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5 Types Of Termites In Florida: All You Need To Know

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Termites are a major concern in the United States as a whole. Termites in Florida can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, often going undetected until it is too late.

It is essential to identify the different types of termites in order to take the necessary steps to protect your property.

In addition, when swarmers are seen, it means that the termites have found the right environment to start a new colony.

It is important to prevent termite infestations in Florida as they can cause significant damage to homes. There are various ways, including regular inspections.

What are Termites?

Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause extensive damage to a home. They are typically found in homes in Florida, where they can cause significant damage to the structure of the property.

There are 3 types of termites common in Florida: subterranean termites, drywood termites, and Formosan termites.

Termites are a common pest problem in Florida, as the humid climate is conducive to their breeding. These insects eat away at wood, which can damage the foundation or walls of a building.

If you face a termite infestation, it is important to identify the type of termite so that you can administer the appropriate treatment.

what do termites look like in florida?

Termites are a type of insect that build their nests in the ground. Drywood termites are more common in the southern part of the state, while dampwood termites are common in the northern states.

When homeowners see swarmer termites, they often panic because they know that these winged insects mean trouble. Swarmer termites, also known as reproductive castes, are the ones who swarm and establish new colonies.

Their black bodies and wings are easy to identify at about 4 mm in length. Given below are the types of termites in Florida :

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are a type of termite in Florida and North America. They live in underground colonies, building tunnels and eating the wood from your home or building.

The workers and soldiers are responsible for finding food and defending the colony, while the reproductive swarmers fly off to start new colonies. Swarmers have full wings and eyes, so you can easily identify them.

In contrast to drywood termites, subterranean termites build their nests in the soil. They will eat any cellulose-containing material, such as wood, paper, cotton, and plant fibers. Nests are often found in soil that is moist and near the ground level.

Formosan Subterranean Termite

The Formosan subterranean termite is a destructive type of termite. It forms huge colonies and is very aggressive. This termite can destroy wood at a rapid rate, earning it the nickname “Super Termite.”

The Formosan subterranean termite is a type of insect that lives in the ground. The Formosan subterranean termite can cause damage to buildings, furniture, and other objects in its surroundings. Damage caused by the Formosan subterranean termite can be difficult to repair.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are often found in Florida. They live and thrive in wood structures, unlike subterranean termites, who live underground. Drywood termites can be identified by their small size, their pale coloring, and the presence of fecal pellets (called frass).

The West Indian drywood termite is the most common species of termite found in Florida. Drywood termites typically infest wood that is either above ground or near the ground. They are identified by their soft, brown bodies and their wings, which they shed after mating.

Dampwood termites

Dampwood termites are found in Florida. They are quite common in southern Florida and can be identified by their dark color and the fact that they swarm near water.

Dampwood termites thrive in moist and humid environments and are commonly found in areas where there is wood-to-soil contact and when the wood is in constant contact with water. They can also be found near leaking faucets, drains, and air conditioning units.

Asian Subterranean Termite

Asian subterranean termites are a huge risk to Florida homes. They can be found in areas ranging from Key West to West Palm Beach, Florida. If you live anywhere near the areas mentioned earlier, you should speak with an expert pest control company as soon as possible.

Infestation of termites

Termites can be very destructive, often costing homeowners thousands of dollars. It is primarily important to be able to identify the different types of termites in order to address an infestation properly.

There are numerous signs and indications you can look for to determine an infestation and steps you can follow to get rid of them.

In fact, termites consume a pound of wood each day, which often goes undetected for a long time; however, to detect an infestation before it’s too late.

Common Signs of Termite Infestation

Discarded Termite Wings

Discarded termite wings are a common sign of an infestation. Termites will swarm in the springtime, and you will discard their wings near doors and windowsills. It is important to identify the termite types to address the infestation properly.

Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are how termites gain access to the wood of your home. They use the mud tubes to travel between their colonies and the food source (wood).

Mud tubes are most commonly located near the foundation of your home. This is because that is where they find the moisture needed to survive.

Formosan subterranean termites eating the wild tree.

Damaged Wood

Termites can cause severe damage to homes, businesses, and other buildings. You may have termites if you see damaged wood. Termites eat away at the wood until it becomes soft and blistered.

If you have termites, look for other signs of damage, such as bubbling paint or mud tubes.

Termites is marching on old wood. Termite problem  is wood eating.

Termite Droppings

Termite droppings are small pellets. They can be found both inside and outside your home. Termites typically damage wood by eating the cellulose in it, and as they do so, they leave behind these droppings.

The presence of termite droppings is one of the easiest ways to identify a termite infestation.

How to eliminate Termites in Florida?

Termites are a common pest in Florida and can cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses if left untreated. It is important to find a termite exterminator that can get the job done right.

Some ways to get rid of or prevent termites include: using termiticides, keeping your property well-maintained, and being vigilant about looking for signs of termites.

For termite control in Florida, there are three main methods: barrier treatments or bait stations prior to building a house, fumigation with toxic fumigants, and insecticides.

Understanding A Termite’s Life Cycle

A termite’s life cycle begins with the emergence of winged reproductive termites, also known as swarmers. These swarmers take flight from their colony and seek out a mate.

After fertilization, the queens and kings of these new colonies become workers, soldiers, or reproductives. The queen lays eggs and starts to build her colony.

Workers are the backbone of the termite colony. They are responsible for collecting food and building and maintaining the mud tubes used to access a food source. Without their diligent work, the colony would quickly starve.

A termite life cycle illustration

When Do Termites Swarm in Florida?

You can find several types of termite ants in Florida. The most common type is the eastern subterranean termite, which swarms between October and February. They are known as black termites in florida due to their brownish-black to black body.

Another common type is the dark southeastern subterranean termite, which swarms between March and June.

The light southeastern subterranean termites swarm in this place from December to April. They are attracted to lights and bright screens, so you may see them swarming around porchlights or near windows on warm nights.

Formosan termites swarm at night during the late spring. They are highly aggressive and can cause significant damage to buildings.

Final thoughts

If you live in Florida and are worried about a potential termite infestation, it is important to know the different types of termites found in the area. Various pest control companies can help you prepare your home for an infestation and protect your property.

It is also essential to have a good resistance against termites at your home that you can work with throughout the year to keep your home or business safe from these pests.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.