Are There Termites in Texas?
Yes, termites are very common across Texas and cause significant damage to wooden structures statewide. Eastern subterranean termites inhabit the eastern regions, drywood termites are found in central and western areas, and western subterranean termites occur in the southwestern parts of the state. Texas's warm climate means termite activity continues year-round. Multiple species can infest a single property.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Reticulitermes · Sam Kieschnick CC BY
Eastern Subterranean Termite · Sam Kieschnick CC BY
Western Subterranean Termite · Public domain CC0
- 226
- GBIF records
Yes, termites are in Texas. Next you'll want:
Yes, termites are very common across Texas and cause significant damage to wooden structures statewide. Eastern subterranean termites inhabit the eastern regions, drywood termites are found in central and western areas, and western subterranean termites occur in the southwestern parts of the state. Texas's warm climate means termite activity continues year-round. Multiple species can infest a single property.
Where Termites Are Found in Texas
Termites are distributed throughout Texas from east to west and north to south, making them a statewide concern. Eastern subterranean termites dominate in the Piney Woods of East Texas, the Gulf Coast plain, and areas near the Louisiana border. Drywood termites are particularly common in central Texas around Austin and San Antonio, as well as in the drier regions of West Texas. Western subterranean termites inhabit the Trans-Pecos region and parts of the high plains. The Colorado River and Brazos River valleys, along with the Rio Grande Valley in the south, all support active termite colonies. Coastal areas from Galveston to Corpus Christi experience year-round termite activity due to high humidity. Urban centers including Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio all have significant termite populations in both residential and commercial areas. For more on termite in Texas, see ourTexas termite guide.
Seasons and Activity Timing
Termite activity in Texas continues throughout the entire year due to the state's consistently warm temperatures. Swarming season typically begins in spring, with peak activity from March through June, especially in wet years. After spring rains, termite swarms emerge in the evening to establish new colonies. Summer months see continued high feeding activity as termite colonies grow and expand. Fall brings additional swarming in some species, particularly drywood termites. Even winter months in Texas are warm enough to sustain active termite colonies and continued wood damage. The lack of a true dormant period means homeowners must remain vigilant year-round. In South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, termite activity can actually increase during cooler months when moisture levels are higher. You can also browseTexas wildlife.
How to Identify Termites
Three species of termites commonly occur in Texas, each with distinct identification features. Eastern subterranean termites are small and cream colored, less than one-quarter inch long. Drywood termites are slightly larger and darker in color, with longer bodies compared to subterranean species. Western subterranean termites resemble eastern termites but are found primarily in western portions of the state. Soldier termites have enlarged heads and dark coloring. Swarmers, which emerge to reproduce, are dark colored with long wings held above the body. Termite droppings appear as tiny, sand-like fecal pellets. Damaged wood appears hollowed out and often has a honeycomb appearance when broken open. Visible mud tubes along foundations and on wood surfaces are a definite sign of subterranean termite activity. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Where Termites Concentrate in Texas
In Texas forests and natural areas, termites concentrate in regions with abundant dead wood and high humidity. The Piney Woods of East Texas near the Sabine National Forest harbor dense termite populations. The bottomlands along the Brazos, Colorado, and other major rivers provide ideal termite habitat. State parks such as those in the Hill Country and along the Gulf Coast experience significant termite activity. Urban and suburban areas throughout Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio have high termite concentrations due to abundant wooden structures. Older neighborhoods with mature trees and wooden buildings are particularly attractive to termites. Coastal areas have the highest termite pressure year-round due to salt air and humidity. Areas with wood stacks, mulch beds, and timber storage operations attract especially large termite colonies. OurTexas wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Termite Behavior and Diet
Termites in Texas feed exclusively on cellulose and are responsible for significant structural damage to buildings each year. In wild ecosystems, they serve the important function of decomposing dead wood and returning nutrients to the soil. Each termite species has different behavioral patterns. Subterranean species maintain underground nests and build mud tubes to access wood above ground. Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume, creating galleries and chambers for their colonies. A mature termite colony can contain hundreds of thousands or even millions of individual insects. Worker termites, the most numerous caste, spend their days foraging for food. Soldier termites defend the colony from intruders. The queen and king remain in the colony's protected center, with the queen producing thousands of eggs daily. Read more abouttermite in Texas.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Termite infestations in Texas should be treated promptly to prevent extensive structural damage to wooden buildings. If you suspect termite activity, hire a licensed pest control professional to conduct a thorough inspection. Texas does not have specific legal protections for termites in structures, allowing homeowners and businesses to treat infestations as needed. Prevention through proper construction and maintenance is the most cost-effective approach. Keep wooden parts of buildings away from direct soil contact, maintain proper drainage around foundations, and eliminate wood piles near structures. Inspect wooden decks, fences, and outbuildings regularly for signs of termite activity. Termite damage can compromise the structural integrity of buildings and must be taken seriously. Professional pest control treatments are safe and effective when applied according to label directions. Browsewildlife in Texasfor related pages.
Species Commonly Confused With Termites
Carpenter ants are the most commonly mistaken insects for termites in Texas. Unlike termites, carpenter ants are larger, have elbowed antennae, and do not eat wood. Carpenter ants hollow out wood for nesting, creating galleries similar to termite damage. Flying ants during their mating flights are often confused with termite swarmers, but ants have bent antennae and unequal wing lengths. Bark beetles and wood-boring beetles create tunnels in wood but leave distinctive exit holes and sawdust patterns unlike termite damage. Wood lice, also called pill bugs or roly-polies, superficially resemble termites but are actually crustaceans. Silverfish are tiny insects found in damp areas that people sometimes mistake for termites. If you find an insect you think might be a termite, capture it and have it identified by a professional to confirm the species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which termite species is most common in my area of Texas? This depends on your location. East Texas has primarily eastern subterranean termites. Central and West Texas are dominated by drywood termites. The far west has western subterranean termites. A local pest control professional can identify which species affects your area. How much damage can a termite colony cause? A large colony can consume one pound of wood per year. Over a period of years, uncontrolled termite damage can compromise the structural integrity of a building. Why do I see winged termites in my home? Winged termites, called swarmers, are reproductive termites leaving an established colony to start new colonies nearby. This signals an active infestation close to your home. For more information about termites in Texas, visit /wildlife/texas to learn about the state's pest species. The /wildlife section provides details about various insects and animals found throughout the state. You can also visit the main /wildlife page for comprehensive information about wildlife across the country.
Plan your termite sighting in Texas
226 verified termite records have been logged in Texas, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
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- Chamizal National Memorial · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Davis National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see termite
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