Termite Deep Dive
Eastern subterranean termites are the #1 wood-destroying insect in East Texas homes — colonies of 60,000–2M workers eating 24/7. This column covers biology, warning signs, inspections, treatment, and how the written termite warranty actually protects you.
Tier 1
Learn
7 articles
How do I know if I have termites?
Mud tubes on the foundation, discarded wings on window sills after a spring rain, hollow-sounding wood, and bubbling paint on trim are the classic four signs of Eastern subterranean termites in East Texas homes.
Read the guide TermitesHow to check your home for termite activity (12-point DIY walk)
Walk the exterior perimeter, tap suspect wood, check window sills after a spring rain, inspect crawlspace joists, and look for mud tubes on the foundation. Twelve stops, twenty minutes, once a year.
Read the guide TermitesMud tubes and what they mean for your property
Mud tubes are pencil-width shelter tunnels Eastern subterranean termites build to travel from soil to wood without drying out. One tube = an active colony within 30 feet of your foundation.
Read the guide TermitesTermite warning signs every East Texas homeowner should know
Swarmer wings on window sills, mud tubes on the foundation, hollow-sounding baseboards, bubbling or cracked paint on trim, and pinhole exit points in wood — the five confirmations of active termites.
Read the guide TermitesHow termites damage your home from the inside out
Termites eat wood from the inside, leaving a thin outer shell intact. By the time damage is visible on paint or trim, the studs are already 40–70% consumed. That's why inspections beat sight-checks.
Read the guide TermitesWhy termite damage is often invisible until it's serious
Eastern subterranean termites work behind paint, drywall and baseboard trim. There's no visible surface change for 3–8 years — until a stud sags, a doorframe cracks, or a hollow board gives underfoot.
Read the guide TermitesHow often should you have a termite inspection?
Every 12 months to maintain an active warranty. Every 6 months if you've had prior activity, live on a wooded lot, or have a slab-on-grade home common in East Texas neighborhoods.
Read the guideTier 2
Evaluate
5 articles
How termite damage affects home value
Active or historical termite damage can knock 15–25% off appraised value in East Texas markets — and an unresolved WDI report can kill a real-estate closing.
Read the guide TermitesWhat a termite inspection includes for real estate
A licensed inspector walks the exterior perimeter, checks the crawlspace or slab, probes suspect wood, examines the attic (where accessible) and produces the TDA-form WDI report your lender requires. Valid 90 days.
Read the guide TermitesWhat happens if termites are found during inspection
The buyer, seller and lender negotiate. Typical resolution: seller pays for treatment + a warranty transfer before closing. In some cases the buyer takes a credit and treats after moving in.
Read the guide TermitesDo I need a termite inspection before buying a home?
Yes — most Texas lenders require a WDI report before closing. Even cash buyers should get one: it's the only inspection that specifically covers wood-destroying insects, which a general home inspector doesn't test for.
Read the guide TermitesTermite inspection requirements for home purchases in Texas
Most Texas mortgages require a WDI report from a Texas SPCS-licensed inspector on the TDA form (Wood Destroying Insect Report). Valid for 90 days. VA and FHA loans always require one.
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