Termites Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termite in southeast Texas. There are between 8 and 12 colonies per acre along the arid Gulf Coast, and tens of thousands of termites per colony. They live in colonies under ground because they have a low tolerance for air and light.
Termites require moisture and their sole source of food is cellulose from wood.
The most common way that homeowners find out that they have termites is when they swarm in the spring. Ironically, the only damage swarmers cause is the mess they make. Termites travel inside of pencil-lead sized tunnels of fecal matter commonly called mud tunnels. A thorough inspection a couple of times per year is recommended in southeast Texas. There is no such thing as a bad time to have your home inspected for termites in southeast Texas.