Termites are an unfortunate part of living in Tampa. The warm and moist climate makes this part of Florida a perfect destination for these destructive little bugs. If termites invade your home, they could cause excessive damage and cost homeowners thousands of dollars in yearly repairs.
At EcoTech Pest Control Services, we have seen how destructive termites can be. Our Tampa termite exterminators know the best way to keep your home safe from these tiny insects.
You're Not Likely To See A Termite: How To Identify Sign Of Activity
Termites are small insects that measure anywhere from ½ to 1 inch long. Most termites don't like to be in direct sunlight. Subterranean termites require dark and wet areas to survive. If a subterranean termite is in direct sunlight for too long, it will dehydrate and die. To stay safe, subterranean termites will build long tubes out of mud that connect their nest to a nearby food source. Other termites will also go out of their way to stay out of sight and will usually nest inside the wood they are consuming. Instead of seeing the termites themselves, some of the signs that you might notice if you have a termite infestation include:
- Bubbling or blistered wood
- Soft or brittle wooden surfaces
- Small, jagged holes in wooden surfaces
- Piles of a sawdust-like material near the holes in the wood
The only ones who leave the nest permanently are the reproductive termites, also known as alates. When the weather is warm, these winged termites in Tampa will swarm various areas looking for a mate. Once they find a mate, they discard their wings and become the queen and king of a new colony. If you see these swarmer termites or their wings around your property, contact a termite inspector as soon as possible.
From Bad To Worse: How Termite Damage Can Escalate Quickly
Termites might be small, but when they are together in a large group, it doesn't take long for you to start to see damage to the wooden structures on your property. On average, a large colony of termites can consume around one ounce of wood per week. That might not seem like much at first. But over time, they can cause significant damage. If you ignore a termite infestation in your home, you could notice structural damage in as little as one year; this is why it is so important to team up with a local termite control specialist at the first sign of a termite invasion.
Prevention Is Key: How To Remove Factors That Attract Termites
Termites like moist and dark areas; if you have standing water near your home or a yard that tends to hold a lot of moisture, you could attract termites to your yard. Some termites are also drawn to wet, rotting wood, so remove any old branches or dead tree stumps on your property. Another great way to prevent termites from invading your property is to have a professional pest control technician perform regular termite treatments on your entire property.
Professional Termite Control: Long-Term Termite Control And Protection
If you want to ensure that termites are not invading your home, give us a call today. At EcoTech Pest Control Services, we are committed to keeping these destructive bugs away from your home. Contact our termite removal experts in Tampa today to schedule your free inspection.