Termites are known to cause property damage worldwide. These insects range from ⅛ to 1 inch in length and can gnaw through your wooden structure, causing significant property damage. Florida is home to different species of termites, including Drywood, Dampwood, Eastern Subterranean, and Formosan Subterranean termites.
Understanding the type of termite infesting your home is crucial for creating the right treatment plan. This work is best done by professionals at Avata Pest Control. Read this blog to learn more about different types of termites, signs of infestation, and possible treatments.
Common types of termites in Florida homes
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Drywood termites.
Drywood termites are often found nesting near dry woods. A unique characteristic that describes the presence of dry wood termites in Florida homes is their dropping, also known as frass. Drywood termites can be of various colors, like black, white, red, and orange.
Frass underneath your wooden items could indicate their infestation as it is pushed or ejected from the piece of wood they have invaded.
Another common sign of a drywood termite infestation is seeing kicker holes. These are the holes created by termites in the wood. Only an expert can determine a kicker hole and tell if you have a Drywood termite infestation.
If you think you have seen kicker holes around your property, it is highly advisable to call a pest removal service for an immediate inspection.
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Eastern subterranean termites.
The second most commonly found termites in Florida are eastern subterranean termites. They are beneficial to the environment as they help decompose decaying wood and recycle it back into the ecosystem. However, once they invade your property, they can result in significant structural damage.
They are divided into different castes, including soldiers, workers, and swarmers. They build their nests deep in the soil with a tunnel that connects it to the ground level. These tunnels help them gather food sources and bring it to their colonies safely. They often build colonies in the walls of your building.
These pests can be identified with the presence of mud tubes, which they create to travel safely from their colonies to their food source. Another common sign of a subterranean termite infestation is the presence of swarmers and discarded wings. If you suspect a termite infestation, call a pest removal service immediately to prevent any further damage.
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Dampwood termites.
As their name suggests, dampwood termites often invade woods that are moist with water or in contact with the soil. However, unlike Subterranean termites, dampwood termites do not build their colonies under deep underground.
Wood siding, wood around leaks in the roof, wood in contact with the ground, or wood showing any signs of any fungal decay are all telltale signs of a Dampwood termite infestation. These are frequently found in the mangrove forests, subtropical woodlands, and urban settings of Florida.
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Formosan subterranean termites.
Among all the termites found in Florida, Formosan subterranean termites are the most dangerous ones. They are also known as super termites because of their aggressive nature, large colonies, and the pace at which they cause property destruction.
Like other termites, they are also divided into three different cases: soldiers, workers, and swarmers or reproducers. They create unique carton-like nests within the walls of the structure. These destructive eaters can eat and destroy your property very rapidly because of their large size and aggressive nature.
Hearing hollow sounds while tapping on wood could indicate an infestation. As they can damage your wooden property at a very fast pace, it is crucial to spot an infestation early to minimize damage.
Stop termite damage today!
Termites can gnaw through your property and cause damage in no time. If your wooden frames sound hollow, hire a pest control team in Florida today to protect your homes from further damage!
