Pest Control in San Antonio, Texas

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Subterranean termite swarming in San Antonio typically occurs from late March through May, triggered by warm soil temperatures and post-rain conditions. However, termite colonies in Bexar County are active year-round — the swarm is the colony's reproductive event, not the beginning of activity. Swarming indoors or finding shed wings is a strong indicator of an established nearby colony and warrants a professional inspection regardless of time of year.

Non-repellent liquid termiticide treatments begin killing foraging workers immediately upon contact and can eliminate a colony within 30 to 90 days as the active ingredient spreads through social grooming and contact. Bait systems work more slowly — colony elimination may take 3 to 6 months depending on population size and station activity. Structural damage stops accumulating once the colony is eliminated.

Swarming timing is species-dependent. Eastern subterranean termites most commonly swarm during daylight hours in late morning to early afternoon, often following spring rains. Formosan termites are notable for swarming at night, often around lights. Drywood termites typically swarm during warm afternoon and evening hours. Indoor swarms appearing near light fixtures often involve Formosan or drywood species.

Formosan subterranean termites are an invasive species established in the Gulf Coast region and spread to areas of the Southeast, California, and Hawaii. Their colonies can contain one million or more workers — far larger than native subterranean termite colonies — and they construct hard carton nests within wall cavities that allow them to maintain moisture independent of soil contact. They are considered the most destructive termite species in the U.S.

Swarming alates are the primary mechanism for spreading termites between properties — they fly from established colonies to mate and potentially establish new colonies. Termites also spread through soil contact when ground-level wood or cellulose-containing materials allow colonies to extend into adjacent properties. Infested wood, lumber, or mulch moved between properties can also introduce termites to new locations.

Subterranean termite foraging activity slows and ceases in most climates once soil temperatures drop below approximately 50°F. However, termites don't die — they retreat deeper in the soil and resume activity when temperatures warm. In climates where soil temperatures remain above 50°F year-round, including the deep South, Gulf Coast, and warm coastal markets, termites remain active throughout winter.

Active termite damage has live workers present in galleries, and mud tubes appear moist with new construction at their edges. Inactive damage shows no live termites, mud tubes that are dry and crumble easily, and galleries that are empty. The distinction matters for treatment decisions — inactive damage still requires treatment if conditions remain favorable for reinfestation.

Drywood termites can infest wood furniture, picture frames, hardwood flooring, and structural trim without soil contact. Subterranean termites require soil moisture and are far less likely to infest furniture unless it has soil contact or is positioned in a very moist environment. Infested furniture moved from a high-pressure region can introduce drywood termites to new areas — a documented pathway for urban spread.

The most reliable early indicators are mud tubes running along foundation walls, framing, or concrete block; wood that sounds hollow when tapped; termite frass — small pellets produced by drywood species — collected near wood trim or furniture; and discarded wings near windows or door frames following a swarm. Active swarmers inside a structure indicate an established colony, not just foraging activity.

Three termite types are relevant for most U.S. homeowners: subterranean termites, which nest in soil and construct mud tubes to reach above-ground wood; drywood termites, which nest inside the wood they infest and are most common in coastal and warm-climate regions; and dampwood termites, which require wood with elevated moisture content and typically infest wood in contact with soil or affected by plumbing leaks.

Subterranean termites maintain soil contact to regulate moisture, build mud tubes for surface travel, and typically enter structures from below. Their colonies can contain several hundred thousand workers. Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume, produce distinctive pellets called frass, and do not need soil contact. Treatments differ significantly — drywood infestations may require localized injection or whole-structure fumigation.

Structural damage from subterranean termites rarely develops overnight, but colonies with several hundred thousand workers consume wood continuously and can cause significant damage within three to five years if untreated. Formosan termite colonies — which can exceed one million workers — are capable of severe damage within a year or two of establishment. Damage accumulates silently because it occurs inside structural members.