Termites and other wood-destroying insects don't take a season off in Central Texas. Subterranean colonies stay active year-round, and fall is a good time to check for them. Here's what buyers and homeowners in New Braunfels and the Hill Country should know.
Quick Answer: Termites are active year-round in New Braunfels and the Hill Country. The formal Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report that many lenders ask for is issued by a Texas-licensed pest control company, not by a home inspector. Your TREC home inspection notes visible damage and conditions that invite termites; a licensed pest control company handles the WDI report and any treatment.
Termites are one of the most common hidden problems in Central Texas homes. Damage builds slowly inside walls, under flooring, and along the slab edge, and by the time it's visible the repair is rarely small. If you're buying in New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Antonio, or the Hill Country, it helps to know what to look for and who checks what.
True South Home Inspection (TREC #24687) inspects homes across New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Antonio, and the wider Hill Country. Kevin Cearley is InterNACHI Certified and reports any visible wood-destroying insect damage during the home inspection itself; the WDI report comes from a licensed pest control company.
Why Termites Are a Concern in Central Texas
Subterranean termites live in the soil and are active year-round in our climate. Warm temperatures, clay soils, and wood close to the ground give colonies what they need. They reach a house through cracks in the slab, expansion joints, plumbing penetrations, and anywhere wood touches soil.
Other wood-destroying insects, such as drywood termites, carpenter ants, and powder post beetles, can also damage framing and trim. Wood rot from moisture often shows up in the same places.
What a WDI Report Is
A WDI report is a standard form completed by a Texas-licensed pest control professional. It records whether there is visible evidence of wood-destroying insects, whether there are signs of past treatment, and whether conditions that invite infestation are present, such as wood-to-soil contact, moisture, or mulch piled against the slab.
Texas regulates pest control separately from home inspection. A home inspector can point out visible damage but can't issue a WDI report or apply treatment. That's why buyers usually pair a home inspection with a WDI report from a licensed pest control company.
Why Fall Is a Good Time to Check
Termites stay active through the year, but fall brings a few reasons to look:
- Rain returns after late summer drought, and moist soil draws colonies toward the surface
- Mild temperatures keep colonies active
- Homeowners spend less time outdoors and are more likely to miss the signs
If you've been meaning to have your home checked, October and November are good months to do it.
Common Signs of Termite Activity
Most homeowners miss the early signs. Things to look for:
- Mud tubes about the width of a pencil running up a foundation, pier, or interior wall
- Discarded wings near windows, doorways, or light fixtures
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped, especially trim and baseboards
- Bubbling or peeling paint without an obvious moisture source
- Sawdust-like droppings near small holes in wood
- Soft or buckled flooring near plumbing fixtures
If you see any of these, call a licensed pest control company the same week. Don't wait.
What Your Home Inspection Covers
A True South home inspection follows the TREC Standards of Practice: foundation, grading and drainage, roof structure and attic, walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, exterior trim, and more. Along the way, Kevin notes:
- Visible damage from wood-destroying insects
- Mud tubes or other visible evidence on accessible surfaces
- Conditions that invite termites, like wood-to-soil contact, poor drainage toward the slab, and plumbing leaks
- Wood rot and moisture problems
You'll get a photo-rich digital report, typically within 24 hours, that you can share with your pest control company and your agent.
Who to Call for the Rest
For the WDI report itself, and for any treatment, hire a Texas-licensed pest control company. Ask them:
- Whether they found active activity, past activity, or conditions that invite infestation
- What treatment they recommend, if any
- Whether the home has an existing treatment contract that transfers to you
If you're buying, have a licensed pest control company complete the WDI report in the same option period as your home inspection, so both reports are in hand before you negotiate.
VA, FHA, and Lender Requirements
VA loans in Texas generally require a WDI report showing no active infestation, and some FHA and conventional lenders ask for one too. Requirements vary, including how recent the report must be, so ask your lender early.
Treatment Options if Termites Are Found
A WDI report showing activity doesn't mean the deal is dead. It usually means treatment and disclosure. A licensed pest control company may recommend:
- A liquid termiticide barrier around the foundation
- In-ground bait stations
- Spot treatment in limited situations
- Wood treatment on accessible framing
Many pest control companies offer annual service contracts that can transfer to a new owner. Read the contract terms before accepting treatment as a credit.
Service Area
We inspect homes across:
- New Braunfels and Comal County
- San Antonio and Bexar County
- Canyon Lake and Spring Branch
- Boerne, Bulverde, and Garden Ridge
- Schertz, Selma, and Cibolo
- Seguin and New Berlin
- San Marcos, Kyle, and Buda
- Wimberley and Fischer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a WDI report part of a TREC home inspection? No. The home inspection notes visible damage from wood-destroying insects, but a WDI report can only be issued by a Texas-licensed pest control professional. They're separate.
Does True South provide termite reports or treatment? No. We're a TREC-licensed home inspector, not a pest control company. WDI reports and treatment come from a licensed pest control company; our home inspection report notes any visible damage.
Can termites get into a slab-on-grade home? Yes. Subterranean termites can enter through expansion joints, plumbing penetrations, and cracks in the slab. Slab construction is not a barrier.
How often should a home be checked for termites? Ask a licensed pest control company. Homes under a treatment contract are usually checked every year, and buyers should get a WDI report at the time of purchase.
Are mud tubes always a sign of termites? They're a strong sign of subterranean termites, which build them to travel between soil and wood. If you see them, call a licensed pest control company.
Related Reading
- What a TREC Home Inspection Covers: A Plain-Language Guide
- Home Inspection in New Braunfels: What Buyers and Agents Need to Know
- Texas Hill Country Foundation Problems
- Septic and Well Systems in Canyon Lake: A Buyer's Guide
- 11-Month Warranty Inspection in New Braunfels, TX
Schedule Your Home Inspection
Buying in New Braunfels or the Hill Country? Call Kevin Cearley at 737-414-2364, email tshi@truesouthinspect.com, or book online for your home inspection, and line up a WDI report from a licensed pest control company in the same option period. Serving New Braunfels, San Antonio, Canyon Lake, Boerne, and the Texas Hill Country.
