How To Keep Your Tampa Home Termite Free 24/7

Termites are some of the most destructive pests homeowners have to deal with. Their small size allows them to go unnoticed for long periods of time. However, if you are able to identify and eliminate termites early, the damage to your home and property will most likely be minimal.

At Haskell Termite & Pest Control, we have been providing one-of-a-kind pest control in Tampa for over 30 years. Our experienced technicians know just what to look for when identifying a termite infestation. Here is a look at how you can easily keep termites out of your home. 

Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Termites

Termites are very good at staying out of sight. They are also extremely small and rarely grow to be over an inch long. Their small size allows them to be easily overlooked. However, even if you don't see termites with your own eyes, there are still ways to tell if you have a termite infestation. Some of the clues to look for include the following:

• Cracked or peeling paint on the walls

• Mud tubes that run alongside your walls and are created by subterranean termites

• Brittle wood that crumbles easily

• Wood that sounds hollow

• Buckling or blistered wood

Some termites in a colony have wings. These termites are known as alates or "swarmer termites." During the spring and summer, swarmer termites will leave their colony and look for a new place to mate and start their own nest. Once they have mated, swarmer termites will discard their wings. If you have small white-colored wings around your home, there is a good chance you have a termite infestation nearby. 

How Termite Activity Can Go Unnoticed For Some Time

It can sometimes take a while before you notice that you have termites living in your home. These small bugs rarely come out into the open. They will usually live underneath the ground, in the space behind your walls, or inside the wooden object that they are consuming. Many termites don't leave the colony on a regular basis, so if you do see some termites around your home, it can be difficult to tell just how many termites have actually taken up residence on your property. 

Another reason termites go undetected is that the damage they cause takes time to see. Even though they live in large colonies, termites are small and able to consume only a few grams of wood each day. It can take years before you notice any significant termite damage. 

Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is A Waste Of Time And Money

DIY termite control solutions are not designed to work long-term. Most of them are only designed to eliminate adult worker termites. This leaves the king, queen, eggs, and larvae untouched. With many of the do-it-yourself termite control solutions, you may see decreased termite activity for a few days or even weeks. But once the eggs and larvae that are in the colony grow up, the termite activity will begin to increase once more. 

The best way to ensure termites leave your home for good is to call a professional termite control specialist. A professional will have access to various tools and treatments that are not offered in most stores. 

The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Termite Infestation

If you are looking for year-round termite protection for your Tampa home, Haskell Termite & Pest Control knows how to help. We offer a wide range of customized termite control solutions to suit your needs and fit your budget. We also offer regular maintenance plans to ensure that the termites don't return. Give us a call today to schedule your free inspection.