Eliminate Termites for Good with These Proven Methods

Eliminate Termites for Good with These Proven Methods. Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can invade your home, causing extensive damage to your property and leaving you with a hefty repair bill. These tiny insects can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, which is why it's essential to take action as soon as you detect their presence. The good news is that there are a variety of methods available for eliminating termites for good, and with the right combination of treatments, you can be sure to get rid of these pests for good.

Understanding Termites

Before we dive into the various methods for eliminating termites, it's important to understand what these pests are and how they operate. Termites are tiny insects that belong to the order Isoptera, and they feed on cellulose, which is a component of wood and other plant-based materials. There are several species of termites, and each has its own unique behavior and habitat, so it's essential to understand the specific type of termite you're dealing with in order to develop an effective elimination strategy.

Inspecting Your Home for Termites

The first step in eliminating termites is to inspect your home for their presence. There are a few telltale signs that you can look for, such as:

• Swarms of winged insects around windows and doors
• Hollowed-out or damaged wood
• Tiny holes in the walls, floors, and ceilings
• Termite droppings, which are small and cylindrical

If you see any of these signs, it's important to take action immediately, as the longer you wait, the more damage the termites will cause.

Physical Barrier Treatments

One of the most effective ways to eliminate termites is to create a physical barrier between them and your home. There are several methods for doing this, including:

Installing termite shields: Termite shields are metal barriers that are installed around the perimeter of your home to prevent termites from entering. These shields can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, and stainless steel.

Applying termiticides: Termiticides are chemicals that are specifically designed to kill termites, and they can be applied around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier. Some of the most common termiticides include fipronil, imidacloprid, and bifenthrin.

Using baits: Termite baits are small pieces of wood or other cellulose-based materials that are treated with a toxicant and placed in the ground around your home. The termites are attracted to the bait and eat it, which then spreads the toxicant throughout the colony, killing the termites.

Chemical Treatments

In addition to physical barrier treatments, there are also a variety of chemical treatments available for eliminating termites. Some of the most popular methods include:

Soil treatments: Soil treatments involve applying a termiticide directly to the soil around your home, which then creates a barrier that prevents termites from entering. This method is especially effective for subterranean termites, which live in the soil.

Foam treatments: Foam treatments involve injecting a termiticide foam into the walls, floor, and ceiling of your home, which then spreads out and fills any cracks and crevices where termites may be hiding.

Bait stations: Bait stations are similar to the bait method described above, but instead of placing the baits in the ground, they are placed in a station that is designed to be attractive to termites. When the termites eat the bait, they spread the toxicant throughout the colony, leading to the elimination of the termites.

Liquid treatments: Liquid treatments involve applying a termiticide directly to the infested areas, which then spreads throughout the colony and kills the termites. This method is often used for spot treatments, as opposed to a comprehensive treatment of the entire home.

Prevention Tips

While eliminating termites is important, it's equally important to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips for keeping your home termite-free:

Reduce moisture levels: Termites are attracted to moist environments, so it's important to reduce the moisture levels in and around your home. This can be done by fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, and ensuring proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attics.

Store firewood away from your home: Firewood is a prime target for termites, so it's important to store it away from your home, at least 20 feet if possible.

Remove cellulose debris: Cellulose debris, such as dead tree stumps and fallen leaves, can attract termites, so it's important to remove it from around your home.

Keep an eye out for swarmers: Swarmers are the reproductive members of a termite colony, and they often emerge from the ground in the spring. If you see swarmers around your home, it's important to take action immediately, as it's a sign that a colony is present.

In conclusion, eliminating termites for good requires a combination of physical barrier treatments, chemical treatments, and prevention strategies. With the right approach, you can keep these pests from causing damage to your home and protect your investment for years to come.

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Why am I getting ants in the winter?

Ants are most active in the winter, when temperatures are between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep warm, they form colonies beneath rocks or piles of leaves and debris, and construct mounds complete with tunnels. Weather conditions in their immediate environment influence their body temperature, and if they can't rely on their outdoor nests, they may bring the swarm indoors in search of shelter, warmth, food, and water. Ant infestations can be prevented by cleaning up crumbs and spills, storing food in airtight containers, repairing leaking faucets, spigots, and pipes, and sealing any gaps, cracks, or openings in the exterior.

Ants marching into the house with an ant egg.

