As the Texas termite season surges on into late Spring, homeowners and commercial property owners across the state are on high alert for signs of these relentless pests. Texas, having the highest concentration of termites in the country, is particularly susceptible to extensive property damage caused by these wood-eating insects that are fast to colonize, and faster to cause damage.

Just over a month ago, we covered how the Texas Panhandle was bracing for a busy Spring. With temperatures rising, rain in the forecast and humidity helping to create moist and favorable conditions for termites… It’s best to be prepared.

Types of Termites Texans See Most

The two most common termites Texans battle each year are drywood termites and Formosan subterranean termites.

While subterranean termites often produce mud tubes that are visible in the ground of properties, drywood termites make themselves noticeable in a much more disgusting manner: by leaving frass. Frass is the hard excrement produced by drywood termites, often found on window sills, in doorways and on floors.

Natural Termite Predators in Texas

Luckily, homeowners are not alone in their fight against these destructive pests. Each Spring as termite activity picks up, so too are their natural termite predators. Bats, swallows, owls, and even grain-eating birds like the dove can help keep the termite population in check.

Unfortunately, if these natural predators are seen feasting on termites on your property, it may be a sign that a full-fledged infestation is underway, and their contributions will do little to curb that activity.

First Line of Defense for Texans

As Benjamin Franklin so famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The best way to stay ahead of termite issues is to adopt effective preventive measures. Aside from annual inspections by licensed professionals, property owners can also become more familiar with how to identify infestations and termite colonies – and there are plenty of products available online and at big box retailers like Home Depot and Lowes to help you if you’d prefer to have a hands-on, DIY approach.

Top Products for Early Termite Treatment

When termite activity is first discovered, swift action is crucial. There are several products on the market that have been proven effective in treating termite infestations, and the editorial team here at Best Termite Killer has a few to recommend:

Nisus Bora-Care

For those wanting one product to last them a full year of treatments, Nisus Bora-Care may be for you. Available in a large, 1-gallon jug, this dilutable liquid can be sprayed or brushed onto a variety of surfaces to help kill existing termites and ward them away for a time to come.

One additional benefit of Nisus Bora-Care is that it has been proven effective against subterranean termites, drywood termites, wood-destroying beetles, and decay fungi. The patented formula allows the solution to penetrate deep into the wood, killing existing infestations – and it’s easy to apply by spraying, brushing, or rolling onto wood or slab surfaces.

Spectracide Terminate Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer

While Nisus Bora-Care may be suitable for large or long-term application needs, Spectracide Terminate Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer works quickly, is easily carried – and comes with a patented continuous power sprayer called AccuShot®.

This is also a proven product not only for termites but other pests including carpenter ants, carpenter bees (and more). It remains effective for up to 9 months when used indoors, and unlike most termiticides, it’s a non-staining, odorless formula that can be used both indoors and outdoors – including around homes and buildings for foundation treatments.

BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus

BioAdvanced’s product kills over 60 listed pests, including termites – and does so immediately on contact. It’s versatile and can be used on lawns and landscaping, foundations, decks, and around home or commercial structures. When used indoors, it can be effective where moisture lurks (like around sinks) or behind baseboards, doors and windows, cabinets, stoves, and the underside of shelves.

Advanced Protection for Lawns & Gardens

If you’re fortunate enough not to have any structures at risk but still want to take a strong proactive approach to protect your property, there are two other routes you could go:

• Termite Bait Stations are cylinders that are loaded with attractive but deadly bait that can lure subterranean termites under the surface of your lawns. When termites begin to feast on the bait, they’re poisoned – but not before they’re given a chance to carry that poison back to their colonies. Our favorite is the Advance Termite Bait Monitoring Stations which come in a 10-pack and can be used to cover larger properties with ease.
• Beneficial Nematodes are a type of microscopic roundworm that can be used as a biological control method against termites. Diluted in water and sprayed on lawns and gardens, these natural allies seek out termite colonies, infect, and kill the termites – providing an entirely safe, natural, effective approach to termite management. Best-selling brands of nematodes include NaturesGoodGuys and BioLogic Scanmask.

Final Thoughts

While Texas is a hotspot for termite activity, with vigilance, preventive measures, and early intervention, property owners can protect their homes against these destructive pests. By making use of the right tools and techniques, and by understanding the termites’ habits, you can keep your property safe from infestations.