Termites 101: Identification, Prevention, And Control In Tampa

Tampa pest control is a thriving market. Our proximity to the water and our climate throughout the year are perfect for far more than just humans. Even people who vacation to this area from abroad seem to register surprise when they see the sort of critters we have flying and crawling around!

Unfortunately, these pests like to make their way onto our property and into our homes from time to time. Our homes make perfect habitats for a whole host of animals. Some are actually quite harmful and can cause a lot of headaches for homeowners.

Today, we’re looking at termites. These critters tend to stay out of sight and out of mind, often remaining undetected by homeowners for years. The damage they cause, however, is anything but minimal. Termites can wrack up thousands of dollars in damages, so it’s worth looking at how to spot them and get rid of them.

Signs Of Termite Activity To Watch For Around Your Home

How do you know you have termites? Luckily, there are plenty of signs of termites that homeowners can be on the lookout for if they want to stay informed and ready.

It’s worth keeping in mind that different kinds of termites in Tampa will appear differently to one another and perhaps even behave differently than other termites.

Broadly speaking, you can look for the following signs:

• Drooping floorboards
• Hollow sounding wood that used to sound solid.
• Wall panels that appear to weaken or thin over time.
• Small insect remains or waste on the floors or walls.

If you notice any of these things in your home, it’s not a certainty that termites are responsible. However, taken all together, they may paint a picture of a home that’s suffering from a termite infestation.

How Termites Compromise Structural Integrity

Consider the last thing you ate – there was probably no paper or wood pulp in that meal! Termites are very much the opposite of us. These pests can and do dine on the very materials that our homes are made of. Left to their own devices, termites can seriously damage a home and degrade its structural integrity.

Some homeowners have even lost thousands of dollars, or perhaps more to termite damage. Because they tend to remain out of sight, termite infestations can go unnoticed by homeowners for years.

Remove Factors That Attract Termites To Your Property

So, what attracts termites, anyway? They certainly don’t come out of nowhere and they similarly do not choose homes at random. Much like us, termites want shelter and safety, as well as a reliable food source.

If you remove sources of standing water (in and around the property) and keep brush and other detritus away from the walls of your home, you’ll be removing a serious on-ramp for termites and other pests.

Firewood and other materials you might find in the yard are all good items to monitor and/or keep well away from your home. Don’t do the termites any favors and let them hitch a ride right next to an entrance way to your property.

Why Professional Termite Control In Tampa Is Necessary

Termite removal isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. These pests are far too harmful for your home to be left alone. There’s no playing the odds with termites, owing to the fact that they can feed on our homes.

That’s why calling the termite control professionals with Wise Owl Plus the moment you suspect or confirm termite activity on your property is a necessity, too. You’ll be saving yourself untold amounts of money in the long run, and even more importantly, your home will remain safe and structurally sound.