Termite Season in San Antonio: When They Swarm & How to Protect Your Property
Termites are a hidden threat that can cause extensive damage before you even know they’re there. In San Antonio, termite season is a particularly important time for homeowners and business owners to stay vigilant. Thanks to our warm, humid climate, termites are active year-round, but swarming season brings a sharp increase in infestations, and often the first visible signs of a problem.
In this post, we’ll break down when termites swarm in San Antonio, how to spot signs of an infestation, and what steps you can take to protect your property.
When Is Termite Season in San Antonio?
San Antonio’s termite season typically runs from late February through May. This is when winged termites—known as "swarmers"—leave their existing colonies to establish new ones. Most commonly, subterranean termites swarm between February and April, while the more aggressive Formosan termites swarm later, usually in May.
Although swarming season gets the most attention, it’s important to know that San Antonio’s warm weather allows termites to stay active year-round. Even after the swarms end, termite colonies continue to grow and feed behind the scenes.
What Types of Termites Are Common Locally?
San Antonio properties are most at risk from two specific types of termites. Knowing which species are most common helps explain the damage patterns seen in the area:
- Subterranean Termites: The most common species, known for building mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. They typically swarm in early spring.
- Formosan Termites: A type of subterranean termite, Formosans are especially destructive and can form massive colonies. They usually swarm later in the spring and are capable of causing significant structural damage quickly.
Signs of Termite Activity to Watch For
Even though termites often remain hidden inside walls or wood, there are several clear indicators of their presence. Catching these signs early can prevent extensive and costly damage:
- Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Seeing winged termites around windows, doors, or light fixtures—or finding piles of their discarded wings—is a strong sign of an active infestation.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-sized tubes along walls, foundations, or crawl spaces to protect themselves as they move between the soil and wood.
- Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or shows visible signs of damage can indicate termite feeding.
- Bubbling Paint or Uneven Surfaces: Termites can cause moisture buildup beneath surfaces, leading to bubbling paint or warped wood.
Why Termite Infestations Are a Serious Concern
Termites are more than just a nuisance, they’re a serious threat to your property. Nationwide, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage each year. Without treatment, a colony can silently destroy wooden structures, weakening the foundation of homes and businesses alike.
DIY solutions may seem tempting, but termites are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help. A single missed colony can repopulate and continue causing damage, which is why expert intervention is key.
How to Protect Your Home or Business
Preventative measures are key to reducing the risk of a termite infestation. Implementing these steps can help safeguard both residential and commercial properties:
- Eliminate Wood Debris: Remove any wood, cardboard, or mulch stored near your foundation.
- Fix Moisture Issues: Termites are attracted to moisture. Repair leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage, and keep gutters clean.
- Create a Barrier: Keep wood siding, trim, and other wooden elements at least 6 inches above ground level.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Routine professional inspections can catch termite activity early—before damage spreads.
Our Termite Treatment Options
We provide two highly effective termite treatment options designed to eliminate existing colonies and prevent new infestations. Each is tailored to the demands of San Antonio’s climate:
- Trelona Advance Termite Bait System: This system works by eliminating the entire colony through bait stations placed strategically around your property. Best of all, it requires only one annual visit to maintain protection.
- Termidor Liquid Treatments: Termidor creates a powerful, non-repellent barrier around your property. Termites unknowingly come into contact with the treatment and spread it throughout the colony, resulting in total elimination.
Why Choose Professional Termite Control?
Professional termite control offers peace of mind that DIY methods simply can’t match. Our team uses advanced tools and proven methods to ensure complete termite elimination. We also offer a 10-year guarantee on our treatments, so you can rest easy knowing your property is protected for the long haul.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Property Today
If you’ve spotted signs of termites or want to prevent an infestation before it starts, now is the time to act. Our experienced team is ready to inspect your home or business and create a customized treatment plan to keep termites at bay. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and safeguard your property during termite season and beyond.