In Brownsville, termites do not need a season. The hot, humid subtropical climate of the Rio Grande Valley allows colonies to stay active nearly all year, and the city's housing, from older wood-framed homes near the historic downtown to newer slab-on-grade subdivisions, offers many access points. Concrete-block walls do not make a house immune, since termites can eat the wood framing, door frames, trim and roof structure inside.
PestMinistry is a referral service. We connect you with an independent, licensed termite company serving Brownsville, which performs the inspection and treatment.
Termite species in South Texas
Subterranean termites are the most common structural termites across Texas, and they are active in Cameron County. Colonies live in the soil, travel in mud tubes and need moisture. Swarms occur after rain, particularly in spring and fall. Drywood termites, which live entirely within dry wood and leave small pellets, occur in the warm southern part of the state and can infest roof timbers, eaves and furniture. The Formosan termite is established in parts of Texas, mainly around Houston and the Gulf Coast, so inspectors keep an eye out for unusual activity. Species identification matters because treatment differs.
What puts Brownsville homes at risk
- Slab foundations. Termites enter through cracks, expansion joints and gaps around plumbing.
- Frequent irrigation and storms. Wet soil beside the home attracts colonies.
- Palm and tree stumps. Dead wood near the foundation supports colonies.
- Tile roofs and wood trim. Roof leaks create hidden damp areas inside attic framing.
- Wood fences, pergolas and patio covers. Often attached to the main structure.
Warning signs to watch
Mud tubes on foundation walls or slab edges, discarded wings near windows and doors, hollow or papery wood, tiny pellets resembling sand beneath trim, bubbling paint, and doors that suddenly stick all warrant a closer look. Hurricane season can also expose hidden damage: wind-driven rain gets behind siding or roofing and creates the damp wood termites like. After any significant storm, check eaves, window frames and attic space for new leaks.
Inspection and treatment
An inspector examines the slab perimeter, garage, attic, patio structures and landscaping, using a moisture meter and probing suspect areas. Subterranean termite treatment typically involves liquid termiticide applied in trenches and drilled into slab edges, patios and driveways, or a baiting system placed around the home. For drywood termites, localized wood treatments, or whole-structure options when infestations are widespread, may be recommended. Ask for a written plan with the scope of work, the monitoring schedule and what happens if termites return.
Reducing your risk
- Direct sprinkler heads and downspouts away from the foundation.
- Keep soil, mulch and plant beds below the slab edge and away from siding.
- Repair roof, plumbing and window leaks as soon as you find them.
- Remove dead stumps, scrap lumber and wood debris.
- Inspect the property annually and after major storms.
Contact a provider
Seen swarmers or mud tubes? Call (844) 725-1661 and we will connect you with a licensed Brownsville termite company.
Brownsville termite questions
Do concrete homes get termites?
Yes. Termites feed on wood framing, trim, doors and roof structure inside block and stucco houses.
Are termite swarms common after hurricanes?
Wet conditions after storms can trigger swarms, and storm damage can create new entry points.
Do I need to leave during treatment?
Most soil treatments do not require it. Whole-structure treatments, if recommended, do.
How long does a treatment last?
That depends on the method and conditions. Ask your provider about monitoring and renewal.