Common Termites in Florida
in the Southwest Florida area, we have what is known as Formosan subterranean termites. These termite colonies are much larger and much more destructive than in other parts of the US. A medium-sized colony of 3 million Formosan termites could eat one foot of a 2′ X 4′ board in a couple of days.
Detection of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are harder to detect than other types of termites because they live in hidden habitats like wood and underground. If you’re not sure whether or not you have an infestation, there are a few key things to look for: winged reproductives, shed wings, mud tubes, and wood damage.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional right away. They will be able to determine if you have subterranean termites and help get rid of them before they cause more damage.
Winged Reproductives
They are attracted to light and when they find a suitable place to start a new colony, they will shed their wings and pair off. The male will then start digging the first chamber of the new nest.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are made of earth, soil, and saliva and are used by termites as a way to protect themselves from predators and the elements. They are often seen on the exterior of a home, running up the foundation or along the side of the house. If you see mud tubes on your property, it is important to call a professional immediately to have them inspected for termites.
Wood Damage
Termites consume wood and cellulose in order to survive, so they will often eat through the wood in your home until they reach the soil. This can cause a great deal of damage to your property, and it is important to identify and treat any termite infestations as soon as possible.
The most obvious sign is evidence of Wood Damage, as the insects will eat through the wood until they reach the soil below. You may also see them swarming around windows or doors, or find their wings near entrances to your home. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a professional immediately for an inspection.
Insulation Damage
However, if you have a leaky roof or damaged insulation, you could be losing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. You could also be creating an environment where termites and other pests can thrive.
A qualified technician will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for repairing or replacing your insulation.
Identification
In general, subterranean termites are small insects that measure 1/4 to 3/8 inches in length and have soft, creamy-colored bodies. Their heads are darker in color than the rest of their body. Soldiers have large heads and mandibles (mouthparts). Nymphs (immature termites) look like small adults.
Dampwood termites are found in wood that is wet or moist, such as near leaky roofs or faulty plumbing. Drywood termites infest dry wood such as lumber, furniture, and paper products. Subterranean termites live in soil and build tunnels called “mud tubes” to reach food sources above ground level.
For example, if you have a drywood termite infestation, you would need to use a different type of treatment than if you had a subterranean termite infestation.
Learn How to Treat and Get Rid of Subterranean Termites
If you’re looking for information on how to get rid of subterranean termites, look no further! Contact All American Pest Control today in the Southwest Florida area to inspect your home if you think you may have termites. An ounce of prevention is worth the call.
Now that you know a little more about subterranean termites, it’s important to learn how to treat and get rid of them. The good news is that there are a few different methods homeowners can use, depending on the situation. If you’re dealing with painted or finished wood, drilling and filling holes can be an effective treatment. This will eliminate dry wood termites from these areas. However, since subterranean termites live in the soil, they are hard to spot. That means they can do significant damage before homeowners even realize they’re there.
The best way to deal with subterranean termites is to prevent them from coming in the first place. There are a few things homeowners can do to make their home less appealing to these pests:
– Make sure there is no water accumulation around your home;
– Keep tree branches and other plants trimmed away from your house;
– Repair any cracks or crevices in your foundation; and
– Install a moisture barrier around the outside of your home.
Contact All American Pest Control today in the Southwest Florida area to inspect your home.
Treatment Process
They see the little black bugs marching around their kitchen or bathroom. What many don’t know is that termites, which are about 10 times more common than ants, can do just as much damage to a home. In fact, termites cause more than $5 billion in damages each year in the United States alone.
Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels to get to your house, while dry wood termites live inside wood and eat it from the inside out.
The treatment process will vary depending on which type of termite you have but generally involves using either a liquid or foam treatment to kill the insects.
If Possible, Treat the Termite Nest Directly
If the nest is located in an inaccessible area, you can apply a termiticide barrier treatment around the perimeter of your home.
Prevention is the Best Treatment
Prevention is the best way to treat any pest infestation, and termites are no exception. There are several things you can do to make your home less attractive to these pests and prevent them from becoming a problem.
The most important thing you can do is keep your home dry. Termites need water sources to survive, so eliminating moisture near your home’s foundation is the best way to protect yourself from them. You can also reduce humidity by ventilating crawl spaces and keeping wood outside of your yard instead of inside, where it would be eaten by these pests.
Finally, remember that the best way to prevent termites is to contact a professional pest control company as soon as you suspect there might be a problem. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with these pests effectively and ensure that they don’t cause damage to your home.
Contact All American Pest Services in the Sarasota Area to help rid your home of Termites
Contact All American Pest Control today in the Southwest Florida area to inspect your home if you think you may have termites. An ounce of prevention is worth the call. All American Pest Services in the Sarasota area get more calls about termites than any other household insect. These serious pests are best left to professionals to ensure they are properly eliminated. Termites cause thousands of dollars in damage each year. They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. They start off quietly eating away at your home and may go unnoticed until it’s too late and damage has occurred. In addition, a home infested may one day wake up to thousands of winged termites emerging inside your home.