Termites cause millions of dollars in damage to homes every year, Occasionally, a homeowner will mistake termite damage for water damage. They see the paint bubbling up and think it’s a moisture problem. Loose tiles can also be a sign of termite damage.
Sometimes a homeowner will even find a swarm of termites in their home. While this particular member of the termite family can’t feed on wood, they are indicative that a colony is present. But, the swarm may also be an ant colony, which looks a lot like termites. They can be differentiated by the antennae--ants have elbowed antennae. Ants also have a ‘waist’. Termites have mostly straight antennae and are straight-bodied.
Our Termite Inspection Process:
Our termite inspection process involves the careful scrutiny of the home for signs of termite activity, including wings, mud tubes, droppings (frass) and structural damage such as bubbling paint or soft spots.
What do termites look like?
The typical termite nymph looks like a pale or white ant, with a thicker waist and straight antennae. Their appearance during this cycle is the one which many people typically identify as what a termite is ‘supposed’ to look like.
Swarming termites look like a colony of flying ants. When they settle, they often shed their wings.
Will termites leave on their own?
Termite treatment is an ongoing affair. Once termites gain a foothold, the home needs to be regularly inspected and treated as needed. Termite companies, their treatments, and prices, vary greatly. Every situation is unique, so the homeowner shouldn’t choose a termite company in haste, or listen to ‘limited time’ specials or high pressure tactics.
Do you have Termites? 5 signs of Termite activity:
Blisters in wood flooring
Dark areas or blisters in your wood flooring can often be a sign of termites feeding within the wood or below.
Hollowed or damaged wood
Hollowed wood will usually have a honeycomb-like interior and a hollow, empty sound when knocked on.
Evidence of swarms
After swarming, termites will often leave behind their discarded wings. You may also find several black or brown dead termites.
Mud tubes
Termite mud tubes are about the width of a drinking straw and connect termites to their food source.
Drywood termite droppings
Mounds of small pellets that resemble dark sawdust or coffee grounds can indicate the presence of termite waste.
Is termite control necessary? Can I spray for termites myself?
Spraying and treatment for termites involves the use of highly restricted pesticides, most of which are not available to the average homeowner. For this reason, a DIY termite treatment may only be met with limited success.
How long do subterranean termites live?
Termite workers only live from one to two years. The queen, however, can live up to a decade or more. Considering a termite colony can have up to two million members, the lifespan of a single termite should be taken in context.
Our Service Areas
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Anna Maria, Bayshore Gardens, Bradenton Beach, Bradenton, Cortez, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Memphis, Palmetto, Samoset, South Bradenton, West Bradenton, West Samoset, and Whitfield
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Bee Ridge, Desoto Lakes, Englewood, Fruitville, Gulf Gate Estates, Kensington Park, Lake Sarasota, Laurel, Longboat Key, Nokomis, North Port, North Sarasota, Osprey, Plantation, Ridge Wood Heights, Sarasota, Sarasota Springs, Siesta Key, South Gate Ridge, South Sarasota, South Venice, Southgate, The Meadows, Vamo, Venice, Venice Gardens, and Warm Mineral Springs
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Charlotte Harbor, Charlotte ParkCleveland, Englewood, Grove City, Harbour Heights, Manasota Key, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Rotonda, and Solana
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Bay Pines, Belleair, Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Feather Sound, Gandy, Gulfport, Harbor Bluffs, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Pete Beach, Seminole, South Highpoint, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island and West, and East Lealman