwood.

Each species has its unique characteristics that require specialized treatments to eradicate. Understanding the environment and behavior of each type of termite can help homeowners identify, prevent, and control infestations. Professional pest control services are available to assist in the identification and extermination of termites.