A Guide To Effective Termite Control In Tampa

Termite treatments can be difficult for homeowners to manage. These are pests that stay hidden, and the damage they cause often goes unnoticed for long periods of time. EcoSmart Pest Solutions offers pest control in Tampa that’s just as focused on preventing termite infestations as it is on treating them. With our thorough inspections and high-quality treatment options, your Tampa home can stay safe from termite damage. 

What Are Termites?

Termites are small insects that eat wood. They’re usually around half an inch long with elongated bodies. Termites can vary in color from a creamy white shade to brown. Some termites, called “swarmers,” have wings that they shed when they start a new colony. Swarming termites are likely the only termites you’ll actually see as they search for a new place to live. After the colony is founded, termites stay in their nests and inside the wooden structures they eat through. Because termites stay hidden, there are other signs of termites you should look out for.

Termites in Tampa make small, round holes in wood. Near those holes, you might see piles of “frass,” which is the sawdust-like waste that termites leave behind. You might also notice damage to wooden structures in your home. The wood might sound hollow when you knock on it, or it might appear slightly warped.

Why Are There Termites In My Walls?

Termites look for any way to get to wood that they can find. There are a few factors in particular that attract termites to a home. They often look for excess moisture, which creates the climate termites prefer. Moisture in the home can also cause additional damage to wood, which makes it even more appealing for termites. Having a connection between soil and wood is also something that can bring termites to your home. 

Home termite prevention focuses on eliminating these factors so that termites are less likely to seek out your house. You can make your home as termite-proof as possible by:

• Sealing any cracks in the walls.
• Repairing anything causing excess moisture or water pooling.
• Removing any connection between soil and wood.
• Trimming back tree branches, so they don’t touch your house.

Cracks in the walls of your home may be what lets swarming termites into your house. This includes any gaps around doors and windows. By repairing these openings, you can help prevent termites from entering your home. Make sure that windows have intact screens. 

Anything that’s causing excess moisture, whether that’s a leaky pipe or a poorly ventilated area, should be repaired and aired out. Dryer environments are less appealing to termites. Long tree branches can provide a bridge termites can use to reach your house.

Setting up your home to prevent termite infestations can go a long way toward preventing damage.

Is Termite Damage A Big Deal?

Termite damage can definitely be an issue for Tampa homeowners. It’s estimated that termites cause billions of dollars in property damage nationwide each year. The good news is that it can take years for a termite colony to reach maturity and cause severe damage to your home. However, even a young colony is still chewing through the wood in your home, which will eventually lead to structural damage.

Because termites can cause so much damage to Tampa homes, it’s important that termite infestations are caught as early as possible. The signs of an infestation can be subtle, which is why regular termite inspections are the key to protecting your home. 

The Benefits Of Year-Round Professional Termite Control

EcoSmart Pest Solutions is the best way to keep termites away from your Tampa home. We offer a variety of termite treatment options that are designed to fully eradicate termite infestations. Our methods involve a combination of granular pesticides and bait stations in order to minimize the risk to you and your family while still maximizing the effect. Whether you’re seeing signs of termite damage in your home or you want to prevent infestation, contact EcoSmart Pest Solutions today.