Wood-destroying insects · field guide
Austin termite guide: swarmers, shelter tubes, and risk conditions
Recognize common signs of subterranean termites and understand why an inspection must separate active evidence from old damage.
The short answer
Subterranean termites travel between soil and wood through hidden routes or shelter tubes. Swarmers and equal-length shed wings are often the first visible clue, but inspection is needed to confirm activity.
Identification
Start with observable evidence
- 01
Termite swarmers have a broad waist, straight antennae, and four wings of roughly equal length.
- 02
Shelter tubes look like narrow mud lines and may appear on foundations, piers, or plumbing penetrations.
- 03
Damaged wood may contain layered galleries with soil, but age and activity cannot be confirmed from appearance alone.
Where it lives
Habitat around the home
Subterranean colonies are associated with soil and moisture. Wood-to-soil contact, leaks, poor drainage, concealed foundation paths, and stored cellulose can increase risk around a structure.
When it appears
Central Texas seasonality
Swarming is commonly associated with warm conditions and moisture, often after rain. The hidden colony can remain active outside the brief swarming period.
Prevention
Make the property less useful to termites
- Maintain drainage away from the foundation and repair leaks
- Avoid direct wood-to-soil contact where the building design allows
- Keep inspection lines visible rather than covering foundations with stored material
- Schedule an inspection when swarmers, tubes, or suspicious damage appear
When to ask for help
The evidence has moved beyond a casual sighting
- Swarmers or equal-length shed wings are found indoors
- Shelter tubes, damaged wood, or moisture conditions appear at the structure
The DIY limit
Spot-treating visible wood or breaking tubes may not reach the colony or hidden routes. Effective options depend on construction, soil access, label directions, and a complete inspection.
See how Bugged assesses termitesSources and further reading
Read the primary guidance
This guide is educational and does not replace a property inspection, a product label, veterinary advice, or medical care.
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