As a homeowner, you’re probably already aware that termites are the top threat in Tampa for wood-based structures. Termites beat out wind, flood, and fire when it comes to potential sources of damage for your home. This is no surprise; the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that American homeowners spend more than $5 billion annually to repair termite damage. The only effective means for combatting these troublesome pests is to tirelessly educate homeowners. Identifying termite presence, detecting warning signs, and taking preventative measures is key to protecting homes from potential damage.
Common Signs of a Termite Infestation
While termites are not known for carrying diseases, they can cause problems for some individuals. People who suffer from asthma and allergies may be particularly susceptible to problems with the presence of termites. The droppings and dust particles from termites can trigger asthma and allergy attacks. You can protect your home and your family’s health by finding an infestation as quickly as possible. Here are five common signs of a termite infestation:
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites prefer environments that are dark and humid, and feed in privacy, beneath the wood surface. The surface might appear to be in good condition on the outside, but termites actually eat it from the inside out. If you tap on wood in your home and it sounds hollow, termites could be present.
Distorted or Cracked Paint
If you notice that you’ve got distorted or peeling paint, especially near your home’s foundation, roof, siding, vents, and windows, termites may be getting in. They can enter your home through cracks as small as the edge of a dime, so monitoring and sealing cracks are crucial for preventing termites.
Swarms or Discarded Wings
If you see swarms of insects in your yard or discover lots of discarded wings inside your home, this could be a sure-fire sign of termites and you should call in a termite exterminator immediately.
Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls
You may have subterranean termites if you notice mud tubes on surfaces of your home’s foundation. These mud tubes are there to provide moisture while they search for food. You need to make sure to keep mulch and firewood away from your home in order to prevent creating an environment these bugs adore.
Termite Droppings or Frass
As termites eat their way through wood, they also leave behind wood-colored droppings called frass. Gutters, downspouts, crawl spaces, and other areas should be kept free of debris to eliminate food sources for these bugs and discourage them from maintaining a presence.
Trust The Local Exterminators at Evergreen Pest Control
When it comes to detecting the presence of termites, Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control is here to help. Our team of highly trained termite exterminators are dedicated to helping you detect these insects and develop a customized strategy to rapidly facilitate their removal. Our strategies are also prevention-focused, which means once the termites are gone, they will stay gone for good with our warranty.
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