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Termite FAQs

Here are a few commonly asked questions when it comes to termites. Always make sure you are dealing with a licensed, certified professional. They should be able to answer these questions and much more when assessing your particular situation.
Q. Do I have to worry about termites if I already have regular pest control service?
A. Your pest control professional should be inspected for termite activity each time they visit your home. However, termites can access your home at any time and may not show visible activity during an inspection. Since the typical Texas termite is subterranean, damage can go unnoticed until it's significant. You should call Robertson Pest and Termite if you notice any signs of activity.
Q. Is it safe to use chemicals for termite treatment around my home?
A. First, you should always make sure you are hiring a state-licensed and certified applicator with a termite specification. These professionals are trained on what chemicals to use, how much, when, and where. Termiticides are placed in the ground and specifically formulated to provide a residual for long-term treatment but also break down to protect the environment.
Q. How do you get termites?
A. Termites actually have a very specific purpose in our environment. They break down organic matter that is then returned to the soil. The good news is they don't carry disease or pose a health threat. The bad news is they don't distinguish between a fallen tree and your home when it comes to food. For termites to thrive, they need conducive conditions to enter as they seek new food sources to eat and store for their colony. This could be a water leak, a crack in the foundation, soft plant matter, or decaying wood near your home.
Q. Why do you have to dig a trench or drill holes around the house?
A. Trenches and holes are used to direct the liquid treatment at the perimeter and under the home. Placing the liquid in all areas where subterranean termites may enter results in a higher chance of preventing access to the home.
Q. How much does it cost to treat termites in Texas?
A. The cost can vary based on the size and structure of your home, the treatment required, and the product used. Some companies will include a warranty with treatment, and some will charge an annual fee, which should be considered when comparing prices. The average cost ranges from $600 to $3,500.

Some Signs That Termites Might Be Present in Your Home:

  • Mud Tubes on the Exterior or Interior of Your Home (Some may look old, and some may look fresh. These can be found in concrete, wood, or brick.)
  • Wood That Sounds Hollow When Tapped
  • Crumbling Wood in Areas Like Window Sills and Door Frames
  • Cracked or Bubbling Paint
  • Small Piles of Sawdust
  • Discarded Wings Near Doors or Window Sills
  • "Swarmers" — Winged Insects That Usually Travel Together and are Often Confused with Ant Swarms
  • Infestations in Fencing or Wood Piles (Can Indicate the Presence of a Subterranean Colony in the Home)

Combating Argentine Ants

In the past, we've had calls from customers in Flower Mound, Texas, with ant problems. These aren't your typical sugar ants or fire ants. These are an aggressive variety known as Argentine ants, which can cause major headaches for homeowners. Some infestations are so large they've actually caused light fixtures to flicker and electrical sockets to stop working. These ants can be found in the walls of homes, expanding their colonies, and are hard to control.
Argentine ants are especially difficult to control because they have unusual biology. Unlike many other ant species, they have many queens, and workers can go back to any nest, essentially forming one large supercolony. In most cases, there are multiple difficult-to-locate outdoor nests. Perimeter treatments are often the best way to deal with these ants. If you see ant trails or ants indoors, contact Robertson Pest and Termite so we can identify them and set up a plan of action before the colony starts to increase in size. Below is a list of tips you can implement to help reduce the chance of an infestation in your home.
Indoor Ant Control Advice
Ants found indoors may be nesting in the structure itself or just coming inside to look for food or water. Whatever the case, there are certain steps you can take that will aid indoor ant control.
  • Most ants feed on sweets or meats and grease. Wipe up spills immediately. Clean crumbs and drips from shelves, counters, and floors. Don't overlook hidden areas, such as stove vents and drip pans that can collect grease.
  • Don't leave open containers of sugar, honey, butter, or snacks on counters or tables.
  • Put leftover food away in sealed containers. Food in cardboard boxes or plastic bags should be transferred into glass, metal, or plastic containers with tight lids.
  • Leave pet food out only briefly, and then remove it.
  • Remove piles of papers or stacked bags, which can provide sites for ant nesting.
  • To keep ants from crawling up kitchen tables or other standing objects, place double-sided sticky tape around the legs.
  • Do not use insecticides or strong cleaners near areas that have been sprayed or baited for ants.
  • Store household garbage away from ant-infested sites in sealed bags and containers. Empty the garbage frequently.
  • Rinse food containers going in the garbage or recycling before tossing them into the bin.
  • Many ants coexist with aphids, feeding on the sugary "honeydew" the aphids secrete. Make sure there are no plants with aphids indoors or against your home.
  • Check cut flowers for ants before bringing them indoors. Ants may take up residence inside a potted plant. Place it outdoors and soak it repeatedly with water to force them out.
  • Carry in only small quantities of firewood at a time to avoid bringing in ants.
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