Formosan Subterranean Termites pose a significant and devastating threat to homes and structures in, and around, Tampa Bay. Causing extensive damage to wooden structures that can result in costly repairs and structural instability of your home.
As the leading source for termite treatment in Tampa, we at Nvirotect Pest Control Services understand the importance of detecting termites as early as possible and recognizing the value of proactive preventative Subterranean Termite protection.
What Are Formosan Subterranean Termites?
Commonly referred to as “Super Termites,” Formosan Subterranean Termites are a species of termite known for their particularly destructive capabilities. They are especially prevalent in the southeastern United States and can be found thriving around the state of Florida. They can eat through wood at a rapid rate and can cause severe damage to a variety of structures, from homes to boats and even high-rise structures.
Formosan Subterranean Termites can form extensive colonies that can span up to an impressive 300 feet long underground. These colonies have been estimated to have over 8 million individual termites in them, compared to the 1 million termites in large native Subterranean Termite colonies. Due to their sheer numbers and ability to chew through structures, they pose a serious risk to the integrity of your home.
Potential Signs of Formosan Subterranean Termites in Your Home
- Large Carton Nests: Expansive nests can be found in attics, wall voids, trees, and other unusually undisturbed areas around your house.
- Soft Spots Around the Home: Damp or moist patches, soft spots, patches, bulges, and blistered paint or wallpaper in walls, doors, and floors may indicate termite activity underneath.
- Swarmer Sightings: Swarming termites, especially during the spring months, indicate the presence of a colony.
- Mud Tubes: Formosan Subterranean Termites construct mud tubes along walls, foundations, and other surfaces to provide moisture and protection as they travel between their colony and food sources.
- Wood Damage Around Your Home: Hollow-sounding or weakened wood, as well as small holes or tunnels in wooden structures, can be telltale signs of termite activity.
- Discarded Wings: After they finish swarming, Formosan Subterranean Termites shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near entry points.
The Cost of Potential Damage
The damage caused by Formosan Subterranean Termites can be extensive and costly to repair. They feed on cellulose-based materials, including wood, paper, and cardboard, and non-cellulose materials like plaster, plastic, asphalt, and thin sheets of soft metal, making homes and buildings vulnerable to intense structural compromise. Some of the potential costs associated with termite damage may include:
- Structural Repairs: Termite damage can weaken the structural integrity of a home, requiring repairs to damaged wood, support beams, and other affected areas.
- Property Devaluation: Termite damage can decrease the value of a property, making it more challenging to sell or refinance without conducting extensive renovations.
If there are Formosan Subterranean Termites in your home, immediately seek out the most effective termite control in Tampa from Nvirotect Pest Control Services to prevent more costly damage from being done.
Protecting Your Home
At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, your trusted source for termite treatment in Tampa, we proudly deploy Sentricon Always Active Subterranean Termite Baiting Stations for Formosan Subterranean Termite protection. These preventative and corrective baiting stations are strategically placed in the ground around your property to effectively and safely treat termites that have made their way into your home without compromising the safety of you and your family.
There are additionally several ways to help prevent Formosan Subterranean Termites from being attracted to your property, including:
- Maintain a clear zone of at least one foot around the perimeter of your home, free from plants and landscaping materials. This helps reduce soil moisture and facilitates easier inspection for shelter tubes emerging from the ground.
- Keep rain gutters clear so that water drains quickly to prevent accumulation and potential saturation of upper walls and your home’s roof.
- Repair any leaks in the roof, water heater, appliances, and other indoor sources. These leaks can moisten wood and create damp environments that are attractive to Formosan Subterranean Termites.
- Ensure water drains away from the house and does not pool as moisture attracts termites.
Get the Best Termite Treatment Today with Nvirotect Pest Control Services
Formosan Subterranean Termites are silently destructive, but they can be prevented and treated. For the best termite control in Tampa and throughout the State of Florida, trust Nvirotect Pest Control Services. We are committed to providing the highest quality Green-Certified solutions to leave your home Subterranean Termite-free.
