Understanding Termites in South Florida
If your home is located in South Florida, your home is vulnerable to termites. These wood eating creatures are responsible for millions of dollars in building repairs across the U.S. every year, and your homeowner’s insurance rarely covers the damages.
South Florida is home to several types of termites, including the most common Subterranean, Subterranean Formosan and the infamous Drywood termites. Because termites are secretive insects, they can go undetected and cause considerable and expensive damage to your home. Most people do not know they have Termites until they see swarmers, which to the untrained eye look like flying ants.
Drywood termites and their queen nest inside wood. They enter your home by bringing in wood that is already infested, or by flying in during swarm season. They will fly in and enter around your doors, windows and attic soffits. They do not require moisture and will infest sound, dry wood. Colonies can contain up to 4,800 termites. Because they are weak fliers, oftentimes there is more than one colony living in your home.
Eastern and Native Subterranean Termites and their queen nest in the ground, and they will enter your home from the ground. They require moist soil to survive. Colonies can contain 100,000 to 1 million workers.
Subterranean Formosan Termites and their queens nest in the ground but sometimes, they will also nest inside your home. Colonies can contain 35,000 – 7 million workers.
Signs of termites can be blistered or darkening walls or wood, live swarming termites, piles of wings, tiny frass pellets, or tiny exit holes in wood. If you notice any of these signs, give Hometown Pest Control a call for a free termite inspection.
