Termite Inspection in Tampa (2026 Guide)

Last updated: March 18, 2026

By James — Founder of Pest Control Pricing

Tampa sits in the highest termite pressure zone in the United States. Hillsborough County and the surrounding Tampa Bay metro face year-round termite activity from multiple species, including Eastern subterranean, Formosan subterranean, and drywood termites. That combination of species is rare outside of coastal Florida and the Gulf Coast, and it means Tampa homeowners face threats from both the ground and the air simultaneously. A termite inspection is the single most important preventive step any Tampa homeowner can take.

Unlike many parts of the country where termites go dormant during cold months, Tampa's subtropical climate keeps every termite species active in every month of the year. The average low temperature in January rarely drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which means subterranean colonies never stop foraging and drywood termites never stop consuming the wood inside your walls, attic, and trim. According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Florida homeowners spend more on termite damage repair than homeowners in any other state, and the Tampa Bay region is one of the hardest-hit metros within Florida.

Regular inspections catch termite activity before it turns into structural damage. The difference between a $100 inspection and a $10,000 repair bill often comes down to whether the infestation was detected in its first year or its fifth. This guide covers everything Tampa homeowners need to know about scheduling, understanding, and acting on a termite inspection.

Types of Termites in Tampa

Tampa Bay homeowners face four distinct termite species. Understanding which species are present in your area helps you know what your inspector should be looking for and what kind of treatment you may need if an infestation is found.

Eastern subterranean termites

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termite species in the Tampa Bay area and across the entire southeastern United States. They build their colonies underground in the soil and access homes by constructing mud tubes along foundation walls, through cracks in concrete slabs, or via direct wood-to-soil contact. A mature Eastern subterranean colony contains 60,000 to one million individuals and can consume roughly 5 grams of wood per day.

These termites need constant moisture to survive, which is why they maintain their connection to the soil. Tampa's warm, humid climate and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for Eastern subterranean colonies. They are most active in spring and early summer, with swarming events (reproductive flights) typically occurring from February through May. However, worker termites feed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the Tampa climate. They do not take breaks for winter.

During an inspection, the primary signs of Eastern subterranean termites are mud tubes on the foundation, damaged or hollowed-out wood near the ground level, and bubbling or discolored paint on walls near the floor. Inspectors tap on baseboards and door frames to listen for hollow sounds that indicate internal damage.

Formosan subterranean termites

Formosan subterranean termites are the most destructive termite species in North America and are well-established in the Tampa Bay area. Originally from East Asia, Formosan termites arrived in the United States through port cities and have spread throughout the Gulf Coast. Tampa's climate is ideal for Formosan colonies, which can grow to contain several million individuals, far exceeding the size of native Eastern subterranean colonies.

What makes Formosan termites particularly dangerous is their ability to build carton nests inside walls. Carton nests are made from chewed wood, soil, and fecal material, and they retain moisture. This means Formosan termites can establish satellite colonies inside the structure itself, independent of ground contact, as long as there is a moisture source such as a leaking pipe, condensation, or poor drainage. A Formosan colony can cause severe structural damage in as little as two to three years, compared to five or more years for native subterranean species.

Formosan swarmers are larger than Eastern subterranean swarmers and are strongly attracted to lights. Swarming events in Tampa typically occur from late April through June, usually on warm, humid evenings after rainfall. If you see large, yellowish-brown swarmers flying toward your porch lights or indoor lights during this period, you may have a Formosan colony nearby or inside your home.

Inspectors looking for Formosan termites check for the same signs as Eastern subterranean termites but also look for carton nests inside walls and in the attic. Moisture readings with a moisture meter are especially important because Formosan carton nests create localized areas of elevated moisture inside otherwise dry walls.

Drywood termites

Drywood termites are common throughout the Tampa Bay area and behave very differently from subterranean species. They do not live in the soil, do not build mud tubes, and do not need contact with the ground or an external moisture source. Instead, drywood termites fly to a piece of wood, bore directly into it, seal the entry hole, and establish a colony inside the wood itself. They extract all the moisture they need from the wood they consume.

Drywood termite colonies are smaller than subterranean colonies, typically containing a few thousand individuals. However, a single home can harbor multiple independent drywood colonies in different locations: attic rafters, exterior trim, window frames, door frames, and even furniture. Because they live entirely inside the wood, drywood termites can be difficult to detect until significant damage has occurred.

