Termites? No Need To Panic

In Florida, termites and wood decay cause up to $1 billion in property damage each year. Forty-five different species of termites live in the U.S. and a few other species not found in other states call Florida their home. These species fall into three types: subterranean, drywood and dampwood.

Drywood Termites

Today, we’ll look at drywood termites because they live in wood, such as the structural timber or hardwood floors of your home or dead trees around your property.

Late spring and summer months are the peak season for winged drywood termite swarming flights. These insects emerge in the evening and during the night and are attracted to lights or TV. This is just one sign of infestation.

Other signs of infestation include:

• Discarded wings that have accumulated around window sills or in spider webs.

• Wooden pellets accumulating on floors or under furniture. These six-sided pellets are about a quarter to a half-inch long, making them easily distinguishable from other wood-destroying organisms. Pellets usually fall into piles as the termites push them out of the infested wood.

Since drywood termites generally remain hidden in the wood or other material on which they feed, they are seldom seen other than the swarmers that fly from colonized wood in the spring and summer. While these termites occur in small colonies in isolated wood pieces, there may be multiple colonies that can infest a structure at the same time.

More Likely in This Area

Drywood termite invasions are more likely in coastal and southern areas of Florida, so it is important to be diligent in looking for possible infestations. Even though colonies are slow to develop, if left unchecked over an extended period of time, substantial damage can still occur.

Even if your home is new, you should still monitor it for termites. The Florida Building Code does not require a preventive treatment for drywood termites for new construction. It does require a treatment for subterranean termites.

Don’t Panic

In Florida, where termites are active and widespread, it is important to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program. Detection and elimination methods have come a long way since The Three Stooges tried their hand at pest control in their 1938 feature Termites. If it is determined that  drywood termites have taken up residence in your home, don’t panic. Take the time to talk to a professionally trained Insect Protection and Pest Control technician who can help you make the right decision regarding the best course of action for your situation. Call now for your FREE consultation.

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