Demand for pest control services in the United States alone creates an industry worth more than $26 billion every single year. If you have ever dealt with an infestation of your own, you will appreciate why people value these services so much. The pest control industry employs more than 167,000 people around the country to protect us from pests like termites.
Although we usually just say termites, there are many different types of termites. Learning more about the common species of termites in Florida can help you identify them.
It can also help you better understand how serious a given termite infestation is. Learning to identify species of termites might sound difficult, but it does not have to be.
Read on to learn all about the most essential things to understand about common types of termites in Florida!
Common Florida Termites
Florida is a great environment for termites. Termites love hot climates and they depend on a humid environment. While the rest of the country is still cold, Florida is warming up and providing a hospitable environment for termites.
As a result, there are many kinds of termites in Florida. However, we will speak about four kinds of termites in this article.
The first kind we will talk about is subterranean termites. We will also examine the Asian subterranean termite variation. Then we will discuss drywood and dampwood termites.
Subterranean Termites
If you have a termite infestation, there is a good chance that you are dealing with subterranean termites. These are one of the most common species of termites. Unfortunately, they are also one of the species of termites that can do the most damage.
These termites live in colonies and have three different kinds of members. There are worker termites, soldiers, and swarmers. Swarmer termites are also called reproductives.
You can identify worker subterranean termites because they are pale and do not have any wings.
On the other hand, soldier termites will have large heads and visibly long mandibles.
Swarmers can show up in huge numbers out of nowhere. They have wings that they use to fly around and find new places to start colonies.
In most cases, subterranean termites get into a home through in contact with the soil. You can sometimes tell that termites have entered the wood of your home because they create tubes out of mud that lead from the soil to the wood of your home.
Asian Subterranean Termites
Asian subterranean termites are similar to regular subterranean termites. However, they are of special interest in this article because they are found in southern Florida in particular.
If you have a subterranean termite infestation in southern Florida, there is a higher chance that you are dealing with Asian subterranean termites.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites get their name from the fact that they create nests in wood. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not form mud tunnels that transition from soil to wood. On top of that, although some types of termites prefer wet wood, drywood termites look for dry wood.
You might first notice you have a termite infestation if you find little holes in the wood of your home. If you notice that there are collections of tiny fecal pellets below these holes, that is a sign that you are dealing with drywood termites.
Dampwood Termites in Florida
Dampwood termites prefer damp wood, so they are another species that is more common in southern Florida. They like even higher humidity than most termites, so you can often find them in the Florida Keys as well.
Like subterranean termites, dampwood termites are often found where there is wood in contact with soil. However, they can also be found where wood is in constant contact with water.
For example, if a corner of your home has a frequent puddle by it, then that is an ideal location for dampwood termites. You might even end up creating these kinds of attractions for dampwood termites if your sprinklers keep one part of your home wet all of the time.
Another easy way to identify dampwood termites is that they are significantly larger than other species.
The Importance of Getting Rid of Termites
The faster you get rid of termites, the less damage they will do to your home. If you leave a termite infestation alone too long, it could threaten the integrity and safety of your home.
Termite Prevention Tips
Preventing termites is often as simple as making sure that you do not have damp wood around your home. Of course, that will only help with some species of termites.
Although it is not always possible, it may also be helpful for you to try to avoid having the wood of your home in direct contact with the soil. Using dehumidifiers in your home can also make it a less hospitable environment for termites.
Finding the Right Pest Control Services for You
Eliminating termites can be tricky. That is why it is important to find a skillful pest control service to help you. Consider checking out reviews online to help you find the best pest control services for you!
Understand the Different Types of Termites in Florida
Knowing a little about the different types of termites in Florida will help you recognize them when you see them. If you are currently dealing with a termite infestation, then it is important to act fast before the damage gets worse. Eliminating termites from your home is an investment in its long-term and in your safety as well!
To find pest control services in Florida that offer warranties and free inspections, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!