The telltale sign of drywood termites is frass, which consists of small, hard, six-sided fecal pellets that the termites push out of their galleries through tiny kick-out holes. Frass accumulates in small piles below infested wood and is often the first visible sign of a drywood infestation. The pellets are about 1 millimeter long and vary in color depending on the wood species being consumed.

Inspectors check attic areas, exterior window and door trim, fascia boards, soffit panels, and any exposed wood framing for frass piles and kick-out holes. Drywood swarming season in Tampa runs from April through November, with peak activity in late spring and early summer.

Dampwood termites

Dampwood termites are the least common of the four species found in the Tampa area. They require wood with very high moisture content, typically wood that is actively decaying or in direct contact with saturated soil. Dampwood termites are most often found in rotting fence posts, landscape timbers, dead trees, and wood that has been consistently wet from plumbing leaks or poor drainage.

While dampwood termites rarely infest sound, dry structural wood, their presence is a warning sign. If dampwood termites are found near your home, it indicates excessive moisture conditions that could also attract subterranean termites. An inspector who finds dampwood termites will typically recommend addressing the underlying moisture problem as the primary corrective action.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection

A thorough termite inspection in Tampa follows a systematic process that covers every accessible area of the home. The inspection typically takes 45 minutes to two hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. Here is what a qualified inspector checks, in the order most professionals follow.

Step 1: Exterior perimeter

The inspector begins by walking the entire exterior perimeter of the home. They examine the foundation walls, looking for mud tubes running from the soil up the foundation to the wood framing above. In Tampa, most homes are built on concrete block or slab foundations, and mud tubes are most commonly found on the interior side of stem walls in garages and utility rooms, or on exterior foundation walls hidden behind landscaping.

The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, which provides a direct entry point for subterranean termites. Common culprits include wood siding that extends to the ground, deck posts resting directly on soil, and stucco that covers the foundation-to-framing transition. They also look at the condition of exterior trim, fascia, and soffit panels for signs of drywood termite frass or damaged wood.

Landscaping is evaluated for risk factors. Mulch piled against the foundation, dense plantings that trap moisture against the house, and sprinkler systems that spray directly onto the structure all increase termite risk. The inspector notes these conditions in the report even if active termites are not found.

Step 2: Interior baseboards and door frames

Inside the home, the inspector works room by room, tapping on baseboards, door frames, and window frames with a screwdriver handle or sounding tool. Termite-damaged wood produces a distinctly hollow sound compared to solid wood. The inspector may probe suspicious areas with a sharp instrument to check for internal galleries hidden behind a thin outer shell of intact wood.

They look for bubbling, peeling, or discolored paint along baseboards, which can indicate termite galleries just below the surface. Doors and windows that suddenly stick or no longer close properly can also indicate termite damage that has warped the framing. The inspector checks behind furniture and in closets where damage may go unnoticed by homeowners for extended periods.

Step 3: Crawl space or slab inspection

The inspection of the sub-structure depends on the home's foundation type. Many Tampa homes are built on concrete slabs, which limits access to the area beneath the floor. For slab foundations, the inspector focuses on expansion joints, plumbing penetrations, and any cracks in the slab that could provide entry points for subterranean termites. Bath traps (the recessed areas around bathtub plumbing) are a common entry point in slab homes and receive particular attention.

Homes with crawl spaces receive a more thorough sub-floor inspection. The inspector enters the crawl space and examines floor joists, sill plates, pier blocks, and the interior face of the foundation walls. Mud tubes on pier blocks and along floor joists are common findings in Tampa crawl space homes. The inspector also checks for standing water, excessive moisture, and wood-to-soil contact, all of which increase termite risk.

Step 4: Attic inspection

The attic is where drywood termite activity is most commonly found in Tampa homes. The inspector enters the attic and examines roof rafters, trusses, sheathing, and any other exposed wood for drywood termite frass, kick-out holes, and damaged wood. They look along the top plates of walls where drywood termites frequently establish colonies.

In the attic, the inspector also checks for signs of Formosan subterranean termite carton nests, which can appear as dark, irregularly shaped masses attached to wood framing. These nests indicate that Formosan termites have established an aerial colony inside the structure, which is a serious finding that requires aggressive treatment.

