Termite infestations are common in all areas of Texas, particularly in the east and southeast where the invasive Formosan subterranean termite species has been expanding its habitat in urban and suburban areas for decades. Unlike most subterranean termite species, Formosan subterranean termites are able to infest trees where they may travel along branches that make contact with houses. Ever since the Formosan subterranean termite became a common pest in Texas, experts have noted the invasive termite’s ability to infest homes by using tree branches as a sort of bridge that allows them to access roofs and wood siding.
While subterranean termites usually require regular contact with soil in order to retain water, Formsosans can maintain permanent infestations within trees, and on roofs as long as sufficiently damp natural and structural-timber can be found. Many older homes in Texas contain structural-timber that has become damp over the years, which is why Formosan subterranean termites are often found infesting a home’s upper levels and/or roof without ever making ground contact. More than two years ago, an eldelry woman’s Houston home became infested after a termite-riddled branch snapped and fell through her home, smashing a hole through her roof. Now, her entire home is infested with termites, causing the structure to literally fall apart around her.
Mary Dunham moved into her Houston home 70 year ago, but due to the termite-related structural damage her home sustained a couple of years ago, the city of Houston ordered the home to be demolished. In response, Mary applied for assistance through the City of Houston’s housing program, and she qualified in May of 2018. However, help never came, and Mary’s home continued to fall apart around her. Luckily, a local news station covered Mary’s story, which prompted her to be bumped to the top of the housing assistance priority list after the mayor himself surveyed the damage. Mary’s old home will still have to be demolished, but the city has agreed to build her a brand new house. While Mary will certainly miss her lifelong home, she admits that she is eager to move into her new termite-free house.
Have you ever found a tree that had become heavily infested with termites?