You're not alone if you associate ants with summer; the pests are commonly associated with ruined picnics, pillaged pantries, and ant swarms around your trash cans. However, ants can be found inside your home during the winter. During the warmer months, you may see them on your deck or in your garden, but as the temperature drops, they frequently head indoors.

Do ants go into hibernation?

Ants are most active when temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep warm during the fall and winter, these bugs form colonies beneath rocks or piles of leaves and debris. Another method for avoiding the chill is to construct mounds complete with tunnels. If an ant colony's scouts discover your home's warm shelter and food sources, it won't be long before you notice ants in the attic or other parts of your home.

Why do ants enter the house?

Weather conditions in ants' immediate environment influence their body temperature. If they can't rely on their outdoor nests for protection, or if a brief warm spell in the winter tempts them out of hiding, they may bring the swarm indoors in search of shelter, warmth, food, and water.

What do ants do during the winter?

Once inside, these insects seek out warm places to nest. As a result, you might find ants in the attic or one of these other cozy nooks and crannies:

Internal partitions

Floors beneath them

Cabinets on the inside

In the frames of windows or doors

tucked away in your appliances

The kitchen, of course, is a hotspot, especially if family members don't always clean up after themselves. Outside, the pests may be found near your home's foundation or nesting beneath a pile of leaves or debris.

Preventing Ant Infestations

While your warm, comfortable home will always be appealing to ants and other pests, there are several things you can do to keep them out. These tips will only work if the entire household follows them, so make every effort to get everyone on board.

Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.

Garbage should be placed in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

All food should be stored in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.

Repair all leaking faucets, spigots, and pipes right away.

Seal any gaps, cracks, or other openings in the exterior of your home.

Pet food should be stored in a tightly sealed container; if you feed your pets outside, bring their bowls inside right away.

What Is the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?

Both carpenter ants and termites can wreak havoc on the wooden parts of a home, but knowing the difference can make a big difference in how to treat them. McCall Service, a Florida-based pest control company, can assist in identifying termites and carpenter ants. Termites are social insects that destroy and consume wood, while carpenter ants make their nests by hollowing out the insides of damp wooden structures. Ants may stop when their nest is finished. Termites are unstoppable and can cause significant structural damage.

Professional pest control is the best way to get rid of them, as it requires specialized treatment techniques that can only be provided by a professional. Look for signs of termite activity around your home, such as reproductive termites flying through the air, mud tubes at the base of your home's foundation, and dust-like feces.

Both carpenter ants and termites can wreak havoc on the wooden parts of your home's structure, but knowing the difference makes a big difference in how you treat them (and how much the treatment may cost). McCall Service, your Florida-based pest control company, can assist you in identifying termites and carpenter ants. We'll even assist you in resolving the issue so you can move on without worrying about things falling apart around your house.

What exactly are carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are ants that make their nests by hollowing out the insides of damp wooden structures. Carpenter ants bore holes in the fascia, deck railings, and other wooden structures of your home.

What exactly are termites?

Termites are social insects that not only destroy but also consume wood. Termite colonies are divided into castes, which include soldiers, workers, and reproductive termites. Each termite species has a distinct appearance. Drywood termites, which can eat both moist and dry wood, and subterranean termites, which can't live above ground for long but use mud tubes to infiltrate your home, are the most common types of termites in Florida.

How do I distinguish between ants and termites?

The main distinction between ants and termites is that ants may stop when their nest is finished. Termites, on the other hand, are unstoppable. They're not going to stop. They will continue to eat your house from the inside out, causing significant structural damage. Drywood termites will eat your furniture as well.

Looking for signs of termite activity around your home is another important method of identification. Swarms of reproductive termites flying through the air, mud tubes at the base of your home's foundation, and dust-like feces (known as frass) around holes in wooden structures are all signs of a serious termite infestation.

What is the best way to get rid of carpenter ants?

Professional pest control is frequently the most effective way to eliminate the presence of carpenter ants outside your home. The ants themselves aren't dangerous, but unless you get rid of them completely, you'll probably have problems again.

What is the best way to get rid of termites?

It's not a good idea to try DIY pest control with carpenter ants, and it's even worse with termites. Termites frequently necessitate specialized treatment techniques that can only be found with pest control companies that specialize in eliminating them. Whether your termite problems are caused by subterranean or drywood species, a true professional will assist in treating not only your home but also the surrounding areas. Termite prevention requires more than one treatment. This specialized ongoing service can only be provided by a professional.