Roof leaks and condensation issues are noted because moisture in the attic creates conditions favorable for both dampwood termites and Formosan carton nest formation. Proper attic ventilation is a factor in termite prevention.

Step 5: Garage inspection

The garage receives focused attention because it often has the most vulnerable conditions for subterranean termite entry. The interior face of the garage foundation walls is fully visible (unlike the rest of the home where drywall covers the framing), making mud tubes easier to spot. The inspector checks along the top of the stem wall where the wood bottom plate sits on the concrete, looking for mud tubes and damaged wood.

Stored cardboard boxes and wood items in the garage can mask termite activity. The inspector checks behind and beneath stored items where termites may be accessing the structure undetected. Water heaters in the garage create localized moisture that can attract subterranean termites, and the inspector examines the surrounding area for signs of activity.

What the inspector looks for: summary

For a detailed guide to termite warning signs, see our signs of termites guide.

WDO Inspections for Tampa Home Sales

If you are buying or selling a home in the Tampa Bay area, you will almost certainly need a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection. This is a standardized inspection and report that covers all wood-destroying organisms, not just termites. The WDO report is filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and lenders almost universally require a clear report before approving a mortgage on a Florida property.

What the WDO report covers

The WDO inspection covers three categories of wood-destroying organisms: subterranean termites (including Formosan), drywood termites, wood-boring beetles (such as powderpost beetles and old house borers), and wood-decay fungi (rot). The inspector examines all accessible areas of the home and documents any evidence of active infestation, previous treatment, or damage from wood-destroying organisms.

Understanding the WDO report sections

Florida WDO reports are divided into three sections, and understanding what each section means is critical for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents.

Section I: Visible evidence of live wood-destroying organisms. This section documents any active infestations found during the inspection. Finding live termites, fresh mud tubes, recent frass, or active wood-decay fungi results in a Section I finding. This is the most serious category and typically requires treatment before a sale can close. Active subterranean termites, active drywood termites, and live wood-boring beetles all fall into Section I.

Section II: Visible evidence of damage from wood-destroying organisms. This section documents damage from previous or current infestations, regardless of whether live organisms are currently present. Old termite damage, repaired galleries, wood that has been partially consumed by termites, and damage from wood-decay fungi are all Section II findings. Damage documented in Section II may need repair, and buyers should understand the extent of the damage before proceeding.

Section III: Visible evidence of conditions conducive to wood-destroying organisms. This section notes risk factors that could lead to future infestations. Wood-to-soil contact, excessive moisture, improper drainage, plumbing leaks, dense landscaping against the foundation, and insufficient ventilation are common Section III findings. While these conditions do not indicate an active infestation, they represent vulnerabilities that could lead to one.

Who pays for the WDO inspection in Tampa

In the standard Tampa Bay real estate transaction, the seller pays for the WDO inspection. This is the prevailing custom in Florida, though it is negotiable within the purchase contract. The inspection costs $100 to $200 for a typical Tampa-area home. Some buyers choose to pay for their own independent WDO inspection as a second opinion, especially for older homes or properties near water.

What happens if termites are found during the sale

If the WDO inspection reveals active termites (Section I finding), the standard expectation in Tampa real estate transactions is that the seller pays for treatment. The cost of treatment depends on the species and severity. Subterranean termite treatment costs $300 to $900 for liquid barrier application. Drywood termite fumigation costs $1,200 to $3,500. For more detail on treatment pricing, see our Tampa termite treatment cost guide.

If termite damage is found (Section II), the seller may be asked to repair the damage or provide a credit at closing. The extent of required repairs depends on the severity of the damage and the terms negotiated in the purchase contract. Cosmetic damage is handled differently than structural damage, and a contractor's estimate may be needed to determine repair costs.

Buyers should understand that a WDO inspection is a visual inspection of accessible areas only. The inspector cannot see inside finished walls, behind cabinets, or under flooring. The report documents what was visible at the time of inspection. In a market like Tampa where termite pressure is extreme, buyers should consider whether the home has an active termite bond and what ongoing protection is in place.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost in Tampa?

Standard termite inspections in Tampa cost $75 to $150. This includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas and a written report documenting findings. The inspector will note any evidence of active termites, previous damage, and conditions that increase termite risk.

