Common Types of Termites in Florida
For many people, a termite is a termite. But, the more you know about the different kinds of termites, the better equipped you are to defeat them. Termites in Florida fall into a few distinct categories:
- Eastern Subterranean Termite: The Eastern Subterranean Termite, as its name suggests, builds its nests underground. It is estimated that 1 in 5 homes in its territory will sustain damage from its voracious appetite. This type of termite constructs mud tubes to make their way from their nests in the ground into homes like yours.
- Formosan Subterranean Termite: This type of termite is known as the most destructive termite in the United States, and Florida falls right smack in the middle of its territory. Relegated mainly to the south, these termites make large nests underground and reach homes through mud tubes as well.
- Drywood Termites: Drywood termites require far less moisture to survive than Subterranean termites, and prefer wood with a moisture content below 12%. These termite infestations tend to be localized to one area of a building, like inside a door frame or a piece of furniture.
- Dampwood Termites: Dampwood Termites thrive in damp and humid climates, and are usually only found in Florida, South America, and the Caribbean. You can usually see these termites near lights during swarming season. They prefer to nest in living trees and can cause damage to your home via falling limbs and branches.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
The key to avoiding severe termite damage if you find yourself in the middle of an infestation is to know the signs of an infestation so you can act quickly once you spot them. There are a few distinct signs of termites that you should keep in mind as red flags:
- Swarmers near windows or other openings to the home
- Small droppings or pellets from insects
- Discarded swarmer wings near windows or home openings
- Hollow or bubbled wood surfaces
- Visible mud tubes and tunnels
Types of Termite Treatments
There are many different methods of getting rid of termite infestations in your home, and each have their upsides and drawbacks. When choosing the appropriate treatment, it’s important to keep in mind the type of termite you are fighting, as each type of termite reacts differently to each type of treatment. Check out the following termite treatment options to see which one might be right for you and your home:
- Pre-Construction Treatments: This type of termite treatment can only be performed before you build a home. Home builders usually perform these treatments as part of the home construction process
- Barrier Treatments: This preventative measure involves placing a physical barrier around the home to keep termites out, including mesh, gravel, plastic, or sand.
- Bait Stations: Bait stations are placed in the soil to make the home’s lumber toxic to termites who might happen upon it. This helps to stop infestations before they start.
- Fumigation: if you have a severe termite treatment, fumigation treatments may be the recommended course of action. Fumigation termite treatments use toxic fumigants inside the home while pets and home residents are away. This treatment kills off any termites inside the home.
- Liquid Treatments: Liquid treatments involve insecticides that kill off termites and head off an infestation at the pass. Insecticides are a good alternative to fumigation because you don’t have to leave your house during treatment.
- Bait Stations: Bait stations attract termites to a placed food source, which they then carry back to the colony. The bait then poisons the termites in the colony itself, including the queen.
Is it Time for Professional Help?
Regardless of how much you know about termites, dealing with them is serious business. Getting professional help to deal with your termite infestation could mean the difference of thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home. When it comes to termites, time is of the essence, and every moment could mean more dollars down the drain. We would not recommend trying to tackle a termite infestation on your own. Please consult a professional as soon as possible if you suspect your home might have one!
If you want to take a smart, preventative approach, consider putting the proper termite monitoring in place. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Here at Anti-Pesto Bug Killers, we offer complimentary termite inspections, and utilize the most advanced techniques, systems, and products available in the industry to protect your home.
This blog was created by Howard Bright, the owner of Anti-Pesto Bug Killers