Termites: The Wood Eating Pests That Can Damage Your Home

Termites are small insects that are known for their voracious appetite for wood and other cellulose-based materials. They are a significant problem for homeowners and property owners, as they can cause significant damage to wooden structures. To prevent termite infestations, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels and ventilation, eliminate sources of cellulose, and make sure that your foundation is properly sealed. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, contact a professional pest control company for an inspection and treatment.

Termites are small insects that are known for their voracious appetite for wood and other cellulose-based materials. They are commonly found in warm and humid climates, and are a significant problem for homeowners and property owners. If left uncontrolled, termites can cause significant damage to wooden structures, including homes, buildings, and furniture.

Termites live in large colonies that can number in the millions, and they feed on cellulose, which is the main component of wood. This makes them a significant threat to the structural integrity of wooden buildings, as they can eat away at the supports from the inside out.

The most common type of termite found in homes is the subterranean termite, which builds its nests underground and forages for food above ground. Other types of termites include drywood termites, dampwood termites, and formosan termites.

To prevent termite infestations, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels and ventilation in your home. Termites thrive in warm and humid environments, so it is important to keep your home dry and well-ventilated. This can be done by fixing leaks, using proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and keeping gutters and downspouts clear.

Another way to prevent termites is to eliminate sources of cellulose in your home. This can be done by removing piles of firewood, paper, and cardboard, as well as old tree stumps and other sources of cellulose that termites can feed on.

It is also important to make sure that your foundation is properly sealed. This can be done by inspecting the foundation of your home and sealing any cracks or gaps that could provide an entry point for termites.

If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection and treatment. A professional pest control company will be able to identify the species of termite present, assess the extent of the infestation, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

In conclusion, termites are a serious problem for homeowners and property owners, as they can cause significant damage to wooden structures. To prevent termite infestations, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels and ventilation, eliminate sources of cellulose, and make sure that your foundation is properly sealed. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection and treatment. 

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Florida Pests to Avoid This Summer

The most important details in this text are the three Florida pests to watch out for this summer. These pests are mosquitoes, ticks, and ants. Mosquitoes are most active during the summer months due to the warmer, humid weather. Ticks are active all year, but they are most active in the summer. Ants are a common annoyance that disrupts picnics and outdoor parties.

To avoid an infestation, clean any trash, spills, and crumbs from tables right away. If you notice more pests on your property than usual, contact your local pest control company.

Swimming, hiking, picnics, and other outdoor activities abound in Florida during the summer. Summer pests, like us, enjoy the fun in the sun! These pests can ruin our day by biting or stinging us. Check out the top three pests to watch out for this summer and how to keep them at bay!

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes, a common summer pest, are most active during the summer months due to the warmer, humid weather. Females require a blood meal for egg production in order to reproduce, and they frequently bite humans and pets for food. Although mosquito bites are unavoidable during the summer, they can be avoided. Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk because mosquitoes are most active at these times. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin if you are outside during these times. Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, an EPA-registered ingredient.

Ticks

Ticks are active all year, but they are most active in the summer. Both humans and pets can be harmed by their bite. These insects transmit bacteria that can lead to serious health problems, such as Lyme disease. If you bite them, they will latch on and feed until they are satisfied. Ticks will attach themselves to clothing and pets, making their way into your home. Check yourself and your pets for these insects before returning inside. Examine your clothing, hair, and skin.

Ants are a common annoyance that frequently disrupts our picnics and outdoor parties! There are many different types of ants, some more dangerous than others, but they are all looking for food. While ants do not necessarily pose a health risk, certain species, such as fire ants, will sting you if they feel threatened. If you intend to eat your meal outside, keep it covered with a tightly sealed lid. To avoid an infestation, clean any trash, spills, and crumbs from tables right away.

Pest control can put a damper on your summer. If you notice more pests on your property than usual, contact your local pest control company, which will provide you with a treatment and prevention plan for your home.

Termites swarm of winged termites, Tallahassee Pest Control

Termite swarms can do a lot of damage to your Tallahassee property quickly. In fact, termites cause over $5 billion in property damage in the United States each year. They accomplish this by consuming the wood in your home, and in many cases, they can cause irreparable damage before you even realize you have a termite problem.

While termite swarms are most common in the spring, termites take advantage of Tallahassee's warm temperatures and swarm throughout the fall. But what exactly do termite swarms look like? How can you avoid them? And what kind of Florida pest control options are available if termites are discovered in your home? McCall Service has the solutions.