WDO inspections for real estate transactions cost $100 to $200. The higher cost reflects the standardized report format required by FDACS and the additional documentation involved. The inspector must be licensed by the state of Florida to perform WDO inspections, and the report is filed with FDACS.

Many Tampa pest control companies offer free termite inspections. While these inspections have value, homeowners should understand that free inspections are typically shorter (20 to 30 minutes compared to 45 minutes to two hours for a paid inspection) and are often conducted by a sales representative rather than a dedicated inspector. The goal of a free inspection is frequently to identify an issue and sell a treatment contract. This does not mean the findings are inaccurate, but the incentive structure is different from a paid, independent inspection.

Inspections that include thermal imaging cost $150 to $300. Thermal imaging (infrared cameras) can detect temperature differences in walls that may indicate termite activity or moisture problems. While thermal imaging is not a substitute for a visual inspection, it can reveal hidden issues in walls and ceilings that are not accessible for direct examination. This option is worth considering for older homes, homes with a history of termite problems, or high-value properties where the cost of hidden damage would be significant.

For national termite inspection pricing, see our termite inspection cost guide. For general pest control pricing in the Tampa Bay area, see our Tampa pest control cost guide.

When to Schedule a Termite Inspection in Tampa

The general recommendation for Tampa homeowners is to get a termite inspection at least once per year. However, several situations warrant scheduling an inspection outside of your regular annual cycle.

Annual inspections

Every Tampa home should receive a professional termite inspection at least once per year, regardless of age, construction type, or location. The year-round termite pressure in Hillsborough County and the surrounding Tampa Bay metro means that an infestation can develop in any month. Annual inspections are the baseline recommendation, and homes in higher-risk areas (waterfront, older construction, wooded lots) should consider inspections every six months.

If you have an active termite bond, your annual inspection is included. Check with your pest control provider to confirm your next scheduled inspection and ensure the bond is current. If your bond has lapsed, schedule an inspection immediately, as you may have gone without protection during a gap in coverage.

Before buying a home

If you are purchasing a home in the Tampa Bay area, a termite inspection is essential. Beyond the WDO inspection required by your lender, consider paying for your own independent inspection if you have any concerns about the property. Older homes, homes with wood siding or trim, homes near water, and homes surrounded by mature trees are at elevated risk. The cost of a second inspection ($75 to $150) is trivial compared to the cost of discovering hidden termite damage after closing.

Ask the seller for documentation of any previous termite treatments, the current status of any termite bond, and the history of WDO inspections on the property. In Florida, pest control companies are required to maintain treatment records, and this information should be available.

After flooding or hurricane damage

Tampa Bay is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, and flood events create conditions that dramatically increase termite risk. Standing water saturates soil around the foundation, which can disrupt existing chemical barriers and allow subterranean termites to bypass treated zones. Flooding also creates the moisture conditions that Formosan termites need to establish carton nests inside walls.

After any significant water intrusion event, schedule a termite inspection within 30 to 60 days. If your home sustained structural damage from wind or flooding, termite access points may have been created where none existed before. Cracked foundations, shifted framing, and damaged roofing all provide entry opportunities for termites.

If you see swarmers (February through May)

Termite swarmers (winged reproductive termites) are a clear sign of a mature colony in the area. If you see swarmers inside your home, flying toward windows or lights, or find piles of discarded wings on windowsills, schedule an inspection immediately. Indoor swarmers strongly suggest a colony is established inside the structure or in the soil directly adjacent to the foundation.

Eastern subterranean termites swarm from February through May in Tampa. Formosan subterranean termites swarm from late April through June. Drywood termites swarm from April through November. If you are unsure whether the insects you see are termites or flying ants, capture a few in a jar and show them to your inspector. Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and wings of equal length. Ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and front wings longer than rear wings. For more identification help, see our signs of termites guide.

After nearby construction

Construction activity on adjacent lots can disturb subterranean termite colonies in the soil, causing them to redirect their foraging paths toward your home. If a new home is being built nearby, a neighbor is adding a major addition, or significant land clearing is happening in your area, schedule an inspection. This is especially relevant in rapidly developing parts of the Tampa Bay metro such as Wesley Chapel, Riverview, and the Selmon Expressway corridor in South Tampa.

