About Miami Termites

Throughout the United States Termites are an expensive pest that causes millions in damages annually. If you suspect you have a termite infestation in your home, contact our Miami Termite Exterminators immediately for an inspection.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Subterranean termite infestations can occur on the inside or exterior of any home or business. Here are some of the telltale signs of a termite infestation:

Mud tubes: The presence of mud tubes on the exterior of the home. Mud tubes look like long tunnels made of wood and soil, which the termites construct to protect them from drying out as they travel.
Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped.
Warped Wood Structures: Darkening or blistering of wood structures,
Uneven Bubbling paint
Small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest.
Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills indicate the presence of swarmers.

Common Miami Termites

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites include some of the most common and severe termite species. They live in cooperative colonies with three castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives (also called swarmers).

Workers are wingless and pale.
Soldiers have an enlarged head and long mandibles.
Swarmers are the only form with fully formed winged and eyes.

As the name implies, subterranean termites forage and form nests in soil and damp wood which is in contact with the soil. Look out for their mud tubes as this is a serious indicator of infestation! These termites digest any material containing cellulose, primarily dead and decaying wood, as well as paper, cardboard, cotton fabrics, and plant fibers.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites live in colonies with different castes. Drywood termites nest entirely within the wood structures they feed on. Additionally they tend to be larger than subterranean termites and have a more cylindrical shape.

A common indicator of a drywood termite infestation is the presence of piles of fecal matter that resembles sawdust. In Florida, the most common species of drywood termite is the West Indian drywood termites

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites require high humidity, and are therefore most common in southern Florida and the Keys.

Coastal regions in the southern parts of Florida such as Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, and Miami Beach are particularly at risk especially during hurricane season.

Dampwood termite infestations are typically found when there is wood-to-soil contact, or when the wood is in constant contact with water. Areas with active leaks, free-standing water, or sprinklers are high risk areas for this.