Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lee & Collier Counties

Termite Inspection

Three Main Types of Termites In Florida

Subterranean Termites (nest in soil)

Subterranean termites cause the most damage and are the most commonly found termite in Florida. Most subterranean termites swarm in the spring, but the Florida darkwing swarms from July to September. The termites that swarm are the alates, which are the sexual reproductives, and they have wings. After a brief flight they shed their wings and male/female pairs start looking for a new place to nest. Swarms in a house or finding a pile of wings mean the house is probably infested. Mud tubes along the house foundation or anywhere inside a house are another good clue that the house is infested.

Drywood Termites (nest in wood)

Drywood termites have peak swarming from January through May, but can swarm during other months too. It is a good idea to leave outside lights off during their peak swarming times because the termites are attracted to the light. A good place to check for drywood termites is on window ledges. You may see wings laying on the window ledge, or you may see their droppings which will look like a pile of fine sawdust. These droppings are about the size of sand and are straw-colored to reddish-brown. Infestations are most common in the attic or window frames and sills. Surface blisters are a sign of advanced infestation. Swarms, or piles of wings in the house are a bad sign.

Dampwood Termites (nest in wood)

Dampwood termites are larger than the drywood or subterranean and they nest in damp wood. Some ways to tell if they are around is by the sawdust looking droppings or muddy droppings in wet areas. Since all termites damage wood, tapping wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver can detect damage. Damaged wood sounds hollow.

Dealing With Termites And Termite Damage

Subterranean and drywood termites require different treatment methods, so it is very important to determine what type of termite is found. Be sure to collect as many wings as possible for identification. Immediately contact a pest control company or bring a sample to the Extension Service for identification.

If drywood termite damage is localized, it may be controlled by removing and replacing the damaged wood or by the application of an insecticide. Extensive and advanced infestations will require tenting so the whole building can be fumigated. Subterranean termites will require soil treatment with pesticides around and under house foundations, or termite baits.