Termites & sharks? Protection!

Here in Florida, we have predominantly two types of termites:  subterranean and drywood.  Termites can live on your property or inside your home for an extended period of time before being detected. Whether it’s drywood termites, which burrow deep within wooden structures, or subterranean termites, which are primarily found underground, these sneaky insects can be difficult to discover before significant damage has already been done. To help keep damage to a minimum, it’s crucial to catch the warning signs as soon as possible.

Subterranean Termite

Subterranean termites build shelter or “mud” tubes to serve as bridges between their colony and the wood they consume.  They enter homes through cracked or unsealed foundations as well as through tunnels constructed from mud, their feces, and saliva. These tunnels are brown, dry, and cylindrical in appearance.  The presence of these tunnels near the foundation of your home is a sure sign of subterranean termite infestation. 

Drywood Termite

Drywood termites are usually found in warm, southern climates. They house their colonies within the wood on which they feed. As the termites consume wood, they burrow mazes of tunnels and chambers within walls and furniture. The pests leave small piles of feces that resemble pellets where they have eaten or nested.

Remember, these signs may only become visible after termites have been present for months or even years.  So what does structural damage look like?  Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing the piles of termite pellets underneath doors and windowsills.  Other times, destruction will be pinholes in wood and even drywall that mysteriously appear.  More obvious signs include sagging floors, ceilings or roofs. 

Prevention and/or treatment is best done by a licensed termite professional.  The best way to protect your home from devastating structural damage is to have your home inspected by a licensed termite professional every year. These experts are trained to spot even the most inconspicuous signs of termite activity, potentially saving you from thousands of dollars in home repair.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  It is crucial to completely understand the terms and conditions of any annual termite maintenance program.  Some fall far short of effectively dealing with an infestation or repairs.  Protect yourself from these kinds of predatory sharks by reading the fine print!! 
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Finally, when it comes to needing structural repairs to your beloved home due to termite damage, be sure to hire a LICENSED general contractor like Gulf & Bay Constructors, Inc. to handle all aspects of demolition, repair or remodel.  ​​