Everything Tampa Homeowners Should Know About Termite Damage

Do you worry about your home being destroyed? This is a common concern for many homeowners. The good news is that homeowners' insurance exists. With a good plan, you will be covered against natural disasters, fire, and many other potential problems. What you are not covered for is termite damage. There is no insurance plan that exists that covers this type of damage. Why? Because providers consider termites to be a preventable disaster. This means it is your job to keep these destructive insects out. Here are some things everyone in Tampa should know about termites and the damage they cause. For fast and effective pest control in Tampa, call our team at EcoSmart Pest Solutions. It has never been easier to combat termites.

Is That Termite Damage?

There are several pests that do damage to area homes. The question is, what are the signs of termite damage? We recommend checking the condition of your home’s wood. All kinds of termites hollow out structural wood. If you knock on a solid beam and it sounds hollow, you might have termites. Subterranean termites, the most common species in our area, do not just hollow out structural wood, they also spread moisture damage indoors. Moisture damage is seen in sagging drywall and wallpaper, around tight-fitting doors and windows, and in moisture spots on your floors, walls, and ceilings. As problems get worse, you will have no trouble identifying termites. The question is, will you notice a problem before things get out of hand? To make sure this doesn’t happen, let the experts at EcoSmart Pest Solutions have a look for you. Our team will perform a detailed termite inspection of your home and property and inform you of what they find.

Where Did These Termites Come From? 

There are two common species of termites in Tampa: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Drywood termites directly invade dry wood that has been weathered by the sun and other factors. Subterranean termites live underground in large colonies and invade homes through tunnels. Both of these pests create swarmers. Swarmers are winged reproductive termites that fly away from fully mature colonies in the hope to build new nests nearby. If you see little ant-like bugs with long, oval-shaped wings on the outside of your home, you might have a termite infestation on the way. One thing we recommend is walking around your property and looking for trees and stumps that are affected by termite damage. Although this doesn’t guarantee your home will have a problem, it is a warning sign of potential issues in the near future. 

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent Termites?

There are many things you can actively do to reduce your chances of a termite infestation. To help you with this today, here are some basic prevention tips every homeowner should know.

• Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior foundation for gaps, cracks, and holes. Seal these areas up using a caulking gun or some liquid cement.
• Make sure all of your windows and doors are properly sealed.
• Remove leaf piles, sticks, and other organic debris from your yard.
• Clean up cardboard, newspaper, and other wood-based items from your property.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and in good working condition.
• Eliminate sources of water build-up around your property.
• Use a dehumidifier inside your home to keep moisture levels down.
• Repair or replace structural wood around your home that is water damaged.

At the end of the day, DIY will not guarantee termites stay out of your home. These steps do not work for elimination either. If you want to make sure wood-destroying pests stay out of your home year-round, you have to invest in professional termite control. 

Whom Should I Call If I Find Termite Damage? 

If you are looking for affordable and effective termite control in Tampa, your best option is at EcoSmart Pest Solutions. Our team of highly trained and dedicated professionals will inspect your home, identify existing problems, and recommend a long-term treatment to keep destructive insects like termites away. The last thing you need is to find out your home has extensive wood damage which leads to a several thousand dollar repair bill. Keep in mind that your homeowner's insurance will not pay that hefty bill. 

Contact our team today if you have unanswered questions about pest control in Tampa. We will walk you through our pest control options and provide an effective solution to your termite problem.