As autumn rolls in, you may be inclined to bundle up indoors and enjoy the comfort of your central heater. You’re not the only one. Termites, carpenter ants and other wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) are also seeking warmth and shelter as outdoor temperatures drop — and their coziest option might be your home. The mild winters in Austin and San Antonio aren’t always cold enough to freeze them out, meaning these pests can thrive year-round. Fall is the best time to fight against them.

How to Protect Your Home From Termites Before Winter

Here’s what local inspectors and pest experts recommend doing right now.

1. Start With a Fall Termite and WDO Inspection

In Austin, termites are the primary concern — specifically the subterranean kind. They thrive in the region’s warm, damp soil and cause the most damage, spending 24 hours munching through wood fragments every day. A termite inspection — especially for an older home — can check for hidden infestations.

While you might spot surface signs, such as the sawdust-like droppings, professionals detect swarms that often go unnoticed. They look for mud tubes, soft or hollow-sounding timbers, blistered paint, and discarded wings near windowsills or baseboards. Technicians also check for gnawed materials and webbing near rafters and joists. These clues often emerge before significant structural deterioration becomes visible, so contact a trusted provider in Austin for termite treatment to prevent further spread.

Even if you haven’t noticed these warning signs, it’s still a good idea to stay proactive. Schedule a termite damage evaluation every autumn as part of your annual home maintenance to ensure your foundation, attic and crawl spaces remain secure before cooler weather pushes colonies deeper into your house’s wooden framework.

2. Seal Gaps and Entry Points Before Temperatures Drop

Many homeowners underestimate how easily pests enter a house. Even small openings that are one-fourth of an inch can let mice slip through. Ants and termites need even less space. Since fall brings shorter days and dimmer light, grab a flashlight and check for these entry points:

• Cracks or separations along the foundation and siding
• Gaps around utility lines, dryer vents and outdoor faucets
• Loose weather stripping around windows and doors
• Chewed or damaged screens on attic vents and crawl space openings

Seal small gaps or cracks with caulk or expanding foam. In rodent-prone areas, use steel wool or cement sealant since mice can chew through almost anything except glass and metal. If flying or crawling insects are the main problem, install new door sweeps and replace torn window screens to prevent them from entering your home.

3. Reduce Moisture In and Around Your Home

Damp, decaying wood and standing moisture attract termites and other WDOs. Even if your property is a new build, fall showers and leaf buildup can easily create the ideal environment for them to settle in.

These timber-eating creatures need direct ground access, so check that your gutters and downspouts are clear and channeling water away from the foundation. Pooling near slabs or piers can soften the framing and make it easier for termites to tunnel upward. Repair dripping faucets and leaky irrigation lines before they attract pests. Even your AC condensate drain should release moisture away from the structure to protect its integrity.

Protection also starts indoors. Check for dripping pipes and unclog floor drains that retain water. Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in basements or crawl spaces. Keeping all wood in your home dry and well-ventilated deters pests and extends the lifespan of your framing and subfloor.

4. Keep Firewood and Debris Away From Your Foundation

Stacked firewood, fallen branches or even cardboard boxes left against exterior walls invite termites and ants to move closer to your home. Store these materials away from the house and off the ground to prevent pests from nesting in them and spreading indoors.

If you haven’t done any trimming during summer, fall is the perfect time to cut back shrubs and tree limbs that touch your siding or roofline. Overgrown vegetation serves as a bridge for insects and rodents, defeating the purpose of treated soil or sealed entry points.

As trees shed more leaves, make it a routine to clear away leaf piles, mulch buildup and yard clutter near your house. These hold moisture and create hiding spots for pests during cooler months. Maintaining a clean perimeter around your home also helps inspectors identify early signs of activity and reduces harborage.

5. Protect Food and Limit Clutter

Rodents and cockroaches enter your home because they’re hungry, and their sharp sense of smell helps them detect food inside. Once indoors, they can chew on insulation, wiring or improperly stored items.

Make your house less inviting to these unwelcome guests:

• Store dry food and pet food in sealed, airtight containers.
• Wipe down counters and floors after meals.
• Empty trash bins regularly and use tightly fitting lids.
• Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside overnight.

Your garage and basement can also become unnoticed nesting spots. Even cardboard boxes or paper piles can harbor insects that weaken wood or contaminate stored belongings.

6. Call a Termite Professional Before Winter Sets In

DIY prevention helps, but a termite infestation can’t be resolved on your own. Even if you haven’t noticed damage yet, a professional assessment can uncover hidden risks such as mud tunnels behind drywall or activity beneath patios. A licensed pest technician assesses visible and concealed wood components to ensure your space remains secure throughout the colder months.

Many home inspection and termite control companies in Austin, Texas, now offer bundled seasonal checkups, so you can address minor issues before they escalate. With autumn being the last mild stretch before winter’s moisture and temperature drops, it’s the most practical time to take action.

Stay One Step Ahead of Termites This Fall

Texas homes face unique pest pressures year-round, but fall presents an opportunity to stay ahead. By sealing entry points, managing moisture, keeping the yard tidy and scheduling a professional termite inspection in Austin, you safeguard your residence from the hidden harm WDOs cause.