AUSTIN, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU. Termites love one thing your yard can accidentally give them: damp soil close to wood. The good news? A few home-proofing habits can lower your risk and help you spot trouble sooner—especially if you’re thinking about Termite Control in Austin. Keep’n it local, keep’n it simple.
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Quick answer: Austin termite proofing checklist
Use this as your once-a-season walkaround. Take 15 minutes, snap photos, and fix the easy stuff first.
- Keep water moving away from the foundation (gutters, downspouts, splash blocks).
- Fix leaks fast (hose bibs, outdoor spigots, water heaters, under-sink drips).
- Aim sprinklers away from the house so soil stays drier near the slab edge.
- Don’t let mulch pile up against siding or trim.
- Keep wood off soil (siding, posts, steps, lattice, fence pickets touching the house).
- Store firewood, lumber, and cardboard up off the ground and away from the home.
- Clear leaves and clutter so you can see the slab edge and weep holes.
- Check for mud tubes on the foundation and inside garages.
- After heavy rain, look for standing water near the home and adjust grading or drainage.
- For pier-and-beam homes, keep crawlspace vents open and dry.
- In the attic, watch for roof or pipe leaks that keep wood damp.
- If you see swarmers, shed wings, or new mud tubes, schedule an inspection.
Why termites show up in Austin homes
Termites are part of Texas life. Subterranean termites live in the soil and use moisture to survive. Once they find wood, they can keep feeding for a long time if conditions stay damp. Texas A and M AgriLife Extension notes that subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Texas A and M AgriLife Extension
Swarm timing you might notice around town
Swarmers are winged termites that leave a colony to start new ones. The City of Austin’s Grow Green guide says swarms often show up in late winter into spring, and you might see them around windows or lights. City of Austin Grow Green
The two big welcome mats
Most prevention tips come back to two things:
- Moisture next to the home
- Wood touching soil or sitting close to damp ground
Moisture control that makes your home less inviting
Think like water. If it can pool, soak, or drip near the foundation, termites have an easier time.
Gutters and downspouts
- Clean gutters so they do not overflow right by the slab.
- Extend downspouts so they dump water away from the house.
- Add splash blocks where water hits bare soil.
Grading and drainage near the foundation
- After rain, walk the yard and look for puddles near the home.
- If soil slopes toward the house, add soil to pitch it away or use drainage fixes.
Leaks and AC condensate
- Check the hose bib and nearby soil for constant damp spots.
- Make sure the AC drain line is not dripping right at the foundation.
Wood-to-soil clearance: the fastest home-proofing win
If termites can reach wood without leaving the soil, your risk jumps. University of Kentucky Extension lists “eliminate wood in contact with the ground” as a key prevention step. University of Kentucky Extension
Spots to check
- Siding or trim that sits at, or below, soil level
- Wood steps or porch posts set into soil
- Fence pickets or gates touching the house
- Planter boxes built tight against the wall
Storage rules that help
- Keep firewood on a rack, not on the ground.
- Store cardboard in a dry spot, not on a garage floor that gets damp.
Crawlspace and attic habits for Central Texas homes
Different build styles, same goal: keep wood dry and visible.
Crawlspace basics (pier-and-beam)
- Keep vents clear of plants and debris.
- Remove damp cardboard, old wood, and stored junk.
- If the soil stays wet, talk with a pro about moisture control.
Attic basics
- Fix roof leaks fast.
- Watch for slow plumbing drips that stain rafters or decking.
Landscaping do’s and don’ts near the slab edge
Landscaping can hide the areas you need to see. A little space around the foundation makes inspections a whole lot easier.
Do
- Keep a bare, visible strip along the foundation where you can inspect.
- Trim plants back so they don’t touch siding or block vents.
Don’t
- Stack mulch or soil against the house.
- Let vines climb the wall and cover entry points.
Quick table: common Austin risk spots and easy fixes
| Risk spot | What to look for | Quick home-proofing move |
|---|---|---|
| Slab edge | Soil piled up against the wall | Rake it back so the edge is visible |
| Downspouts | Water dumping right at the corner | Extend the outlet away from the home |
| Mulch beds | Mulch touching siding or trim | Pull it back and keep it lower |
| Fences and gates | Wood touching the house | Leave a small gap so you can inspect |
| Storage | Cardboard or wood on damp floors | Lift it up and keep it dry |
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Simple inspection cues and when to book a professional
Termite warning signs can be subtle. The U.S. EPA lists common signs like mud tubes and swarmers, and it notes that termites cause billions in damage each year. U.S. EPA
When to schedule an inspection
- You spot swarmers, shed wings, or mud tubes.
- You have a leak that kept wood wet for days.
- You are remodeling and opening walls or floors.
- You are buying or selling a home and need a WDI check.
Purdue Extension also points out that homeowners should be generally knowledgeable about when termite prevention or control is needed and how it can be done. Purdue Extension
Ready to get it handled?
If you want a local pro to check the risk spots and talk through options, book our Termite Control Austin service. We’ll help you kick those unwelcome guests out (and if the in-laws show up, you’re on your own with that one).
FAQ (5 questions)
1) Do you offer termite control in Austin proper?
Yes. BrockStar Pest Services is a local pest control company in Austin, and termite control is listed as a core service line.
2) Can you help with WDI termite inspections?
Yes. Termite control and WDI inspections are both listed as key services, so you can handle treatment and the inspection need with one local team.
3) Do you work with apartments or multi-family properties?
Yes. Multi-family and apartment pest control is listed as a service line, which can be helpful if you manage shared buildings with ongoing prevention needs.
4) Do you only handle termites, or other pests too?
Termites are one key service, and BrockStar also lists mosquito control, bed bug treatments, rodent seal-up and exclusion, fire ant control, flea control, and wasp control.
5) How do I book termite service in Austin?
The quickest way is to book through the Termite Control Austin page. If you are seeing swarmers or mud tubes, booking sooner helps you get answers and next steps.
