Subterranean Termites Florida
Termite Destruction
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, more than 2 million homes in the United States will require some type of treatment for termite infestations on a yearly basis. According to the National Pest Management Association, the repair costs to homeowners exceeds $5 billion. These expenses are typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. Termite infestation is preventable and, under most policies, the responsibility falls to the homeowner to properly secure their home.
Subterranean Termites Florida
Florida is an ideal environment for termites to thrive. The climate is temperate and there is plenty of ground moisture keeps termites from literally drying out. Subterranean termites are the most predominant termites found in Florida. A colony can contain hundreds of thousands of termites. Formosan termites are another type of subterranean termite found in Florida. They are a non-native species from China and are extremely aggressive.
Subterranean termites are extremely destructive and, if left unchecked, can literally destroy your home’s infrastructure. What’s also alarming is that most times they go unnoticed until extensive damage is already done.
Termite Damage To Exterior Wood Molding
Termite Warning Signs – What to Look For
- Wood Damage – Wood Sounds Hollow – Paint is Cracked or Damaged
Many homeowners may notice what looks like water damage or wood rot. The wood may look swollen or shredded, or the paint is cracked and bubbled. It may not be easy to tell the difference between termite damage and wood rot. Our advice is contact a pest control expert to get the damage inspected. Another way to test for termites is to tap the wood. Does it sound hollow? This is a telltale sign of termite infestation.
- Mud Tubes
Termites need moisture to survive. Once they leave the ground and get into your home they need to maintain a connection to their source of water. Mud tubes allow termites to travel back to the ground to replenish their systems. You can find they on the walls, in mulch beds and other infrastructure. These mud tubes are a clear indication of the presence of termites.
- Termite Swarmers and Discarded Wings
When a colony matures, swarmers leave the nest (typically in the spring and fall), these are termites with wings. They leave their colony to mate with female termites in order to form new colonies. These male swarmers are attracted to light, you may find they around windowsills or light fixtures. If you find numerous winged pests in your light fixtures, you may have termites. After mating, swarmers will shed their wings. These wings will be clear, unlike winged ants and can often be found around your home in piles.
- Termite Droppings (Frass)
Termite poop looks like small wooden pellets. This is a sure sign of infestation. Contact a qualified pest control company immediately.