How Do I Know If I Have Termites?

Termites have a well-deservedly ominous reputation, but termites are easily misidentified. Termites appear to be very similar to ants at first glance, but there are two major differences. Termites have elongated oval-shaped bodies with no segments, whereas ants have segmented bodies. Furthermore, many termites have wings and can fly.

Listen for termite signs and look for evidence of their presence to best identify termite swarms.

Listen carefully—termites make clicking and chewing sounds in the walls, and hollowed-out wood sounds different when tapped.

Look for wings that have fallen from flying termites, as well as droppings (called frass) that resemble black pepper pellets.

Termite Swarm Prevention in Tallahassee

Termites are difficult to eradicate on your own. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of termite swarms infiltrating your property. One such method is to keep any wood outside your home far enough away from your walls. This includes not stacking firewood against your house, for example. Furthermore, ensure that there are no water leaks in or around your home and that there is a gap between plants and dirt and exterior walls.

The Destructive Formosan Termites in Jacksonville

The Destructive Formosan Termites in Jacksonville. Formosan termites are a new threat to the Jacksonville area. Destructive, venomous and highly destructive termites have made the River City their permanent home. These termites cause more damage in the U.S. than any other termite species. Formosan termites are generally drawn to homes near a water source. They also prefer older homes because the potential rotted wood is more appealing. An annual termite inspection can significantly reduce the likelihood of missed weaknesses in your home that could encourage a termite infestation.

Formosan termites consume a tree.

Do you remember when Jacksonville, FL had no Formosan termites? You may if you are over the age of ten. This venomous termite is a new threat to the Jacksonville area. In fact, the first documented sighting of Formosan termites in Jacksonville was in 2005, and our team was the first to document them.

Formosan termites in Jacksonville homes are nothing new. These destructive termites have made the River City their permanent home. That is why it is critical for all Jacksonville residents to understand how dangerous these termites are.

What exactly is a Formosan Termite?

Subterranean termites are Formosan termites. As a result, they, like other subterranean termite species, attack your property from the soil. They're particularly resilient, with as many as 10 million members per colony—compared to the one million average in other termite colonies—and have a much higher potential for devastation.

Formosan termites, unlike other termite species, can build nests inside the structure of a house. They do this by coating the interior of their nests with feces, which seals in moisture and keeps the temperature stable for a longer stay. Because Formosan termites have so many members in their colonies and such a high capacity for structure habitation, these termites cause more damage in the United States than any other termite species.

Are Formosan Termites a Problem?

Despite their architectural prowess, Formosan termites are simple organisms. They do not need to sleep in unison and do not hibernate. As a result, a colony may consume wood nonstop all year, destroying the structural integrity of a structure.

Formosan termites are generally drawn to homes near a water source because they prefer moist soil. They also prefer older homes because the potential rotted wood is more appealing and easier to work with. Furthermore, most months of the year, the temperatures in Jacksonville are ideal for these termites to reproduce quickly.

How to Keep Formosan Termites at Bay

Fortunately, you have some control over Formosan termite activity in your home. Termites are attracted to moisture, so using an air conditioner or dehumidifiers may deter them from finding your home appealing.

You can also keep termites at bay by keeping your gutters clear and functioning properly to prevent standing water, sealing any crevices in your home's foundation or exterior walls, and replacing wood that has been water damaged.

Of course, the best preventative is an annual termite inspection, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of any missed weaknesses in your home that could encourage a termite infestation.

Carpenter Ants Live How Long?

Carpenter ants have a life expectancy of six to twelve weeks as they develop from eggs to adulthood, but cold weather can extend their life cycle to up to ten months. Despite the lack of hard evidence, the general consensus is that all ant species can survive for two weeks without food but only five days without water. Carpenter ants typically construct their nests out of wood, but they may enter your home in search of food. The decision of a colony to move indoors may indicate rotting structural wood or excess moisture in a house or building, and their tunneling habits can cause significant damage.

In search of a safe place to nest, a colony of dark brown carpenter ants burrows into a piece of wood.

You probably have questions if you suspect carpenter ants have infiltrated your property. Understanding the ant life cycle and behavior can assist you in determining whether you have an ant problem and when to seek assistance. This McCall Service blog will teach you about the carpenter ant lifecycle, feeding and nesting habits, and more, so you'll know what to do if you have an ant infestation in your home.