After discovering moisture problems

Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, HVAC condensation issues, and poor drainage all create conditions that attract termites. If you have recently repaired a significant moisture problem, schedule a termite inspection to ensure that termites did not establish themselves during the period of elevated moisture. Formosan termites are particularly attracted to moisture sources inside walls, and a resolved leak may have already provided the conditions they needed to build a carton nest.

Choosing a Termite Inspector in Tampa

Not all termite inspections are created equal. The qualifications, experience, and methodology of your inspector directly affect the reliability of the results. Here is what to look for when selecting a termite inspector in the Tampa Bay area.

Florida DACS licensing

Florida law requires that anyone performing a termite inspection for compensation must hold an active pest control license issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). For WDO inspections, the inspector must hold a specific WDO inspector certification. You can verify a company's license status on the FDACS website. Unlicensed inspectors are illegal, and their reports are not valid for real estate transactions or insurance claims.

Experience with both subterranean and drywood termites

Tampa is unusual in having significant pressure from both subterranean and drywood termites. Many inspectors in other regions are trained primarily in subterranean termites because drywood termites are rare outside of coastal areas. In Tampa, your inspector must be equally skilled at identifying both types. Ask about their experience with drywood termite identification, including frass recognition, kick-out hole detection, and attic inspection methodology. An inspector who skips the attic or gives it a cursory look may miss drywood infestations entirely.

Inspection methodology

A thorough inspection should take 45 minutes to two hours depending on the home's size and complexity. Be wary of inspections that take less than 30 minutes for a standard-sized home. Ask the inspector whether they will access the attic, inspect the garage, check the exterior perimeter on all sides, and examine any crawl space. If areas of the home are inaccessible, they should be documented as such in the report.

Advanced detection tools

While a visual inspection is the standard, some inspectors use additional tools that can improve detection accuracy.

• Moisture meters. Detect elevated moisture in wood and wall cavities, which can indicate termite activity or conditions conducive to infestation. Especially useful for detecting Formosan carton nests inside walls.
• Thermal imaging (infrared cameras). Detect temperature anomalies in walls and ceilings that may indicate termite galleries, moisture problems, or both. Available for an additional $50 to $150 on top of the base inspection fee.
• Acoustic detection devices. Amplify the sound of termites feeding inside wood. Used to confirm suspected activity in areas that cannot be visually inspected.
• Borescopes. Small cameras inserted through tiny drilled holes to visually inspect inside wall cavities. Minimally invasive and useful for confirming suspected hidden infestations.

Independence vs. conflict of interest

Consider whether the inspector has a financial incentive to find (or not find) termites. An inspector employed by a pest control company that also sells treatment may have a different incentive structure than an independent inspector who only performs inspections. Both can be professional and accurate, but you should be aware of the relationship. For high-stakes inspections (home purchases, suspected major infestations), getting a second opinion from an independent inspector is a reasonable precaution.

What to Do If Termites Are Found

If your inspection reveals active termites or termite damage, the next steps depend on the species, the severity of the infestation, and whether the inspection is part of a real estate transaction or a routine check on your own home.

Get a second opinion

Before committing to a treatment plan, especially one involving tent fumigation ($1,200 to $3,500), getting a second opinion from a different licensed inspector is advisable. Treatment recommendations can vary significantly between companies, and a second opinion ensures that the proposed treatment is appropriate for the species and severity of the infestation. The cost of a second inspection ($75 to $150) is a small fraction of treatment costs.

Understand your treatment options

Treatment for termites in Tampa depends on the species.

For subterranean termites (Eastern and Formosan):

• Liquid barrier treatment ($300 to $900). A trench is dug along the foundation perimeter and filled with liquid termiticide (such as Termidor or Taurus SC). This creates a continuous chemical barrier that kills termites as they attempt to reach the structure. Effective for 5 to 10 years.
• Bait station systems ($800 to $1,500 initial, $200 to $400/yr renewal). Stations installed around the perimeter detect and eliminate colonies through a slow-acting toxicant. Popular brands include Sentricon and Trelona. Requires ongoing monitoring.

