08/12/2025
Friends, I feel obligated to share information about concerns that are happening to our properties all throughout Texas and Louisiana. In these areas, the most persistent destructive event that is happening to property is an infestation of wood destroying insects. Our geographical location allows our property to be affected by several wood destroying insects such as termites, carpenter bees and carpenter ants. An infestation by any of these types of insects can do significant damage to buildings, however the worst, by far, is a termite infestation. Carpenter Ants and Bees can damage a building extensively, but if caught in time, the damage will be minimal. These insects are easily eradicated from buildings with a single treatment.
Termite infestations can destroy huge areas of the structure that supports a building. In our areas, we primarily have two species of termites that are capable of creating damage that can range from a small inexpensive repair, up to having to remove and rebuild completely. Native Subterranean Termites (approx. 3/16 inch long) is the most common termite to our areas and has been around for eons of time. This insect can destroy buildings, if not detected, but it would take up to a year or more. If detected within a reasonable time, this termite can be eradicated from buildings with a single treatment. Formosan Subterranean Termites (approx. 3/8 inch long) is a species that was brought to the U.S. through shipping containers that were delivering goods from other countries. Mainly through ports like New Orleans and Miami, although they have flourished and spread throughout the Gulf Coast Region. This termite can be twice the size of Native Subterranean Termites and they can be three times as aggressive. A single infestation from these insects can cost thousands of dollars to repair. They are capable of moving small groups of themselves with a queen to many different areas of buildings so a treatment for these termites may require multiple applications to eradicate. If the infestation has progressed throughout the entire structure, the only alternative is fumigation, which is extreme and very expensive.
There are sucessful solutions to termite problems and the most important course of action is to start with inspections. Pest control companies who specialize in termite treatments, such as BHI-Pest and Termite Control, can perform invasive inspections to determine if any wood destroying insect activity is taking place and develope a treatment plan to eradicate anything present or prevent any activity from ever occuring. A WDI report should identify any previous, ongoing or future infestations of insects and locate condusive conditions with recommendations to correct and prevent. Maintaining an annual inspection for any type of wood destroying insect at your property is highly recommended for the prevention of damages to your property.
My company inspects thousands of properties each year for people buying or selling houses and builders constructing new buildings. Termite infestations and damages are the most common defect we are finding. Termites are constantly expanding their areas of coverage and everyone should be aware of the possibility that your property could be affected, if not already. Call a termite control specialist in your area as soon as possible to set up a WDI inspection for your property.
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