Carpenter ants live for how long?

Carpenter ants have a life expectancy of six to twelve weeks as they develop from eggs to adulthood, but cold weather can extend their life cycle to up to ten months. Because of their short life cycle, it can take three to six years to establish a large, thriving colony.

So, how long can ants go without food? Despite the lack of hard evidence, the general consensus is that all ant species can survive for two weeks without food but only five days without water.

Carpenter ants eat what?

We wouldn't blame you if you assumed carpenter ants ate wood, but the truth is that they only tunnel through wood to nest. Instead, these creepy crawlies eat a diverse diet that includes the following:

Nectar \sLarvae \sTermites

Fruit juices and plant-based liquids

carcasses of insects

"Insect honeydew" is a type of bug secretion.

So, how long can ants go without eating? If your strategy for dealing with an ant invasion is to cut them off from food sources, you may be in for a long wait — although hard evidence is lacking, the general consensus is that all ant species can survive for two weeks without food.

Carpenter ants live where?

Carpenter ants typically construct their nests out of wood. While they prefer to nest in decayed or damaged wood because it is easier to burrow through, they may enter your home in search of food. Once inside, they construct a place to work and live by constructing an elaborate tunnel system in the wood.

The decision of a colony to move indoors may indicate rotting structural wood or excess moisture in a house or building. Carpenter ants' tunneling habits can cause significant damage, compromising the structural integrity. That is why, at the first sign of a carpenter ant infestation, you must contact an experienced pest control team.

What Is the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?

Both carpenter ants and termites can wreak havoc on the wooden parts of your home. Knowing the difference makes a big difference in how you treat them (and how much the treatment may cost) McCall Service, your Florida-based pest control company, can assist you in identifying these insects. The main distinction between ants and termites is that ants may stop when their nest is finished. Termites will continue to eat your house from the inside out, causing significant structural damage. Professional pest control is frequently the most effective way to eliminate the presence of carpenter ants outside your home.

Termites and Ants A close-up of a carpenter ant chewing on wood

Both carpenter ants and termites can wreak havoc on the wooden parts of your home's structure, but knowing the difference makes a big difference in how you treat them (and how much the treatment may cost). McCall Service, your Florida-based pest control company, can assist you in identifying termites and carpenter ants. We'll even assist you in resolving the issue so you can move on without worrying about things falling apart around your house.

a carpenter ant chewing on wood in close-up

What exactly are carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are ants that make their nests by hollowing out the insides of damp wooden structures. Carpenter ants bore holes in the fascia, deck railings, and other wooden structures of your home.

What exactly are termites?

Termites are social insects that not only destroy but also consume wood. Termite colonies are divided into castes, which include soldiers, workers, and reproductive termites. Each termite species has a distinct appearance. Drywood termites, which can eat both moist and dry wood, and subterranean termites, which can't live above ground for long but use mud tubes to infiltrate your home, are the most common types of termites in Florida.

How do I distinguish between ants and termites?

The main distinction between ants and termites is that ants may stop when their nest is finished. Termites, on the other hand, are unstoppable. They're not going to stop. They will continue to eat your house from the inside out, causing significant structural damage. Drywood termites will eat your furniture as well.

Looking for signs of termite activity around your home is another important method of identification. Swarms of reproductive termites flying through the air, mud tubes at the base of your home's foundation, and dust-like feces (known as frass) around holes in wooden structures are all signs of a serious termite infestation.

What is the best way to get rid of carpenter ants?

Professional pest control is frequently the most effective way to eliminate the presence of carpenter ants outside your home. The ants themselves aren't dangerous, but unless you get rid of them completely, you'll probably have problems again.

What is the best way to get rid of termites?

It's not a good idea to try DIY pest control with carpenter ants, and it's even worse with termites. Termites frequently necessitate specialized treatment techniques that can only be found with pest control companies that specialize in eliminating them. Whether your termite problems are caused by subterranean or drywood species, a true professional will assist in treating not only your home but also the surrounding areas. Termite prevention requires more than one treatment. This specialized ongoing service can only be provided by a professional.

Do Termites Have Wings

Termites can fly, despite appearances. Flying termites are frequently mistaken for ant alates. They are typically 14 to 18 inches long, with bodies that are light brown, dark brown, or black. Their wings are either light yellow or clear, and are slightly longer than their bodies.

The wings of three winged termites flap.

