Termites are one of the most destructive pests homeowners face, causing over $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S. Unlike other pests that make their presence known, termites often remain hidden, silently eating away at the structure of homes. By the time visible damage appears, homeowners may already be facing costly repairs.
The best way to protect your home from termites is through regular termite inspections. Whether you’re buying a new home or ensuring your current property is protected, a professional termite inspection is an essential step in detecting, preventing, and eliminating infestations before they cause severe damage.
Why Termite Inspections Are Essential
1. Termites Can Go Unnoticed for Years
Unlike ants or cockroaches, termites rarely emerge into the open. They build mud tubes, nest inside walls, and eat through wooden structures without showing immediate signs. By the time homeowners notice sagging floors, hollow wood, or peeling paint, the infestation has likely been present for several years.
2. Termite Damage Is Not Covered by Home Insurance
Many homeowners assume their insurance will cover termite damage, but most policies classify termite infestations as preventable—meaning repairs come out of pocket. A professional termite inspection helps catch infestations early, saving thousands in repair costs.
3. Some Homes Are at Higher Risk
Homes in Rockwall, TX, and surrounding areas are especially susceptible to subterranean termites due to Texas’ warm climate and soil conditions. Homes with excess moisture, wood-to-ground contact, or older construction face higher risks of infestation.
What Happens During a Termite Inspection?
A professional termite inspection is a detailed process that examines both the interior and exterior of your home. Learn how we help here.
1. Exterior Inspection
✔ Checking for mud tubes along the foundation
✔ Inspecting wooden structures like decks, porches, and fences
✔ Looking for termite swarmers (winged termites near windows or doors)
✔ Evaluating firewood, tree stumps, and mulch near the home
2. Interior Inspection
✔ Tapping on wooden beams and walls to check for hollow spots
✔ Examining baseboards, door frames, and crawl spaces
✔ Searching for discarded wings from termite swarmers
✔ Checking for excess moisture in walls and ceilings
Once the inspection is complete, the exterminator provides a full report on findings and recommends a treatment or prevention plan.
👉 Get more information about protecting your home from pests year-round.
Signs You May Have a Termite Infestation
Even without an inspection, homeowners should be aware of early warning signs of termites.
1. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel safely between their colony and food sources. These thin, pencil-sized tunnels along foundations, walls, or wooden structures indicate active termite activity.
2. Hollow-Sounding or Damaged Wood
If wooden structures sound hollow when tapped, termites may have eaten away the inside of the wood. This weakens structural integrity, making floors, beams, and furniture prone to damage.
3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors
Termite swarmers shed their wings after finding a new nesting site. If you notice small, translucent wings near windows, doors, or on the floor, termites may be establishing a colony inside your home.
4. Peeling or Bubbling Paint That Resembles Water Damage
Termites trap moisture inside walls as they burrow through wooden structures, leading to paint bubbles or peeling—often mistaken for water damage.
5. Warped Doors and Sticking Windows
As termites consume wood, structural shifts occur, causing doors and windows to become difficult to open or close.
How Often Should You Schedule a Termite Inspection?
✔ Annually – Experts recommend termite inspections once a year to catch infestations early.
✔ Before Buying a Home – A termite inspection ensures you’re not inheriting hidden damage.
✔ If You Notice Signs of Termites – Immediate action is necessary to prevent costly repairs.
How Professional Termite Control Works
If an inspection reveals an infestation, a custom treatment plan is designed to eliminate termites and prevent reinfestation.
1. Bait Stations
✔ Termite bait stations are strategically placed around the home.
✔ Worker termites carry bait back to the colony, eliminating the entire population.
2. Liquid Termiticides
✔ Applied around the home’s perimeter and foundation.
✔ Creates a protective barrier, preventing termites from entering.
3. Fumigation (For Severe Infestations)
✔ Fumigation is used only when infestations are widespread.
✔ Kills termites at all life stages inside walls, floors, and wood structures.
4. Preventative Treatments
✔ Annual inspections and maintenance treatments keep termites from returning.
Protect Your Home from Costly Termite Damage
A termite infestation can cause devastating damage if left untreated. Scheduling a professional termite inspection is the best way to identify problems early and protect your investment.
By staying proactive with termite prevention, homeowners in Rockwall, TX, can avoid the stress and high costs associated with termite damage.
