You may not know that Clearwater and the surrounding cities in Pinellas County have a swarm of subterranean termites right now. We will also start to see the drywood termites next. Termites can cause significant structural damage to your home, so it is crucial that you have your home checked by a professional pest control expert. You should also be on the lookout for the signs that you may already have a termite infestation.
What are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are known to build their colonies in land and nest in the ground. Between their nests and food sources, these termites build a closed tunnel system. The only way they can survive is in moist soil and darkness. All termites are dangerous, but subterranean termites cause more significant damage than drywood termites to the wood in your home. Their colonies can develop up to one million strong. Subterranean termites have no eyes with a white body that is no more than a centimeter long.
Termites live in societies. They have a king, queen, and subordinates: soldiers, workers, alates. The royal couple is guarded by the soldiers who protect them. The subterranean termite colony has a large society with a king and queen and subordinates (soldiers, workers, and alates). The soldiers guard the royal couple. The queen is up to 10 centimeters in length, and the king slightly exceeds her size. Her lifespan is about fifteen years. A few millions of termites appear during their reign.
Signs of an Infestation
Are you wondering if you have termites in your home now? Here are the signs to recognize a subterranean or drywood termite infestation in your home or business. There are obvious visual signs to look for in and around your property.
- Floors that buckle or sag.
- Dark areas or blisters in wood flooring.
- Loose tiles on your floor.
- Pinpoint holes in drywall.
- Bubbling or peeling paint.
- Damaged wood crumbles easily, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Excessively squeaky floorboards.
- Termite pellets that look like small piles of salt or pepper.
- Shelter tubes running from the soil to above-ground wood.
- Baseboards that crumble under the slightest pressure.
- Jammed doors or windows.
- Dead termite swarmers or just their wings on window sills, counter tops, around furniture, etc.
- Flying termites anywhere around your property
What to do if you have Termites?
If you suspect termites or actually see them flying around your property, here are the steps to take. Contact an experienced local pest control expert. They will identify what type of termite you have and come up with a treatment plan. Exterminators find the original source of infestation to remove it. The exterminator will treat the termites and inspect to keep your home safely termite-free.
Termites are notoriously difficult to eradicate, and it requires a high level of knowledge and experience to eliminate them. Termites cause significant damage to your home, so it is wise to treat the problem immediately. If you take that route and the termites are not entirely eradicated, it can lead to even more damage to your home. Calling in a termite exterminator provides you with the highest likelihood of successfully getting rid of these stubborn pests.
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