Formosan Subterranean Termites are one of the most destructive termite species found in Florida. They can form large colonies, eat wood quickly, and cause serious damage to homes before homeowners notice a problem. And worse, Florida’s warm, humid climate allows these Formosan Subterranean Termites to stay active for much of the year.
If you suspect any Formosan Subterranean Termite activity in your home, the first thing you need to do is protect your family and contact Nvirotect Pest Control Services for expert termite treatment in Tampa as soon as you can.
What Makes Formosan Subterranean Termites Different?
Formosan Subterranean Termites are an aggressive and invasive species that has become established in most of Florida. One of their biggest risks is their colony size. A mature colony can contain millions of Formosan Subterranean Termites, which, in turn, allows them to consume large amounts of wood in short periods of time.
These Formosan Subterranean Termites build mud tubes that help them travel between the soil and wooden structures while keeping them protected from the air. They also build nests in areas with high amounts of moisture, which may allow them to live both underground and above ground, under the right conditions.
Because they can spread throughout a property and remain hidden while doing so, Formosan Subterranean Termites can be difficult to detect without a professional inspection.
How Formosan Subterranean Termites Damage Florida Homes
Formosan Subterranean Termites primarily feed on cellulose, which can be found in wood and other plant-based materials. This means that in homes, they can damage support beams, floor joists, wall framing, and wooden trim. They often eat wood from the inside out, which leaves the surface looking normal even when the material underneath is damaged. Homeowners may not notice a problem until they find hollow-sounding wood, bubbling paint, or sagging materials.
Signs of Formosan Subterranean Termites
In Florida, it is beneficial to be aware of the most common signs of a growing Formosan Subterranean Termite colony. Some warning signs to keep an eye out for include mud tubes along foundation walls, damaged wood, bubbling paint, and piles of discarded wings near windows or doors.
Formosan Subterranean Termites also produce winged termites called swarmers. They typically emerge on warm, humid evenings during spring and summer, and especially after rainfall or periods with high amounts of precipitation. While finding swarmers around your property does not always mean that Formosan Subterranean Termites are living inside the home, it is a good reason to schedule an inspection with Nvirotect Pest Control Services for Tampa pest control.
How to Protect Your Home From Formosan Subterranean Termites
The best way to reduce Formosan Subterranean Termites in your home is to be proactive and make your home as uninviting as possible. You can reduce Formosan Subterranean Termite risks by fixing leaking pipes, filling gaps around pipes and other small openings, improving overall drainage systems, and keeping your gutters clean. You should also avoid letting wood touch the soil around your home, and keep mulch away from the foundation of any structures on your property.
Preventative Tampa termite treatment services from Nvirotect Pest Control Services are also important because these pests can damage wood inside walls and other hidden areas. A professional Termite Inspector can look for subtle signs of Formosan Subterranean Termite activity that may be easy to miss.
If Formosan Subterranean Termites are found, treatment options can include the effective and environmentally conscious Sentricon Always Active Baiting Stations and liquid Termidor HE treatments. Your Termite Inspector will properly assess the extent of the Formosan Subterranean Termites on your property and walk you through the best option for your home.
Formosan Subterranean Termites Are a Threat. Protect Your Home with a Trusted Pest Control Company.
If you think that your home may have termites, especially Formosan Subterranean Termites, you need to consult with a company that has your family’s health and safety in mind. Nvirotect Pest Control Services was the First Green Pro Certified Company in Tampa, and we are proud to be recognized as one of the most innovative companies in the nation.
For more information about our Tampa pest control services, call us today at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.
