Waco homes sit on soil that never stays still. Blackland clay swells in wet spells and shrinks in drought, cracking away from foundations and leaving gaps that termites use to reach framing. Warm weather means termites are active for most of the year. If you suspect them, call (844) 725-1661. We will connect you with an independent, licensed termite provider in McLennan County. PestMinistry is a referral service, and the provider carries out inspection and treatment.
Subterranean termites in Central Texas
The species most often found in Texas houses are subterranean termites, which nest in soil and travel through mud tubes between the ground and the wood. Colonies can be large, and workers can feed around the clock. Spring swarms on warm, humid days are a visible reminder that a mature colony is nearby. Some areas of Texas also have drywood termites, but in Waco most infestations are of the soil-dwelling kind.
Where Waco houses are most exposed
- Pier-and-beam homes in older neighborhoods such as Sanger Heights and parts of Castle Heights, where crawl spaces keep wood near soil and vents can let in moisture.
- Slab homes in Woodway, Hewitt and newer areas, where termites enter along cracks, expansion joints and plumbing penetrations.
- Brick veneer houses, where tubes can hide behind the veneer and rise to the top plate.
- Decks, fences and sheds that touch soil and connect to the house.
How to spot trouble
Walk the outside foundation and look for mud tubes the width of a pencil, especially near hose bibs and air conditioner lines. Inside, notice baseboards that sound hollow, doors that start to stick, and small piles of wings near windows. Clay movement can also crack slab edges, so any new crack deserves a closer look. Photographs help the inspector see how things have changed.
Treatment paths
- Liquid termiticide: applied in a trench and by drilling through slabs and patios, creating a treated zone termites cross when they forage.
- Baiting systems: stations in the soil that termites feed on and share with the colony. Baits work slowly but are valued where drilling is difficult.
- Foam and spot treatments: targeted at wall voids and infested wood.
- Corrective work: reducing soil-to-wood contact, venting crawl spaces and fixing grade problems.
Which approach fits will depend on the foundation type and the extent of activity. Providers often explain plans in writing so you can compare them.
Cutting termite appeal around your property
- Water the soil evenly during drought, which reduces deep cracking beside the slab.
- Point downspouts and splash blocks away from the house.
- Do not stack lumber or firewood against walls.
- Repair leaking pipes and keep crawl spaces dry.
- Check wood trim and fascia for soft spots every spring.
Buying a Waco house
Real estate deals around Baylor and in the established neighborhoods often include a termite inspection. If an inspection finds past treatment, ask for records and ask the provider whether a continuing plan is recommended.
Can Waco's drought affect termites?
Dry spells can drive termites deeper into the ground or toward moisture sources such as irrigated beds and leaking plumbing.
Do termites eat brick?
No, but they can travel behind brick veneer or through mortar cracks to reach wood.
How can I tell if damage is old or active?
Only a trained inspector can say for sure, using probing and moisture tools to look for live termites and fresh tubes.
How soon after a swarm should I call?
Soon. A swarm signals a mature colony, so inspection should not wait until the next season.