Termites can fly, despite appearances. While many insect species, such as wasps, flies, and mosquitoes, develop permanent wings as adults, others only have them at certain points in their lives. One of these species is termites. When termite colonies become overcrowded, they produce flying termites, or alates, which fly away from their colonies to establish new ones.

Unfortunately, Florida homes are frequently the destinations of flying termites. If you suspect flying termites have set their sights on your home or want to prevent them from invading, contact McCall Service to learn more about these pests.

How do flying termites look?

Flying termites are frequently mistaken for ant alates. They are typically 14 to 18 inches long, with bodies that are light brown, dark brown, or black. Their wings are either light yellow or clear, and they are slightly longer than their bodies. Male and female flying termites are identical, and they travel in swarms. These journeys to establish new colonies are referred to as nuptial flights.

Do all flying termites have wings?

Termites that fly do not keep their wings. When a mated pair of flying termites locates a suitable location for establishing a colony, they detach their wings and begin reproducing. Homeowners who have a termite infestation may discover piles of these wings where multiple flying termites have discarded them. If you notice these pale, shimmery wings around your home, call McCall Service to arrange for a termite inspection.

In Florida, when do termites swarm?

Termites can swarm almost any time of year in a warm climate like Florida. Subterranean and drywood termites, on the other hand, typically take flight in the spring and summer. Termite swarms are most active around dusk and are especially prevalent during Florida's rainy season.

How to Prevent Termite Swarms in Florida

Are you concerned about a possible swarm around your house? For your peace of mind, Our skilled termite control technicians will inspect your property for signs of flying termite or adult termite activity. If we discover any conditions that could lead to a termite infestation, we'll make recommendations and provide a free quote for termite control in Florida.

What Does Swarming Termites Indicate

Termites are notorious for wreaking havoc on your home, often going undetected. Swarming termites indicate the presence of an established termite colony nearby. Having a termite control plan is one of the best ways to prevent termites from swarming.

A swarm of flying termites

In the spring and summer, swarming termites, also known as alates, are common. Swarming termites do not bite, sting, or chew wood, but they do indicate the presence of an established termite colony nearby. A termite colony can be extremely damaging to your home and family.

Termites are notorious for wreaking havoc on your home, often going undetected. Learn everything you need to know about swarming termites and how to prevent them.

When does Swarming Season begin?

The swarming season varies depending on the termite. Subterranean termites swarm in Florida during the spring and early summer months. Drywood termites swarm from late spring to late summer. The weather will also influence when these pests swarm. The majority of termite species are active after a rainstorm or when the weather is cloudy.

What Causes Termites to Swarm?

Termites swarm for two reasons: reproduction and colony expansion. When a termite colony has reached its carrying capacity, the swarming process begins. The number of termites that swarm is determined by the termite species and the size of the colony.

How Can I Prevent Termites from Swarming?

To avoid swarming termites, you must first prevent termite colonies from forming. Check for any nearby water sources, such as standing water around your home and on your property. In order to determine whether termites have infested your foundation, look for loose mortar or bubbling paint. Having a termite control plan is one of the best ways to prevent termites. Your local pest control company will inspect your property and provide you with a termite treatment plan, which may include baiting systems to help eliminate entire termite colonies.

How to Recognize a Termite Infestation

 

Subterranean and drywood termites are two types of termites that Floridians should be aware of. Both can cause significant damage to homes, costing thousands of dollars in repairs. Consider using these termite prevention tips to keep termites out of your home.

Termites, Termite Control

Subterranean and drywood termites are two types of termites that all Floridians should be aware of. While each species' characteristics and preferences differ, both can cause significant damage to homes, costing thousands of dollars in repairs. Understanding termite characteristics and warning signs can assist homeowners in preventing and avoiding a termite infestation.

Termites in the Ground

Subterranean termites require moisture to survive and can be found in underground colonies or moist areas above ground. These termites will construct tunnels, known as "mud tubes," to gain access to food sources. These pests bite off small wood fragments with their saw-toothed jaws, causing damage to baseboards, foundations, floors, doors, and windows.

Mud tubes, which resemble long tunnels made of wood and soil, are a common subterranean termite sign. If you hear a hollow sound after tapping on wood or notice bubbling paint, you may have a termite infestation.

Termites in Drywood

Drywood termites thrive in areas with hard, dry wood. When these pests excavate wood to build their colonies, they can cause damage. While these termites do not require much moisture to survive, they can be found in wood near a water source, such as a leaking pipe or a water heater. These termites are commonly found in attic framing or secondhand furniture.

