Prevent Termites This Summer:
The Houston Survival Guide

Summer Fact: Termites don't take a vacation. In Houston, the combination of intense heat (drying out the soil) and sudden tropical storms drives termites to seek two things: Moisture and Shelter. Your home offers both.

While spring is known for swarming, summer is when the real damage happens. Colonies are fully active, foraging 24/7 to feed their growing population. The good news? You can make your home unappealing to them with a few simple maintenance steps.

1. The "AC Drain Line" Danger

In Houston, our air conditioners run non-stop from May to October. That creates a lot of condensation. Typically, the primary drain line drips outside, right next to your foundation.

This constant drip creates a puddle of soft, wet soil right against your slab. In the middle of a dry, hot summer, this wet spot is a beacon for Subterranean Termites. It allows them to tunnel effortlessly up to your weep holes.

2. Mulch vs. Rock: The Great Debate

We love our landscaping in Texas. But laying fresh wood mulch in the summer is like ringing the dinner bell. Mulch does two things termites love:

• Food: It is made of wood chips (cellulose).
• Insulation: It keeps the soil beneath it cool and moist, protecting termites from the harsh sun.

If you must use mulch, keep it 12 inches away from the brick or siding. Better yet, switch to Texas River Rock or gravel for the strip touching the house. It drains well and offers no food value.

3. Sprinkler Head Alignment

Check your irrigation system. Are your sprinkler heads spraying onto your house? Siding that is constantly wet will begin to rot. Soft, rotting wood is easier for termites to chew than dry wood.

Adjust heads to spray away from the structure. This also prevents water from pooling in your weep holes, which can lead to mold and pest entry.

4. The Formosan Night Swarm (May-July)

While native termites swarm in spring days, the invasive Formosan Termite often swarms on warm, humid evenings in late May and June.

If you see clouds of insects around your porch lights or street lights at night, turn off your outdoor lights immediately. Formosans are attracted to light. If they land on your roof, they can establish an aerial colony in your attic without ever touching the ground.

5. Inspect Your Fence Line

Summer is when we spend time in the backyard. Take a look at your wooden fence where it meets the house.

A wooden fence touching your brick or siding acts as a "bridge." Termites infest the fence (which is often untreated wood) and march straight over your treated soil barrier and into your home. Ensure there is a 2-inch gap between your fence and your house structure.