South Florida is an attractive place to call home. It’s no wonder termites also love West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and other South Florida neighborhoods. Researchers at the University of Florida predict that by 2040, over half of South Florida structures will be damaged by termites.

Types of Termites

The four major types of termites in Florida that could infest your home are:

• Florida, especially along its coastline, is typically covered with drywood termites such as Cryptotermes brevis. For your convenience, we offer a variety of treatment options, including a no-tent solution to treat termites.
• Formosan termites that can be found throughout the southeast, especially in Florida, but also Hawaii.
• Asian subterranean termites that are currently confined to South Florida.
• Native subterranean termites (Reticulitermes) that can be found in most of the US.

Each of these types of termites presents unique challenges to homeowners, who are advised to contact a professional pest control company, such as My Son and I Pest Control, at the first sign of termite activity. Regularly scheduled year-round protection is the best way to prevent termites in South Florida, but educated homeowners can also help spot any termite activity before extensive damage is done.

Subterranean termites

Due to their soil-dwelling nature, subterranean termites generally invade homes near the foundation. Due to the fact that they are hidden throughout mud tubes, they can go unnoticed for quite some time, and they may cause extensive damage that is not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Invasive Vs Native Subterranean Termites

A short period of time is all it takes for native subterranean termites to cause extensive damage to homes. However, homeowners in South Florida are most concerned about invasive subterranean termites, specifically Asian and Formosan Subterranean Termites. In comparison to native species, Asian and Formosan subterranean termites have a much greater colony size potential. The Formosan termite population can number in the millions, and they infest wood in crawlspaces, fences, sheds, dead trees, and structural timbers. It’s possible to have an underground infestation of termites if you see many termite bodies or the wings of swarmers discarded in your home.

Drywood Termites

On the other hand, drywood termites do not live in soil or forage for food in the open. Infested wood is home to drywood termites. Due to their feeding on wood and the wood’s protection from most predators, drywood termites don’t have many soldiers. Drywood termite wings could be found on windowsills and around light fixtures. Their iridescent color can indicate a drywood termite infestation.

In case you think you see an ant or black termite in Florida, but it is actually a series of small, translucent wings, contact a professional pest control service right away. You might already have invaders inside your walls or they might be nearby in your neighborhood or landscape.

How to get rid of termites in Florida

It may seem tempting to try eradicating colonies on your own as soon as you notice signs of infestation. Most people would like to avoid the inconvenient, unsightly, and embarrassing tent fumigation associated with termite treatment.

Tenting, however, is not always necessary for effective treatment. My Son & I Pest Control offers several types of no-tent treatment options for several types of termites. In most cases, you do not need to vacate your home, bag or remove food or medication, move your pets temporarily, or tell your entire neighborhood about your termite problem. Treatment by our professionals is efficient, effective, and discrete.

We can help if you suspect your home is being colonized by termites, or if you want a year-round plan for termite defense. The best way to get rid of termites in Florida is with professional termite control. In addition to identifying the types of termites on your property, potential attractants or conducive conditions, and providing regular service and maintenance, we will develop a treatment plan that meets the needs of you and your family.