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With hurricanes lining up in the gulf to head towards Florida this October, things are gonna be rough as a homeowner. Hurricane force winds and storm surge can expose unfinished wood in homes. And when you have unfinished wood in homes, you have termites! So let’s touch on some Tampa Termite Control today.  Florida is one of the worst states in the union when it comes to termite damage. Don’t be caught with your pants down, and read on for the help and info you need!

Tampa Termite Control: Are termites bad in Tampa, Florida?

Termites are a significant concern in Tampa, Florida, due to the region’s warm, humid climate, which provides an ideal environment for these pests to thrive. Tampa is home to several termite species, including the Formosan subterranean termite, West Indian drywood termite, and the recently detected Asian subterranean termite.

Termites are a pervasive problem in Tampa, Florida, posing a significant threat to homes and buildings. With multiple species present and favorable environmental conditions, the risk of infestation is high. Homeowners must remain vigilant and take preventive measures to protect their properties from these destructive pests. Regular inspections and professional pest control services are crucial in managing and mitigating termite damage in the Tampa area.

Termites pose a year-round risk in Florida, consistently foraging and developing new colonies. They can compromise the structural integrity of homes by eating away at wooden beams, flooring, and other wooden components. This damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe, leading to costly repairs and, in some cases, the need for complete structural replacements.

Tampa Termite Control: What kinds of termite infest Florida homes?

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are a significant concern in Florida, particularly in the central and southern regions of the state. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil and can infest dry wood, making them a unique threat to homes and buildings.

Drywood termites are small, about ¼ inch long, with an oval-shaped body and a thick, segmented abdomen. They are usually yellowish-white in color. These termites live entirely within the wood they consume, forming colonies that can range from a few hundred to several thousand individuals.

Two common species of drywood termites in Florida are the West Indian drywood termite and the Southeastern drywood termite. Both species are known for infesting wooden structures, furniture, and even wooden items like picture frames and bookshelves. They can cause significant damage over time, often going undetected until the infestation is extensive.

Drywood termites can severely compromise the structural integrity of homes and buildings. They infest the wood in walls, floors, and furniture, causing damage that often requires costly repairs. Unlike subterranean termites, which build mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources, drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume, making them harder to detect and deal with through Tampa termite control.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are a major concern in Florida due to the state’s warm, humid climate, which provides an ideal environment for these pests to thrive. These termites are the most destructive type found in Florida, causing significant damage to homes and buildings. The primary species of subterranean termites in Florida include the Eastern subterranean termite, the Formosan subterranean termite, and the Asian subterranean termite.

Subterranean termites live in colonies that can number in the thousands or even millions. They build their nests in the soil and require moisture to survive, which is why they are often found near sources of water. These termites create mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources, protecting them from predators and maintaining the necessary moisture levels.

Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in damage annually across the United States, with Florida being one of the hardest-hit states. These termites can compromise the structural integrity of homes by eating away at wooden beams, flooring, and other wooden components. The damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Leading to costly repairs and, in some cases, the need for complete structural replacements. These guys will have you running for Tampa termite control!

Dampwood termites

Dampwood termites are the largest termites found in Florida. They can be identified by their size, with soldiers measuring up to 20 mm in length. These termites have a distinct appearance, with soldiers possessing large mandibles and a reddish-brown head. The alates, or swarmers, have wings and are typically darker in color.

Dampwood termites can cause significant damage to wooden structures, particularly those with existing moisture problems. They create large galleries within the wood, which can weaken the structural integrity of buildings. Signs of infestation include the presence of winged alates, discarded wings, and frass (termite droppings) near infested wood.

Dampwood termites thrive in environments with high humidity and moisture. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require contact with soil. Instead, they infest damp, decaying wood, often found in damaged trees, logs, stumps, and wooden structures with water damage. This preference for moist wood makes them particularly problematic in areas prone to heavy rainfall or high humidity.

Preventing dampwood termite infestations involves reducing moisture levels in and around structures. This can be achieved by repairing leaks, ensuring proper drainage, and using treated wood in construction. Regular inspections by pest control professionals can help detect early signs of infestation and prevent extensive damage.

Tampa Termite Control: Can I get rid of termites on my own?

While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, severe or widespread termite problems often require professional intervention. Boric acid, nematodes, and baits can all help keep their numbers down, it likely won’t rid you of the infestation until you treat it at the source.

While it is possible to reduce the number of termites in your home, you will not be able to truly eliminate an infestation. A pest this serious will likely need a trained professional’s help to deal with. Visit our website at insectfree.com today. Once there, fill out the pop up on the home screen or call the listed number. Put your faith in Earth’s Best pest control and let us show you why we’ve been Florida’s number one natural pest control service for three decades!