As the warmer months approach, Tampa residents should be prepared for termite swarming season. Termites can cause significant damage to homes, but knowing what to look for and understanding the available treatments can help protect your property.
Signs of Termite Infestation
1. Swarmers: Look for winged termites, known as swarmers, around windows and doors. They are often mistaken for flying ants but have straight antennae and equal- sized wings.
2. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel from their nest to their food source. These tubes can be found on foundation walls and other surfaces.
3. Damaged Wood: Termites feed on wood, leaving it hollowed out or with visible grooves. Tap on wood surfaces and listen for a hollow sound.
4. Frass: Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass. Look for these near wood structures.
Difference Between Termites and AntsTermites:
- Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and equal-sized wings.
- Ants: Ants have bent antennae, a narrow waist, and unequal-sized wings.
Species of Termites in Florida
- Subterranean Termites: These termites live underground and build mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. They can cause significant structural damage.
- Drywood Termites: Drywood termites infest dry wood and do not require contact with soil. They can infest furniture and structural wood.
- Formosan Termites: Generally pale yellow to brown, Formosan termites build large underground colonies and intricate mud nests inside walls. They are highly destructive and difficult to control once they infest a structure.
- Dampwood Termites: Larger than other species, these termites infest wood with high moisture content. They are typically found in damp, decaying wood and can cause damage to moisture-exposed structures.
The Damage Termites Can Do
Termites are capable of causing extensive damage to homes, including structural weaknesses, ruined wood, and costly repairs. In the United States, termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually. Florida, with its warm and humid climate, is particularly susceptible to termite infestations. Homeowners in Tampa should be especially vigilant during termite swarming season.
Importance of Professional Termite Treatment
Using trusted professionals for termite treatment is crucial to ensure the job is done correctly. Professional termite control services offer several advantages:
1. Early Detection and Prevention: Trained pest control technicians can identify signs of termite activity that may go unnoticed by untrained eyes. Early detection enables timely intervention to prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.
2. Tailored Treatment Plans: Professional termite treatment services offer customized solutions based on the specific needs of your property. This ensures that the chosen methods and products are appropriate for your situation, maximizing their efficiency and minimizing any potential risks.
3. Advanced Treatment Methods: Professionals use advanced treatment options that are not typically available through over-the-counter products. Methods such as tent fumigation, soil injections, and localized wood injections provide long-lasting protection against termites.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: Professional services offer regular inspections and maintenance schedules, providing continuous protection for your home. This proactive approach helps in detecting any potential issues early, saving homeowners from the stress of dealing with a sudden infestation.
Risks of Incorrect Termite Treatment
Attempting to handle termite treatment on your own or hiring unqualified individuals can lead to several risks:
1. Incomplete Treatment: DIY treatments or unprofessional services may not address the entire termite colony, allowing termites to continue causing damage.
2. Safety Concerns: Improper use of chemicals and treatment methods can pose health risks to you and your family.
3. Increased Costs: Incomplete or incorrect treatment can lead to recurring infestations, resulting in higher costs for repeated treatments and repairs.
Pestex Services Inc. Termite Treatments
At Pestex Services Inc., we offer a range of termite treatments to protect your home:
- Tent Fumigation for Drywood Termites: This treatment involves enclosing the entire structure and using gas fumigants to eliminate termites.
- Soil Injections of Liquid Termiticide for Subterranean Species: We treat the soil around your home with liquid termiticide to create a barrier against termites.
- Localized Wood Injections: For condos and structures that cannot be tented, we offer localized wood injections to target termite infestations directly.
- WDO Inspections for Real Estate Purchases: We perform Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspections to identify any termite or pest issues before you buy a property.
Termites in the Ecosystem
Termites play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. However, the expansion of human industry and buildings has limited their natural food sources, making wood structures, such as our homes, more attractive to them. Annual inspections and periodic treatments can help protect your home from termite damage.
Peace of Mind with Pestex Services Inc.
Pestex offers warranties on termite treatments for up to 5 years, giving you peace of mind that if termites attack again, we have your back no matter what.
For more information and to schedule an inspection, visit our website at
www.pestexservices.com.