Termites are known as "silent destroyers" in the pest control industry, and for good reason. They are notoriously difficult to detect, and because of their habits and the way they consume wood, they're often not discovered until they've done large amounts of damage to a home. Termites are one of the most expensive pests out there; they cost United States homeowners over five billion dollars every single year. Most homeowners' insurance policies won't even cover these damages. So how do you prevent something like this from happening to you? EcoTech Pest Control Services is here to help you learn how to identify the signs of a termite problem in your home. We offer the best pest control in Tampa, so don't hesitate to give us a call.
Termite Problems Often Go Unnoticed Until It's Too Late
Before covering some common signs of termites in Tampa, let's discuss why they aren't typically detected until it's too late. Termites are attracted to moisture and require cellulose, which is found in wood, to sustain themselves. When termites enter a home, it's usually through wood that is close to or in contact with the ground or via tree branches or shrubs that allow them access. Most homeowners aren't looking for termites on their property, so they don't see the signs often accompanying them. Many species of termites live inside the wood they consume, so you won't be able to see them from the outside. You might have active termites in your Tampa home for months or years before you see any of them. So what are some of the signs that you should be looking for?
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite colonies consist of three groups or castes; workers, soldiers, and swarmers. Each of these castes has a job to do in the colony. Workers are usually the smallest. They are responsible for gathering the cellulose that feeds the colony and distributing that nourishment to the other termites. Soldiers are typically a little larger than workers and have rectangular heads with large pincers. They defend the workers and swarmers from outside threats and ensure the colony is safe. Termite swarmers, also called alates, are the reproductive members of the colony. Their job is to develop new colonies when their current colony matures. Swarmers are the only caste of termites with wings, and they shed their wings once they've mated. So if you find piles of insect wings near windows or doors, it could indicate a termite problem.
Other Common Warning Signs That Could Indicate A Termite Infestation
Besides finding the shed wings of swarmers, there are some other common warning signs of a termite infestation. While this isn't a complete list, here are a few more signs that you might have an issue and need to call a termite specialist near you:
- Tunnels made of wood and soil, called mud tubes, on the outside of your home
- Bubbling or uneven paint
- Wood that has darkened or sounds hollow when tapped on
- Piles of termite feces, which resemble sawdust
If you see any of these signs, it's best that you contact a Tampa termite control professional. Termites are difficult to deal with, and specialists have the tools and experience to do so properly.
Call EcoTech For Professional Termite Protection In Tampa
EcoTech Pest Control Services offers the best termite control in Tampa. We've been serving the area for years and provide detail-oriented, customer-specific, and long-lasting pest protection. You can count on our trained technicians to provide effective solutions with professionalism. If you think you might have a termite issue, now is the best time to act. Call EcoTech Pest Control Services today for help with termites and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Tampa.