Termite control in Tampa
Tampa has both kinds of termite that damage Florida homes: subterranean colonies that come up through the slab and soil, and drywood colonies that live inside the wood itself. The treatment is different for each, which is why the inspection comes first.
Signs of termites
- Swarms of winged insects indoors, often in spring after rain
- Piles of shed wings on sills, floors or in spider webs
- Mud tubes on the foundation, garage walls or in the crawlspace
- Small piles of dry pellets under window frames, door jambs or furniture
- Hollow-sounding wood or paint that bubbles and blisters
- Doors and windows that suddenly stick
What to do if termites are swarming
- Collect a few in a bag. The inspector needs them to tell subterranean from drywood termites, and termites from flying ants. Straight antennae and equal-length wings mean termite.
- Note where they came out. A baseboard, a window frame, a light fixture. The emergence point says a lot about where the colony is.
- Skip the hardware store spray. It kills the swarmers you see and does nothing to the colony that produced them.
- Book the inspection. Swarms end within a day or two. The termites don't.
Termite services
Inspection
Interior, exterior, attic and crawlspace, with a written report of findings and conducive conditions.
Liquid soil treatment
A treated zone around and under the foundation for subterranean termites, including drilling through slabs and patios where needed.
Bait stations
In-ground stations around the home that the colony feeds on and carries back, monitored on a schedule.
Tent fumigation
Whole-structure treatment for drywood termite infestations that have spread beyond one spot. See the local note below on how tenting goes in Tampa.
Spot and wood treatments
Localized drywood treatment when the infestation is confined to one accessible area.
Termite bonds
Annual renewable coverage with yearly inspections, and the paperwork buyers and lenders ask for.
What affects the price
- Termite species. Subterranean treatments are priced by the linear footage of the foundation; drywood by the size of the structure.
- Treatment type: liquid, bait, spot treatment or fumigation.
- Construction details such as slab versus crawlspace, attached patios and stucco below grade.
- Whether you want an annual bond after the initial treatment.
You get the treatment plan and the price in writing before anything is applied.
Termites in Tampa Bay
Eastern subterranean termites swarm across Tampa from roughly February into May, usually on a warm, humid morning after rain. Formosan subterranean termites, which build much larger colonies, are established in parts of the bay area and swarm on late-spring evenings around lights. Drywood termites swarm later, into summer, and need no soil contact at all, which is why they show up in attic framing, window trim and furniture in homes that never had a ground problem.
Tent fumigation is routine in Tampa because of drywood termites. The house is covered for about two to three days, everyone and every pet and plant goes out, food and medicine are bagged or removed, and the gas company turns service off and back on. It's disruptive, but for a widespread drywood infestation it's the one treatment that reaches every piece of wood.
Common questions
How do I know if it's termites or flying ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings the same length. Ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back ones. If you're not sure, bag a few and the inspector will tell you.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Generally no. Florida policies treat termite damage as preventable maintenance, which is why an annual bond matters.
How long does a soil treatment last?
Modern liquid treatments are labeled for several years when applied correctly. Annual inspections confirm the treated zone hasn't been disturbed by landscaping, new concrete or plumbing work.
Do I need a termite inspection to sell my house?
Lenders often require a wood-destroying organism (WDO) report, which in Florida is a specific FDACS form completed by a licensed inspector. Ask for one when you schedule.
Related services
Areas we serve
Termite control across Tampa and these nearby communities: