Termite Inspections and Control

Termites. The word alone can send chills up the spines of Florida homeowners. What’s scary is just how much homeowners don’t know about termites but are too scared to ask. Knowing the signs of a termite problem can help you prevent an infestation and save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

What you Should know about Termites

Termites are small insects that are sometimes confused with ants. They can be white, brown or black, depending on the type of termite and their role in the colony. Termites love warm, humid weather. Florida is known for its high humidity and warm climate. This makes our state the perfect location for termites to breed, colonize, and destroy homes. One thing most people know about termites is they love to eat things made of wood. They are drawn to it like magnets. Therefore, all untreated wood inside your home is at risk for termites. They can enter through the tiniest of cracks in your foundation, bricks and mortar and other openings. Termites even use landscaping mulch or improperly stored firewood as ways to enter your home.

How to Recognize a Termite Infestation

·      Swarming termites. Look for them near windows, doors, vents and lighting fixtures.

·      Dropped or shed wings. Termites will shed their wings after finding a new home. All of the wings will be similar in size.

·      Mud tubes or tunnels about the width of a straw

·      Hollow wood. Termites eat wood from within. Tap suspected wood with a screwdriver handle and listen for a hollow sound.

·      Termite droppings are wood colored and about the size of a grain of coarse sea salt.

·      Wood, or other surfaces that appear warped or blistered due to termite activity below the surface.

Types of Termites

Drywood Termites 

Drywood termites are small, pale insects known for their ability to infest and damage wooden structures. Their bodies range from creamy white to light brown in color. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil and can live entirely within the wood they infest. These termites infiltrate homes by swarming, typically during warmer months, seeking out new nesting sites. They often enter through small cracks, gaps, or exposed wood surfaces, making their way into attics, crawl spaces, and furniture. Once inside, they establish colonies within the wooden structures of the building, consuming the cellulose material and causing structural damage over time. In Florida, drywood termites are notably abundant due to the state's warm and humid climate.

Asian Termites 

Asian termites are a highly destructive species prevalent in Florida due to the warm, humid region. They resemble typical subterranean termites, with creamy white to light brown bodies and straight antennae. However, they are typically larger in size compared to native subterranean species. These termites infiltrate homes and structures through soil-to-wood contact, entering through cracks in foundations, expansion joints, or other openings. Once inside, they establish expansive colonies within the structural elements of buildings, including walls, floors, and ceilings. Unlike drywood termites, Asian termites require contact with soil for moisture and survival, often building mud tubes to travel between their nest and food sources. Their aggressive feeding habits and large colony sizes make them a significant threat to structures, causing extensive damage if left unchecked.

Preventing a Termite Infestation

·      Eliminate moisture by fixing pipes, A/C units, and other leaky fixtures.

·      Repair cracks in your home’s foundation with caulk. Make sure to check utility lines and pipes as well.

·      Keep plants and mulch well maintained. Mulch should never touch your home.

·      Store wood on a non-wooden platform and maintain a few feet of space between it and your home.

·      Dispose of scrap wood from projects and yard debris such as tree limbs.

·      Use correctly sized screens on exterior vents.

·      Keep an eye on outdoor wooden structures (dead trees, mailbox posts, swing sets, bird feeders, etc) for signs of termites.

Termites are a formidable threat to homes, silently causing extensive damage if left unchecked. It's crucial for homeowners to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation to avoid costly repairs. Regular termite inspections can provide peace of mind and early detection of any issues. Superior Spray Service offers expert termite inspection and treatment services to safeguard your home from these destructive pests. Don't wait until it's too late – schedule your free termite inspection today and protect your investment.