Termites in Texas

Termite Activity in Texas

Termites are active across Texas, from Amarillo to Midland, across the Dallas, Fort Worth area and down to San Antonio, Houston and Corpus Christi.

What Types of Termites Are in Texas?

Subterranean and drywood termites are known to damage homes in Texas.

Drywood termite:

Subterranean termite:

Are Formosan Termites in Texas?

Formosan termites have been identified in Texas. In fact, Formosan termite infestations have been confirmed in 30 counties in the eastern half of Texas, including Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Cameron, Chambers, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Harris, Henderson, Hidalgo, Jefferson, Johnson, Liberty, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Rockwall, Smith, Tarrant and Travis County.

When Do Termites Swarm in Texas?

Generally, termites swarm on a warm day after a rainfall. Swarms also may occur during the winter in heated buildings. The swarming habits of the most common species in Texas are described below.

• The eastern subterranean termite typically swarms from February to May. This species typically swarms in the morning hours.

• The Formosan termite swarms at night during the late spring.

• Southeastern drywood termites (Incisitermes snyderi) swarm at night in the spring.

• The dark southeastern subterranean termite swarms during the day in March and June.

• The light southeastern subterranean termite swarms during the day in the fall.

• The arid-land subterranean termite swarms in daylight in the spring and fall.

• The western drywood termite swarms during the day in summer.

More Information about Termites in Texas

According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), eastern Texas is located in TIP Zone #1 (heavy to moderate) and western Texas is located in TIP Zone #2 (moderate to heavy), which means the potential for termite damage is considered significant. Areas with higher probabilities for termite activity require more termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with less frequent activity.

In states like Texas where termites are very active and widespread, it is essential to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program. If you own a home in Texas, talk to your termite control expert about methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.