Fall Termite Inspections in Andrews & Seminole: Slab Checks Before Permian Basin Spring Swarms
Most people in Andrews and Seminole only think about termites in the spring, when winged swarmers show up around windows and lights. But the colony that produces those swarmers is already living in the soil under and around your home right now. Fall is a good time to have the house checked, so you know where you stand before swarm season in the Permian Basin.
Why fall is a good time to check
Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel up into a home to feed on wood. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes that swarmers leave the colony in spring and early summer, and that homes should be inspected at least once a year. An inspection in the fall gives you time to fix problems and plan treatment, if it is needed, before spring.
Why slab homes hide termites
Most homes in Andrews and Seminole sit on a concrete slab. Termites can't chew through concrete, but they don't need to. They find their way up through small cracks, expansion joints, and the gaps where plumbing and utility lines come through the slab. Their mud tubes are the same color as the soil and concrete, so they are easy to walk past for years.
What an inspector checks outside
The soil line. The top of the slab should show several inches above the soil. When flower beds, landscaping, or rock are built up against the brick, termites can come in out of sight.
Cracks, corners, and joints. Inspectors look closely along the slab edge, especially in corners and anywhere the foundation is close to the ground.
Utility entries. AC lines, gas and electric services, and outdoor faucets where they go into the wall.
Attached porches and patios. Earth-filled porches, added patios, and steps poured against the house are common hidden entry points.
Leftover wood. Grade stakes, form boards, or scraps left in the soil after construction can feed a colony right next to the house.
Any mud tube found gets broken open to see if live termites are still using it.
What an inspector checks inside
The bath trap. On slab homes, the opening under the tub where the drain goes through the slab is a classic entry point. If there is an access panel, we'll check it.
Baseboards, door frames, and window trim. Probing for soft or hollow wood, especially on outside walls and garage walls.
Blistered paint or drywall. Bubbling paint can hide termite damage behind it.
Leaks. Water stains on ceilings and around plumbing point to moisture termites like.
One thing to do before we come
Clear a path along the outside walls and make sure we can reach the garage walls and any plumbing access panels. It makes the inspection faster and more complete.
How Tejas Pest and Weed Control helps
Tejas Pest and Weed Control provides termite inspections (WDI reports), active termite treatment when activity is confirmed, and pre-treatments for new construction across Andrews, Seminole, and the wider Permian Basin. Whether you are buying or selling a home, or just want to know what's going on under your own slab, we will walk the property, show you what we find, and explain your options. Inspection first; no guesswork.
Andrews and Seminole customers are served from our Andrews yard at 2184 SE 2460, Andrews, TX 79714. Midland and Odessa customers are served from our Midland yard at 3112 E County Rd 139, Midland, TX 79706.
Want your home checked before spring? Call or text 432-934-5248 or visit https://www.tejaspwc.com/termites.
FAQ
I haven't seen any swarmers. Do I still need an inspection?
Swarmers are often the first sign people notice, but termites can be feeding for a long time before a colony swarms. An inspection looks for mud tubes and damage you might not see.
Do you do WDI reports for home sales?
Yes. Call 432-934-5248 to schedule a termite inspection and WDI report.
