[TX hOMEOWNER]

Please, can someone help? My home is only 3 1/2 years old and I live in a 4 year-old subdivision in a suburb of Houston. I saw discarded wings on my window sills and I started researching what it could be. Then I saw brown smudges start to appear on the sheetrock on different areas of walls. I started to get very concerned that I have a major problem in my new home, as I am a single parent with 2 disabled family members living with me.

I called a leading termite inspection company and the rep came out and said I did NOT have termites. That was a year ago and I just noticed another pinhole but I have not seen any more wings. I am almost convinced I have termites. Should I call and get another estimate from the same or another company and what is the evidence I will see? If the leading company told me I didn't have them, how can I be sure so I can peace of mind?

Thanks so much. Tx Homeowner

[RubyPitbull]

Did the company give you any clue as to what else it might be? Although it sounds very much like it could be termites or carpenter ants to me, I am hesitant to suggest another company that may tell you that you have termites, charge you a bundle of money and not resolve the problem. The fact that the original company is a leading company that only handles termites and said it is not termites, tells me that there wasn't enough evidence for them to come to that conclusion. They are honest and wouldn't unnecessarily treat your home. You might want them to come back and inspect again.

If may serve you well to speak to your closest neighbors and find out if they have noticed any problems. Go across the street, behind you, and a few houses to the side. Speak to at least a half dozen to make sure that you are the only one experiencing this.

As you are doing this, you might want to consider speaking to your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and see if they have a recommendation for an all around pest control company that can determine what is causing this problem. The best companies are the ones that people recommend. There are so many out there that will rip you off.

Usually companies will come in and inspect and not charge for the inspection, only the treatment. So, you may want to get a few names of solid inspection services. Make appointments with all. Depending on what they come up with, get estimates from each, and then make your decision. Once you do that, speak with the inspector about what you can do to make your home less of an interest to these pests.

When you have found the source of the problem, and if you are not given an adequate answer as to what to do to protect your home further, come back to this forum. I will try to find links to help you with that. Treating the "invasion" is only part of the solution. You need to find out what is attracting them and remove that attraction.

Good Luck!