Termites may be tiny, but their impact is huge. These invisible invaders cause more economic damage in the U.S. each year than floods and fires combined—$6.8 billion in home repairs annually, according to the National Pest Management Association.
For Houston homeowners, spring doesn’t just bring warmer weather; it brings termite swarming season, when colonies send out reproductive swarmers to establish new ones.
“Most people don’t realize the swarmers are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Eric Melass, Vice President of Operations at Killum Pest Control. “Three months ago, those insects were wood-eating workers damaging homes from the inside. Now, they’re emerging to reproduce and start new colonies.”
What are termites
Termites are small, wood-eating insects that live in colonies and can cause significant damage to structures if left unchecked. Two termite species dominate local activity, and when you see them, pay attention.
- Eastern subterranean termites: small, light brown to dark brown, soft-bodied insects that build underground colonies; swarming typically starts in March
- Formosan termites—often called Mother’s Day termites: larger, more aggressive, and pale yellow to light brown; swarming typically occurs around May
Both of these species produce swarmers—winged reproductive termites that are often mistaken for flying ants. The key difference: termite swarmers have two equal-sized wings and a straight, uniform body with no pinched waist. They’re soft-bodied, usually dark brown to black during swarming season, and their wings extend longer than their bodies. Ants, by contrast, have a narrow pinched waist and uneven wing sizes.
The swarmers aren’t eating your home; their job is reproduction. But their presence is a red flag. Beneath the surface, worker termites may already be feeding on wood out of sight.
Early warning signs
Early termite detection is crucial. A mature colony can consume around a pound of wood daily, destroying floors, walls and structural supports if unchecked. Signs to look out for include:
- Mud tubes along slab foundations or block walls
- Tiny holes or pinpricks in drywall or baseboards
- Discolored or sagging wood
- Swarmers indoors or discarded wings near windowsills
Relying on spotting damage isn’t enough—termites move fast, and by the time you notice, the repair bills can skyrocket. The key is prevention: treatments that stop them before they reach your home. But first, it is important to clear up myths that keep homeowners from acting.
Myths busted
Misconceptions can leave homeowners unprotected. Common myths include:
- Brick homes are safe: can climb 15-foot walls and higher to reach wood
- Cold weather kills them: burrow deeper into the soil to survive
- DIY sprays work: may kill a few termites, but thousands more remain underground
- Concrete is impenetrable: can squeeze through cracks as small as 1/16 inch
- Cutting down trees prevents termites: won’t stop them because they live in the soil
- Homeowners insurance covers termite damage: most standard policies do not
Understanding these myths is critical. Spotting early signs helps, but preventive treatment is the only way to protect your home, fences and trees before termites strike.
How Killum can help
Stopping termites before they reach your home is more effective and cost-efficient than dealing with an infestation. According to the National Pest Management Association, homeowners who discover termite damage spend about $3,000 on repairs.
Killum Pest Control uses the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System, trusted for over 30 years and installed at landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the White House. The system proactively protects your home, fences, and trees. It’s also effective if you’ve already discovered termites, helping eliminate existing colonies and prevent further damage.
“Prevention is peace of mind,” Melass said. “For about a dollar a day, you can stop termites before they start eating your home — and if you already have a problem, we can fix that too.”
Act now
Killum Pest Control recommends homeowners schedule an inspection to see if they qualify for preventive protection.
Killum Pest Control is offering a 10% discount on any new service to welcome new customers. Access the coupon here, which must be presented at the time of sale.
Your home may look safe, but termites are silently at work. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
To learn about Killum Pest Control and its services, visit https://killum.com.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.