Nine Surefire Signs Of Termites Around Your Katy Property

The housing market in Katy, TX is as hot as Texas right now, and properties are flying fast. Katy is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Houston area, making household values soar. However, if there’s one thing that might make your Katy property harder to sell, it’s termites. Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially because they can tunnel into your home for years without you realizing. Before these pests make your Katy property their next victim, let’s discuss the surefire signs that termites got into your home.

Termite Identification Guide For Katy, TX

Termites are often mistaken for ants, but there are a few key differences between these two pests. Like ants, termites have segmented bodies, six legs, two small pincers, and two short antennae. Unlike ants, termites are blind, don’t have any stingers, and have thick waists. Additionally, most termites grow to around ¼ of an inch, and worker termites, the most common type of termite, tend to be pale or tan.

Termites cost Americans billions of dollars every year. These pests weaken foundations and force homeowners to invest in numerous repairs. Termites will chew through anything wooden and are not deterred by metal or concrete. By digging extensive colonies beneath homes, termites can cause massive amounts of damage to Katy properties, including yours.

Signs Of A Termite Infestation

Termites can go for years undetected, but there’s a high chance you have an infestation if you detect some of the following:

Mud tubes up the sides of the foundation.

1. Hollow-sounding walls and timber.
2. Tight-fitting windows and doors caused by the moisture released from termite damage.
3. Clicking noises from inside walls.
4. Accidental damage to “sturdy” structures.
5. Frass – termite droppings that look like small dark granules or powders.
6. Piles of wings – only during the spring when termite swarmers colonize new spaces.
7. Cracks in the ground – caused by a loss of structural integrity.
8. Paint discoloration – from the moisture released by termite activity.

Keep Termites Away From Your Katy House

Termites are not inevitable for residents of Katy, TX. These pests can be best prevented by keeping your yard clear of termite attractors. Piles of wood and foliage contain the cellulose that attracts termites, encouraging them to start burrowing beneath your house. Additionally, you should control the moisture in your home. Remove standing water, direct water away from your house, and control the humidity indoors. Also repair any structural damage around the house, as termites tend to feed on water-damaged and decaying wood.

Finally, make sure no soil touches the wood of your house, as this is where termites can most easily tunnel into your foundation. If you do see the signs of a termite infestation in your home, don’t try to deal with it on your own. Termite colonies are vast, and the reproducing queen is well protected. Instead of wasting time and money, reach out to the termite experts at Modern Pest Control, and we’ll get rid of the termites in your Katy home before they cause any further damage.