“In Florida, termites cause more damage than fires, floods and storms combined. It is very important to protect your home from these very destructive insects.” – (FDACS)
It’s estimated termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year, while Florida homeowners insurance covers $0. Don’t be a statistic, we’re here to help!
Florida has the highest risk of termite damage in the country due to its hot and humid climate. With 20 established species (6 of which are invasive), Florida is home to the most termite species of any mainland US state.
Termite infestations can go undetected for years as they don’t like to be out in the open. They eat wood from the inside out and spend their lives safe in the colony’s tunnels, burrowing into structures or hiding underground near them. Within the home, they can be hidden behind walls, insulation, floor coverings, door frames, and even furniture.
Eastern subterranean termites are known for their ability to remain undetected for long periods of time, making infestations difficult to identify and eradicate before significant damage occurs.
They use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood and other cellulose-containing products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can consume up to 15 pounds of wood per week. In the spring, winged termites swarm around doors and windows to find a mate, and in late winter in Florida, reproductive termites swarm to start new colonies.
These termites are considered “one of the most destructive termite species in the world” – (UF/IFAS) as a single colony can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to homes.
They are aggressive foragers that can form colonies of millions and produce secondary colonies that can also survive in damp areas. Formosan termites are difficult to spot and may live behind walls or under homes for years before becoming visible.
Drywood termites swarm in Florida during the spring and summer months, usually between May and September, when the weather is warm and humid. The winged reproductive stage, also known as swarmers, leave the colony to establish their own. You might notice discarded wings near light sources like windows or light fixtures, but only if the colony is mature enough to have swarmers.
Drywood termites eat across the grain of wood, which can cause significant structural damage if the colony’s network of tunnels grows too large. If left untreated, drywood infestations can eventually damage many parts of a structure, both structurally and cosmetically.
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“A single termite eats about 2% of its body weight in wood daily, and a colony of 60,000 workers can eat a whole square foot of lumber in one month. As such, even a moderate-size colony can do massive amounts of damage in as little as six months.” – Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford