With Spring comes warmer temperatures and longer days, but it is also a time to be on the lookout for Subterranean Termites. If you notice any signs of swarmers around your home during Spring, also known as the start of swarmer season, it could indicate a more serious termite issue.
At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, our team of expert Technicians proudly offers the safest and most effective termite control in Tampa. With the latest certifications, training, and in-field experience, our team is fully prepared to help you recognize the signs of swarmers to help protect your home.
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite swarmers are the winged reproductive members of a termite colony. Their job is to leave the nest, find a mate, and start a new colony elsewhere. Swarming is how termite populations expand, and unfortunately, if you notice swarmers in or around your home, it may be a sign that an established termite colony is already present, or at least nearby.
However, ants also swarm at this time of year, and they can often be mistaken for termites. It is important to know how to tell them apart:
- Termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a broad waist.
- Ants have bent antennae, wings of unequal length, and a pinched waist.
Being able to distinguish between the two can help you act quickly and get the correct treatment in place.
Common Termite Myths
As a top Termite control company in Tampa, we have encountered many myths surrounding Subterranean Termites that can lead to expensive damage, including:
Myth 1: Subterranean Termites Are Only Attracted to Structures and Homes Made of Wood
Subterranean Termites can enter any cellulose structure, including homes made with brick, stucco, or cinderblock.They create intricate mud tubes to travel as high as 12 stories, and travel across non-wood surfaces to reach hidden wood sources. Houses made of cinderblock are particularly vulnerable, as mud tubes can be made in the hollow portion of the blocks.
Myth 2: Termites Can Only Affect the Ground Floor of a Building
Termites will travel wherever there is moisture and wood. Upper floors, attics, and even roofs can be considered “at-risk areas,” even in multi-story structures.
Myth 3: You Can Easily Know If You Have Termites
Subterranean Termites can easily go undetected for years while compromising the structural integrity of a home. Often, termites are only discovered during renovations or real estate inspections, making it even more important for proactive Tampa termite control from Nvirotect Pest Control Services to prevent extensive termite damage.
Warning Signs of Termite Activity
While the presence of swarmers or discarded wings is a clear warning sign, other signs of Subterranean Termite activity can be more subtle or difficult to detect, such as:
- Bubbling paint or wallpaper
- Mud tubes along walls or foundations
- Small piles of discarded wings
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Soft areas near water sources, like AC handlers, leaky pipes, or water-damaged wood
Prevention is Key
Subterranean Termites are persistent and destructive, but they are also preventable. A proactive approach is the best defense. At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, we highly recommend the Tampa Sentricon® Always Active™ protection, a trusted and environmentally responsible solution that offers around-the-clock prevention and correction of Subterranean Termites. Sentricon Always Active works by attracting termites to bait stations that target and can eliminate the entire colony before it causes damage.
Schedule a Termite Inspection Today
If you think that you are seeing signs of swarmers, or simply want peace of mind during swarming season, contact Nvirotect Pest Control Services for a professional termite inspection. We proudly provide expert installation, an annual warranty, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that your property is Subterranean Termite-free.
For more information about our Sentricon Always Active program, certified technicians, and offerings in Tampa and throughout the State of Florida, call Nvirotect Pest Control Services today at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.
