Austin Termite Control

What Attracts Termites to Your Home?

Termites are attracted to certain conditions that can increase the likelihood of an infestation in your home. Understanding these conditions is key to mitigating the risk of inviting these harmful pests.

Several factors can attract termites to your home, including:

• Moisture and humidity. Termites thrive in moist environments, as they require moisture to survive. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and poor drainage around your home create a humid habitat conducive to termite activity. Additionally, indoor areas with inadequate ventilation like crawl spaces tend to accumulate moisture, inadvertently inviting termites to settle in.
• Wood piles and debris. Storing firewood, lumber, or any kind of wood debris close to the house is an open invitation to termites. These pests can easily move from wood piles to the structural wood of a home. You should keep all wood at least 20 feet away from the home and elevated off the ground to discourage termite activity.
• Soil-to-wood contact. When wooden structures like decks, fences, or your home’s foundation directly contact the soil, it becomes easier for termites to access and munch through them undetected. Proper installation with a physical barrier between soil and wood or using termite-resistant materials helps reduce the chances of infestation.
• Landscaping mulch. While mulch aids in retaining soil moisture that is beneficial for plants, it can simultaneously create an attractive environment for termites. The decomposition process of organic mulch releases moisture and warmth that termites find alluring. You should be cautious when applying it near your home’s foundation and consider maintaining a safe distance to deter termite infestations.
• Cracks in the foundation. These gaps can serve as potential entry points for subterranean termites seeking shelter and food inside a building. Regular inspections and timely repairs can block these access routes, making it difficult for termites to gain a foothold within your walls.

Can Termites Fly?

Certain termites can fly, but only for a limited period. During a specific phase in their lifecycle, known as the swarming stage, reproductive termites, or alates, develop wings and leave their colonies in search of mates and new nesting sites. This swarming behavior typically occurs once a year, often in the warmer months and usually after rain, when conditions are ideal for breeding. After a short flight, they shed their wings, which can often be found near windowsills or lights. These shed wings are common signs of an active termite swarm. 

If you spot one or more flying termites in or near your home or discover discarded wings, do not wait to schedule a complimentary home inspection. Our Austin termite control experts can carefully check your property and get to work on eliminating these pests if we confirm their presence.

Do You Need Termite Protection in Austin?

Austin's warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for termites, notably the subterranean termite species, which are common throughout Texas. These termites are active year-round, but their activity peaks during the spring and summer months, coinciding with their swarming season. The city's increasing urban development also contributes to termite risk factors, as disturbed earth and construction often uncover and attract these pests.

Additionally, Austin's natural geography, characterized by lush vegetation and prevalent moisture from the nearby lakes and rivers, increases the likelihood of termite problems. Many homes in the area have wooden structures or are surrounded by extensive landscaping, both of which can serve as inviting targets for termite colonies. Even if your home doesn't currently exhibit signs of infestation, preventive measures can save you from expensive repairs and potential devaluation of your property in the future.

Given these conditions, investing in comprehensive termite protection is often a smart idea. Our crews at Critter One can identify potential termite risks specific to your property and provide personalized treatment recommendations. We use environmentally friendly products that are safe for you and your pets. 

What Influences the Cost of Termite Treatment?

Termite treatment for a home typically involves a comprehensive approach to both eliminate existing infestations and prevent future occurrences. Our Austin termite control crews can assess the extent of the activity and identify the species involved. Depending on our findings, we may recommend one or more treatment techniques. These methods aim to eradicate termites from your property and create barriers to inhibit their return. Maintenance and monitoring are also key components of effective termite management, involving periodic checks and potential reapplications as needed to protect your home over time.

You can expect transparency and clear communication when you work with Critter One. After inspecting your home, we’ll provide a free, honest estimate of what treatment will cost. 

Several factors can influence the cost of termite treatment, including:

• Extent of infestation. The scale of the infestation plays a significant role in determining treatment costs. A minor localized problem might require less intensive and less expensive measures, while a severe or widespread infestation could demand extensive treatment procedures, which will naturally raise the cost.
• Type of treatment method. Different treatment methods come with varying price tags. Chemical treatments (like liquid soil-applied termiticides) or bait systems can vary in cost depending on the brand and quantity used. Whole-house fumigation or heat treatments are generally more expensive due to the time, labor, and materials required.
• Size of the property. The larger the property, the more extensive the treatment required, resulting in higher costs. A big home will require more products and a longer application time, which contributes to increased expenses. Additionally, multi-story buildings can further complicate application processes, influencing the final price.
• Location of infestation. Accessibility of the infested areas affects treatment cost. If termites are present in hard-to-reach areas, such as attics or crawl spaces, it may require additional labor, time, and special equipment.

Our pest control pros can save the day when termites have infested your home. Call (726) 200-1018 or contact us online now.