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    • Home
    • MEET THE TEAM
    • SERVICES
      • ANCILLARY SERVICE ADD-ONS
      • WDI (TERMITE) INSPECTION
      • SEWER SCOPE INSPECTIONS
      • MOLD SAMPLING/INSPECTION
      • WATER WELL TEST/INSPECT
      • SEPTIC INSPECTION
      • PHASE INSPECTIONS
      • HUD Compliance Cert
      • Items Inspected
    • SCHEDULE NOW
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • RESOURCES
      • INSPECTION VLOG/TIPS
      • INSPECTION RESOURCES
      • PHOTO GALLERY
      • R.E.E.D.
      • FAQ
    • CONTACT US

210-625-5412

  • Home
  • MEET THE TEAM
  • SERVICES
    • ANCILLARY SERVICE ADD-ONS
    • WDI (TERMITE) INSPECTION
    • SEWER SCOPE INSPECTIONS
    • MOLD SAMPLING/INSPECTION
    • WATER WELL TEST/INSPECT
    • SEPTIC INSPECTION
    • PHASE INSPECTIONS
    • HUD Compliance Cert
    • Items Inspected
  • SCHEDULE NOW
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • RESOURCES
    • INSPECTION VLOG/TIPS
    • INSPECTION RESOURCES
    • PHOTO GALLERY
    • R.E.E.D.
    • FAQ
  • CONTACT US

WHAT ARE WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS

There are different types of Wood Destroying Insects (WDI) that cause extensive damage. A few common ones that can be found in Texas are: 

· Drywood termites: There are three common drywood termites: Incisitermes snyderi, Cryptotermes brevis, and Incisitermes minor which feed on summerwood and cause damage to homes, and other type structures, throughout the southern portion in Texas coastal counties with western spot infestations in Uvalde, San Antonio and north to Collin County. The drywood termite’s mature colonies can produce up to 10,000 termites.­ 

· Formosan Termite These termites also consume summerwood and are the most aggressive and economically important termites in the country. They feed on other materials that contain cellulose and can attack a greater variety of materials, even living trees, at a faster rate than other termites. Formosans can grow to over million termites within five years.

· Subterranean Termites The native subterranean termite is also one of the most destructive insect pests of consuming the springwood. They cause billions of dollars in damage each year and can severely damage a family’s most valuable possession—their home. They can be found in east Texas to Uvalde and Tom Green Counties; as well as east Texas to Bexar and Eastland Counties. Once subterranean termite’s colony matures within four years or less, it will contain anywhere from 21,000 to 365,000 termites.


Priority Inspection Services can help identify the type of Wood Destroying Insect. 

For in depth information on above WDI, see AgriLifeExtension and Texas termites


Video: Subterranean Termites. (Property of Priority Inspection Services, LLC.)

How can termites be identified?

Drywood Termites

  

  • Color: Light yellow to black or honey brown color.
  • Most active: Drywood termites can be found swarming in the evenings and are attracted to artificial lights. They will enter structures through the attic and foundation vents, under eaves and fascia board, and through gaps around doors and windows.

Formosan Termites

  

  • Color: Yellowish brown body, with a dense covering of gold to reddish hair.
  • Most active: Formosan termites can be found early May through June in the late afternoon and evenings. They are also  attracted to light.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean Termites

  • Color: Reproductives bear four wings of equal size that may be smoky gray to brown and have a few wing veins. The soldiers and workers have enlarged brownish heads. 
  • Most active: Swarming begins in South Texas in January and February. They are known to have shelter tubes coming up from the soil. 

WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS - NON TERMITE

CARPENTER ANTS.  Camponotus sp., are social insects.   

Although carpenter ants make their colonies primarily in wood, they will enter the home or building when foraging for food. The presence of carpenter ants indicates there is a problem such as moisture, rotting wood, or other type conditions. By eliminating moisture, keeping branches away from the house, sealing cracks around windows and doors, as well as storing firewood away from the house will help keep these ants from entering the home.

  

Color: Yellowish-red, solid black, or combination of black, red, and reddish-orange.

Most Active: In the spring and early summer and forage mostly at night.


For more urban pests, check out Urban Entomology at Texas A&M University


Video Credit: Priority Inspection Services

WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS - NON TERMITE

CARPENTER BEES. 

These type bees can be found in softwoods that have decayed; for example, cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood. Although damage is slight, it becomes more serious as they continue using old holes as well as starting new ones. Using either liquid, aerosol, or dust insecticide can help to control these bees. Also, plug up the hole(s) with a type of suitable sealant or install traps that can be purchased online or DYI.


Color: Look like bumblebees in size, except they have orange or bright yellow hairs.

Most Active: Adult bees emerge later in the summer and hibernate in the fall.


For more urban pests, check out Urban Entomology at Texas A&M University

Photo Credit: Urban Entomology

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us at info@priorityinspection.net if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Although a homeowner or property manager can perform an inspection, it is recommended that licensed professional inspectors do this work because they have the necessary training and experience and are familiar with termite habits, as well as other wood destroying insects such as carpenter ants.


Priority Inspection Services will check for the telltale signs of Wood Destroying Insects in your home/business.



It depends on the type of termite or other wood destroying pest as to where they live. Some signs of a problem are finding termites swarming in or around your home, forming mud tubes, hollowed out wooden surfaces, and left behind fecal matter. As seen in the video above, carpenter ants can get inside the walls of your home  to build nests and feast on the dead, damp wood.  


Priority Inspection Services can help you determine what type of termite or pest is invading your home/business.




It depends on the type of termite or pest when they infest a structure. For example, they can do damage to electrical wiring, anything cellulose-based, furniture or carpet and, of course, wood.


Priority Inspection Services can help you determine what type of termite or pest is invading your home/business.




The basic premise behind pre­vention is to deny termites and pests access to food (wood), mois­ture, and shelter.



DON'T LET TERMITES RUIN YOUR HOME! CALL PRIORITY INSPECTION SERVICES

  

For additional information on Wood Destroying Insects, contact your local  Extension Offices.

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Priority Inspection Services  

314 E Nakoma St. STE H

San Antonio, Tx 78216 

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Client Care –  info@priorityinspection.net

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