Termites Are Surging in the Borderland After Heavy Rains

As wet weather continues to drench the Borderland, residents are starting to notice an unwelcome side effect: termites. These tiny insects may not seem like much at first, but left unchecked, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home’s structure, and right now, they’re popping up more than usual.

Why Rain Draws Out Termites

Heavy rain softens the soil and raises humidity levels, creating the perfect environment for termites to thrive. Subterranean termites, the most common type in El Paso, rely on moisture to survive and often live underground. When the ground becomes saturated, they’re forced to seek new shelter, which often leads them straight into homes.

The rain also weakens wood, making it easier for termites to chew through support beams, walls, and flooring. Combine that with higher humidity inside the home, and you’ve got a full-on termite paradise.

What to Look For

Homeowners like Jason Roush in northeast El Paso are already seeing the early warning signs. This quote comes from Roush via KFOX:
"I lifted up the mat to sweep and that's when I noticed all the termites," he said. "They were from the wall of the house all the way out as far as the end of the fireplace… completely consuming everything underneath the TV."

Common indicators include:

• Mud tubes along walls or foundations

• Discarded wings near windows or doors

• Hollow-sounding wood or unexplained cracks

• Frass (termite droppings) that resemble sawdust

If you see any of these signs, you might be facing an active infestation.

How to Protect Your Home

The best way to avoid costly repairs is to act early. Here’s what pest control experts recommend:

• Remove excess moisture: Fix leaks, clean gutters, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.

• Keep wood away from your home’s foundation: Store firewood off the ground and away from walls.

• Seal entry points: Check for cracks in your home’s foundation or around pipes.

• Schedule inspections: A yearly professional checkup can spot problems before they become disasters.

If termites are already inside, expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 for preventative treatment to up to $1,800 or more for active infestation removal, according to recent reports from residents in the Campo Del Sol neighborhood.

El Paso’s recent rainfall might be good for your garden, but it’s also a wake-up call to keep a closer eye on what’s happening behind your walls. If something feels off, don’t wait to investigate.