How To Stop Termites Infestation In Your Florida Home

Trying to figure out how to stop termites from infesting your home? Here’s everything you should be looking for in a termite control company!

Are you concerned that your home may be under attack? Termites are the worst kind of pest. They are hard to detect and can cause thousands in damages to your home.

These little bugs flourish in climates that are damp and dark. So it’s no shock that they love to set up camp in Florida’s humid environment.

As a homeowner, termites can seem scary. If you don’t know the subtle signs to keep an eye out for you often won’t notice there’s a problem until it’s too late. If you’re wondering how to stop termites, we are here to give you the answers.

By simply being aware of what signs to look for, taking some preventative measures, and having routine inspections you will win the war against termites for good. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about preventing termites! 

Types Of Termites In Florida

The first place to start is knowing your enemy. Florida is home to a few different types of termites who choose to set up their colonies in slightly different areas.

Drywood Termites

As mentioned in their name, these termites prefer wood that is dry.  Drywood termites  reproduce rather slowly and can take up to five years to have a fully mature colony. These swarms can be found almost all year round in Florida and be spotted during the day.

Formosan Termites

Subterranean Formosan termites  are the most widespread type of termite in Florida. They develop huge colonies which can contain millions of termites at once.

These termites, if given the conditions to flourish, can cause a massive amount of damage in only a few months. Formosan termites swarm at night normally around late spring.

Dampwood Termites

Similar to the Drywood termites, Dampwood termites love wood that is moist or close to the soil. These termites are spotted in subtropical areas and moist woodlands. Dampwood termites are attracted to lights left on at night and can be found all year.

Know The Signs

Knowing the signs of early termite infestations is crucial to preventing damage to your home. And while there are many signs to look out for, we are going to brief you on the top few.

1. Spotting Wings Or Swarmers

When termites are looking for a place to set up a new home they send out members of their colonies called swarmers. These are distinct because they are the only termites that have wings.

Once they find a suitable space to set up camp, the swarmers begin to reproduce which causes them to lose their wings. If you notice wings laying around your windows or doors it’s time to call out a professional.

2. Bubbling Paint

If you start noticing water spots or bubbling paint on your home and are unable to locate a leak, you may have a termite problem on your hands. These little pests trap moisture inside their colonies to maintain their necessary living conditions.

This can lead to the presence of water damage that many people make the mistake of overlooking.

3. Strange Clicking Noises

Have you ever heard strange clicking or tapping noises coming from your walls? If the answer is yes then you may have a termite infestation.

Termites make a lot of noise while they are at work eating your home. They also make noise when they feel threatened as a way to single to the rest of the colony that danger is near.

If you lean an ear up to your wall and hear something out of the ordinary, it’s probably the sound of some unwanted house guests.

4. Mud Tunnels

Termites tend to leave trails wherever they establish a colony. These tunnels are dark brown and typically look like they are made of mud or clay.

Termites use tunnels as a way to travel and transport food in and out of the colony and these can typically be spotted around the ground or outside walls depending on the type of termite that created them.

Protect and Inspect

Termite infestation isn’t something you can tackle alone, you need the help of a professional. It’s crucial to set up annual routine inspections with your local pest control to make sure the termites are staying away.

Before signing a termite contract with a company make sure to go over exactly what you’re signing up for, whether it’s simply a yearly checkup or if they are using preventative treatments.

Also, make sure that the termite contract covers the termite species you’re most concerned about since treatments usually don’t cover all the different species. Talk with your technician to see where they are looking around your home and what different methods they will potentially use.

You can take some preventative methods yourself by sealing up any  cracks in the foundation  or walls since termites can use these as a means to get access into your home. Another thing you as a homeowner can do is eliminate any standing water around your house.

Also, make sure to take away any mulch that’s around exterior walls and fix any potential leaks as soon as you spot them. 

How To Stop Termites

Although there is no guaranteed method on how to stop termites from invading your home you can make a huge difference by being aware of key signs. Prevention is the best way to get ahead of this problem.

So keep an eye out for the signs of termites listed above and set up an appointment with a pest control technician to get an idea of what preventative treatments are best for you.

By following the tips listed above you’ll be one step ahead of those pesky termites. For more information on pest control treatment options visit  our services page !