For drywood termites:

• Tent fumigation ($1,200 to $3,500). The home is sealed under a tent and Vikane gas (sulfuryl fluoride) is released inside. Penetrates all wood in the structure and kills drywood termites in every location. Required for widespread drywood infestations. Homeowners must vacate for 2 to 3 days.
• Spot treatment ($200 to $600). Termiticide is injected directly into infested wood through small drilled holes. Only effective for localized, accessible infestations.
• No-tent treatment ($300 to $1,000). Liquid or foam products applied to accessible infested areas. An alternative to full fumigation for limited drywood infestations.
• Heat treatment ($800 to $2,500). The infested area or entire structure is heated to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. Kills drywood termites without chemicals. More expensive than fumigation but avoids the need for Vikane gas.

For detailed pricing on all treatment methods, see our Tampa termite treatment cost guide and our national termite treatment cost guide.

Consider a termite bond

After treatment, most Tampa pest control companies offer a termite bond for ongoing protection. A termite bond costs $250 to $500 per year and includes annual inspections and re-treatment if termites return. Retreatment-and-repair bonds also cover the cost of repairing any termite damage found during the bond period. Given the intensity of termite pressure in Tampa, maintaining an active bond is strongly recommended.

Termite bonds are transferable to new homeowners when you sell, making them a selling point in the Tampa real estate market. Buyers in Tampa commonly ask whether the home has an active bond, and a lapsed bond can be a concern during negotiations.

Address conducive conditions

In addition to treatment, address any conditions that contributed to the infestation. These may include wood-to-soil contact, excessive moisture from plumbing leaks or poor drainage, mulch piled against the foundation, or stored firewood near the house. Treating the termites without addressing the conditions that attracted them increases the likelihood of re-infestation.

For general information about termite biology and behavior, see our how to get rid of termites guide. For information about insurance coverage, see are termites covered by homeowners insurance.

Tampa Termite Prevention Tips

Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. While no prevention method guarantees a termite-free home in Tampa's high-pressure environment, these practices significantly reduce your risk.

Mulch and landscaping

Keep mulch at least 12 inches away from the foundation of your home. Mulch retains moisture and can provide a bridge for subterranean termites to bypass treated soil. If you use mulch, choose inorganic options such as gravel or rubber mulch near the foundation, and save wood-based mulch for areas farther from the house. Avoid planting shrubs and ornamentals directly against the foundation, as dense vegetation traps moisture and obscures the foundation from visual inspection.

Drainage and moisture control

Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation, directing water away rather than allowing it to pool. Clean gutters regularly and ensure downspouts discharge at least 4 feet from the foundation. Repair plumbing leaks promptly, especially those in walls, under sinks, and around bathtubs. Condensation from HVAC systems should drain properly and not accumulate in the attic or crawl space.

In Tampa's humid climate, bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen range hoods should vent to the exterior, not into the attic. Moisture that accumulates in the attic creates ideal conditions for both dampwood and drywood termites and can support Formosan carton nest formation.

Firewood and wood storage

Store firewood, lumber, and other wood materials at least 20 feet from your home and elevated off the ground on a rack. Termites readily infest stored wood, and a colony established in a firewood pile near your house is a direct threat to the structure. Do not lean wood or cardboard against the exterior walls of the home.

Eliminate wood-to-soil contact

Any point where structural wood touches the soil is a potential entry point for subterranean termites. Common culprits include wood fence posts attached to the house, deck posts resting directly on soil, wood siding that extends below grade, and porch supports without concrete footings. Address these contact points by installing concrete supports, trimming wood above the soil line, or replacing wood with composite or treated materials.

Seal entry points

While sealing alone cannot stop subterranean termites (they can enter through cracks as narrow as 1/32 of an inch), reducing entry points helps. Seal cracks in the foundation, gaps around plumbing penetrations, and openings where utility lines enter the home. For drywood termites, ensure that exterior wood is painted or sealed, as drywood swarmers prefer bare, unsealed wood for establishing new colonies.

Annual professional inspections

The most important prevention measure is a professional inspection every year. No amount of DIY prevention replaces a trained inspector's ability to detect early signs of activity. In Tampa, the cost of an annual inspection ($75 to $150) is a fraction of the cost of treating an established infestation ($300 to $3,500) or repairing termite damage ($2,000 to $15,000 or more for structural repairs).

For general pest control pricing and plans in the Tampa Bay area, see our Tampa pest control cost guide. For national pest control pricing, see our complete pest control cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

For national pest control pricing averages across all pest types and service plans, see our complete pest control cost guide.