Common types of Termites

Different wood-destroying insects require specific solutions. Here are some of the common types often found in our surroundings.

Termites

Often called “silent destroyers,” termites feed on wood and cellulose materials, consuming structures from the inside out. They can go undetected for years, causing costly structural damage before signs like mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood appear.

Carpenter ants

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but excavate it to build nests. Over time, their tunneling weakens beams, decks, and wooden siding. Infestations often start in moist or rotting wood but can spread into sound wood if left untreated.

Powderpost beetles

These tiny beetles lay eggs in cracks and pores of wood. When the larvae hatch, they bore deep into the wood, reducing it to a fine, powdery dust. Over time, powderpost beetles can damage hardwood floors, furniture, and structural timbers.

Wood-boring beetles

This group includes several species whose larvae feed on both hardwoods and softwoods. They leave behind exit holes, frass (wood dust), and weakening of furniture, flooring, and structural components. Severe infestations can compromise both aesthetics and structural integrity.

Health risks

Allergies and respiratory irritation – Dust, frass (wood particles), and droppings from termites, beetles, or carpenter ants can trigger allergies or worsen asthma symptoms when dispersed into the air.

Bites and stings – While most WDIs focus on wood, species like carpenter ants and carpenter bees may bite or sting when disturbed, posing risks to residents and pets.

Property damage

Structural weakening – Termites and carpenter ants can hollow out beams, floors, and walls, compromising the stability and safety of homes and buildings.

Costly repairs and replacements – Infestations often go unnoticed until severe damage occurs, leading to expensive repairs, renovations, or even reconstruction of affected wooden structures.

How it works

LONESTAR’s wood-destroying insect (WDI) control service is designed to stop active infestations and prevent future damage. Through comprehensive inspections, targeted treatments, and long-term protection strategies, LONESTAR Pest Solutions safeguards your home or business from the costly risks posed by termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other wood-damaging pests.

Inspection

LONESTAR Pest Solutions thoroughly inspects your property to identify the type of wood-destroying insect, locate areas of activity, and assess the extent of any structural damage.

Treatment

Using safe and effective methods, LONESTAR targets wood-destroying insects at their source, addressing both active infestations and hidden colonies to ensure long-lasting protection for your property.

Follow Up

After treatment, LONESTAR monitors the affected areas, provides preventive guidance, and applies additional measures if needed to keep wood-destroying insects from returning and causing further damage.

Spring

WDI activity increases as temperatures rise and moisture levels climb, prompting termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees to become active.

Termites begin swarming to establish new colonies.
Carpenter ants search for food and nesting sites in wood and damp areas.
Carpenter bees start boring into decks, eaves, and siding to create nesting tunnels.

Summer

Warm and humid conditions accelerate WDI activity and reproduction, increasing the risk of structural damage.

Termites and carpenter ants expand colonies and feeding tunnels.
Carpenter bees continue creating holes in exposed wood.
Powderpost beetle larvae actively feed inside wood, weakening furniture and structural timber.

Fall

As temperatures drop, some species seek shelter indoors and continue nesting activity.

Carpenter ants move deeper into homes for warmth.
Termites may stay active in heated structures, continuing to damage wood.
Finished carpenter bee nests leave entry holes that other pests may exploit.

Winter

As temperatures drop, some species seek shelter indoors and continue nesting activity.

Carpenter ants move deeper into homes for warmth.
Termites may stay active in heated structures, continuing to damage wood.
Finished carpenter bee nests leave entry holes that other pests may exploit.

The benefits of Lonestar

Consistent Protection

Regular treatments keep pests at bay, preventing infestations before they start.

Cost-Effective

Save money with bundled pricing compared to one-off treatments.

Convenience

Hassle-free scheduling and routine visits ensure you don’t have to worry about pests.

Expert Advice

Access to professionals who offer tailored pest control solutions for your home.

What Homeowners Say

Great customer service with Team Theresa at the front desk & Cameron, my technician. They are a joy to work with. Theresa consistently like clock work schedules my appointments quarterly & timely. Cameron has done an incredible job going above & beyond maintaining my grandson’s sandbox outside – ant free! It is a such a relief. Never mind his meticulously attention to detail inside my home is much appreciated. Both Theresa & Cameron are a valuable asset to Lone Star Pest. Call them!

— Susie Gold

Lonestar does our quarterly pest control and we had to call for re-spray of our kitchen due to these 100 plus degree temperature days. They sent Eddie over right away and he was so helpful telling me to pick up dog food every day, plug drains daily, use vinegar solution for drains, and make sure they always spray an area of the custom cabinets that has a gap between the cabinets and wall. He was the best! Really educated me and was so patient and even funny as I stared wide eyed over his knowledge of all things cockroaches.

— Carolyn Wafford

Have used Lonestar for years for normal treatments inside and outside, but just recently used them for mosquito control prior to an outdoor graduation pool party. EXCELLENT RESULTS AND PHENOMENAL SERVICE! We had them do a general area fogging and then leave-behind portable remote controlled area “mister” — we haven’t seen a mosquito in two weeks!

— John Seamon

We have used Richard’s team for years. Recently we learned our neighbor’s had termites. We contacted Lone Star to learn about our options. The solution provided was better than solutions our neighbors suggested. In fact, we learned of several pitfalls that our neighbors might encounter (beyond higher cost over the long term).

— Timothy Smith