Termite FAQ's

Termites are among the most destructive pests homeowners face, causing billions in damage annually across the United States. Understanding these social insects and how to protect your property is essential for every North Texas homeowner. Here are the most frequently asked questions about termites and their answers.

What Are Termites?

Understanding termite biology

Termites are social insects that process dead tree cellulose as their primary food source. They live in organized colonies with distinct castes:

Workers: Gather food and maintain the colony
Soldiers: Defend the colony from threats
Reproductives: Responsible for colony growth and expansion
Kings and Queens: The breeding pair that establishes and leads each colony

Unlike ants (which they're often confused with), termites have:

Straight antennae (ants have bent antennae)
Equal-sized wings (ant front wings are larger)
Thick waists (ants have pinched waists)
Light-colored bodies (ants are typically darker)

How Much Damage Do Termites Cause?

The statistics are sobering:

Over $2 billion in damage annually across the United States
Average damage incident costs $7,000 per affected home
Damage rarely covered by standard homeowner's insurance policies
Structural damage can compromise home safety and value

Why Termite Damage Is So Expensive:

Hidden activity: Termites work inside wood structures, making detection difficult
Continuous feeding: Colonies work 24/7, causing cumulative damage over time
Structural impact: Damage to load-bearing members requires costly repairs
Insurance gaps: Most policies exclude termite damage, leaving homeowners responsible

What Attracts Termites to Homes?

Termites are attracted to:

Moisture:

Leaky pipes and plumbing fixtures
Poor drainage around foundations
Clogged gutters that create water damage
High humidity in crawl spaces and basements

Wood Contact:

Firewood stored against the house
Landscape timbers touching the foundation
Wooden deck posts in contact with soil
Tree stumps and debris near the home

Favorable Conditions:

Cracks in foundations that provide entry points
Soil-to-wood contact anywhere around the structure
Dense vegetation that retains moisture near the foundation
Warm temperatures that accelerate colony development

How Can I Prevent Termites?

Moisture Control:

Fix leaks promptly in plumbing, roofs, and exterior walls
Improve drainage to direct water away from your foundation
Clean gutters regularly to prevent water accumulation
Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity levels

Eliminate Wood-to-Ground Contact:

Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevated off the ground
Remove wooden debris like old stumps, boards, and construction materials
Maintain separation between soil and wooden structures
Use concrete or metal supports for deck posts and structures

Regular Inspections:

Annual professional inspections to catch problems early
Monthly homeowner checks for signs of activity
Post-construction inspections after any home modifications
Seasonal assessments particularly in spring when termites are most active

What Is the Sentricon® Always Active Baiting System?

The Sentricon® Always Active Baiting System represents cutting-edge termite protection technology:

How It Works:

Strategic placement of bait stations around your home's perimeter
Continuous monitoring for termite activity
Targeted baiting when termites are detected
Colony elimination as workers share bait throughout the colony

Key Advantages:

10 times more attractive to termites than wood
Non-toxic to people and pets - safe for families
Environmentally responsible with minimal chemical use
Scientifically proven to eliminate entire colonies
Ongoing protection with regular monitoring and maintenance

The Elimination Process:

Detection: Termites find and begin feeding on bait stations
Consumption: Worker termites consume bait and return to the colony
Sharing: Bait is distributed throughout the colony via food sharing
Elimination: The entire colony is eliminated within months
Prevention: Continued monitoring prevents new infestations

How Long Does Termite Treatment Take?

Sentricon System Timeline:

Installation: Typically completed in one day
Monitoring period: Regular checks every 3-4 months
Colony elimination: Usually achieved within 2-12 months after bait acceptance
Ongoing protection: Continuous monitoring provides long-term prevention

Factors Affecting Timeline:

Colony size: Larger colonies may take longer to eliminate
Species involved: Different termite species respond at different rates
Environmental conditions: Temperature and moisture affect activity levels
Bait acceptance: Some colonies find stations faster than others

Signs of Termite Activity

Exterior Signs:

Mud tubes along foundation walls, piers, or wooden structures
Discarded wings around windows, doors, and light fixtures
Wood damage visible on deck posts, stairs, or trim
Sagging floors or doors that indicate structural damage

Interior Signs:

Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Buckling or sagging floors without obvious cause
Tight-fitting doors and windows that weren't problematic before
Small holes in drywall with adjacent frass (termite droppings)

Seasonal Indicators:

Swarming activity typically in spring and fall
Increased activity during warm, humid weather
New mud tubes appearing after rain or irrigation

Why Choose Professional Treatment?

Expertise Matters:

Species identification to determine the most effective treatment
Comprehensive assessment of your property's vulnerability
Strategic treatment placement based on termite behavior
Ongoing monitoring to ensure continued protection

Equipment and Materials:

Professional-grade products not available to consumers
Specialized installation tools for proper system placement
Advanced monitoring technology for early detection
Laboratory support for colony analysis and treatment optimization

The Kolibri Approach to Termite Protection

Comprehensive Assessment:

We begin with thorough property inspection to identify:

Current termite activity
Conditions conducive to infestation
Structural vulnerabilities
Optimal placement for protection systems

Customized Solutions:

Based on our assessment, we develop treatment plans that address:

Your property's specific risk factors
Your family's safety concerns
Your budget and timeline requirements
Long-term protection goals

Ongoing Partnership:

Termite protection is not a one-time event—it requires ongoing vigilance:

Regular monitoring visits
System maintenance and updates
Additional protection as your property changes
Educational support to help you identify potential problems

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are termites active year-round in Texas? A: Yes, North Texas's mild winters allow termite activity throughout the year, though peak activity occurs in spring and fall.

Q: Can I treat termites myself? A: While DIY products exist, professional treatment is strongly recommended due to the complexity of termite biology and the potential for expensive damage.

Q: How often should I have my home inspected? A: Annual professional inspections are recommended, with more frequent monitoring if your property has conducive conditions.

Q: Will the Sentricon system affect my landscaping? A: The system is designed to be minimally invasive, with stations placed strategically to protect your landscaping.

Take Action Today

Termite damage doesn't happen overnight, but neither does effective protection. The sooner you implement a comprehensive termite protection strategy, the better protected your investment will be.

Don't wait until you see signs of termite activity—by then, damage may already have occurred. Contact Kolibri Pest Services today at (972) 217-7151 to schedule your comprehensive termite inspection and learn about Sentricon protection for your home.

Join the thousands of North Texas homeowners who trust Kolibri Pest Services to protect their most valuable investment!