One of the most destructive pests you never want to find in your Tampa, FL home is termites. Termites are a breed of insect which will completely destroy your home and often times it happens before you are even aware there is a problem. Just one termite colony alone contains thousands of termites and there are typically several colonies living in the same area, which means they are all feeding on the wood structure of your home.
How Much Damage Can a Colony Really Do?
The most common cause of destroyed homes in Tampa, FL is not due to fires or severe storms, but termite colonies and the only way to determine how many termite colonies are in your home is with a termite inspection. Each termite colony typically has anywhere from 350,000 to more than one million winged termites, workers and soldiers living together. One queen alone can lay thousands of eggs each day and each termite typically lives about 30 years. How much damage can each colony do to your home? An individual colony typically consumes about 2 feet of a 2 X 4 wood board in one year, so each year you put off having a termite inspection means termites can be consuming at least one of the wood beams that are supporting your home.
Living Conditions of Termites
Most termites are subterranean, which means they build their colonies in the ground. Subterranean termites often build large tunnels which can extend as long as three feet and they are one of the most common breeds of termites in Tampa, FL. Termites use these tunnels to travel from their colonies underground to an above ground food source, including the wood structure of your home. Termites will consume any cellulose containing material, which includes wood and they require a lot of moisture to survive. As thus, areas of your home prone to having a wet foundation will attract termites.
Can You Prevent a Termite Infestation?
Although there is no absolute guarantee a termite infestation can be prevented, there are a number of precautions you can take which will help to reduce the risk. Some prevention methods include:
*First and foremost, have a termite inspection before you buy any property.
*Remove vegetation within a couple feet from the house, such as heavy growth and brush. This will reduce the moisture termites need to survive.
*Eliminate all standing and pooling water from the perimeter of your home.
*Store firewood in an area away from the house.
*When doing home improvement projects such as building a deck or new addition, always use treated lumber.
*Limit the amount of mulch in garden areas close to the house.
*Remove dead trees, tree stumps and roots from the yard.
*Keep gutters clean to prevent pooling water.
*Seal all holes, cracks and crevices in the foundation.
One of the easiest yet most important things you can do to prevent an infestation of termites is to have a yearly termite inspection. If you have used all of the precautions to prevent an infestation, but still have a problem with termites, contact a professional pest control company such as Chet’s Termite & Pest Management as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