Because drywood termites live in wood, spotting discarded wings near a light source or their droppings or frass, which look like tiny pellets, can be difficult.

Preventing subterranean and drywood termites may appear difficult, but it is doable. Consider using these termite prevention tips to keep termites out of your home.

Repair any faucet, pipe, or air conditioner leaks.

Use downspouts, splash blocks, and gutters to divert water away from your home.

Make sure your home has at least an 18" gap between the soil and the wood.

Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house, elevated off the ground.

Instead of using mulch for landscaping, try using rocks or gravel.

Contact your local pest control company to schedule an annual termite inspection to detect termite problems before they become an infestation.

 How Do You Attract Termites?

Termites ate termite-damaged wooden walls in the house.

Certain termite species, such as subterranean termites, can be found in Florida all year. These pests can cause significant damage to your property even on the hottest or coldest days of the year. To prevent termites, every homeowner must understand what attracts them and take appropriate precautions.

Termites prefer to settle near a food source (usually soft or rotting wood). Termites are drawn to wood piles on your property, especially if they are rotting or wet. Wood provides termites with food and a home for their colony. Check your property for any wood piles and consider placing them at least 20 feet away from your house, at least 5 inches off the ground.

Additional Termite Attractants

Landscaping is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your home. Unfortunately, some landscaping materials, such as mulch, will attract termites right to your home. Mulch, which is made up of wood chips, can retain moisture, making it an ideal food source for termites. Instead of mulch, consider using landscaping rocks. If you use mulch for landscaping, keep it at least 15 inches away from the foundation of your home.

When termites are looking for a way into your home, wood-to-soil contact is the most convenient entry point. Make certain that your wood siding does not extend below the soil grade. If the siding extends below the soil surface, remove it to leave a 6-inch inspection gap between the siding and the soil surface. When inspecting for termites, this ensures that any mud tubes produced by the termites are easily visible. Also, do not allow wood fences to come into direct contact with your home.

5 Termite Warning Signs

Termites are known to wreak havoc on the structural integrity of buildings and homes. Knowing the signs of a termite infestation is the first step in preventing them. Termite swarms are an indication that an established colony is nearby and that a new colony is forming.

Termite Control in Florida, Termites

Year after year, termites destroy homes and businesses by excavating or eating wood structures from the inside out. Once infested, these pests are known to wreak havoc on the structural integrity of buildings and homes, costing millions of dollars in repairs. Knowing the signs of a termite infestation is the first step in preventing them. Check out our top 5 termite warning signs to be aware of before a termite infestation becomes a problem.

Swarms

Spotting termite swarms in your area is the first and most obvious sign of termites. These swarms can be seen in Florida as early as February! When termites are ready to reproduce and establish new colonies, they begin to swarm. Termite swarms are an indication that an established colony is nearby and that a new colony is forming.

Tubes of Mud

Mud tubes indicate that subterranean termites, a type of termite, have infested the area. To reach a food source, these termites are known to construct tunnels or mud tubes. Termites construct mud tubes to travel between your home and their nest. Mud tubes are typically the size of a pencil and can be found on walls, ceilings, floors, exterior surfaces, and slab sides.

Stacks of Wings

Termites that swarm and leave their nest are frequently looking to establish a new colony and reproduce. Termites lose their wings after mating. These discarded wings are frequently discovered near doors and windowsills. When you see these, it's a clear indication that they've entered and infested the house.

Noises

Did you know that a termite infestation can be heard? That is correct! If you have a large and established colony in your home, you may hear a faint clicking or knocking sound behind walls or in other voids. These noises indicate that solid termites are banging their heads against wood or vibrating their bodies to warn of impending danger. While uncommon, worker termites can be heard chewing through the wood of your home.

Wood that has been damaged

Seeing wood damage in your home's interior, exterior, or both is an easier termite sign to spot. Buckling wood, dented or sunken areas, and crumbling baseboards are all signs. Another telltale sign is when windows or doors warp and do not open or close smoothly. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should get a termite inspection as soon as possible.

How to Spot Drywood Termites in Your Florida Home

Termites are highly destructive pests that cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Termite treatments differ depending on the type of termite being treated. Drywood termites do not require soil (and its moisture) to survive. They prefer unaltered wood (hence the drywood name). The most effective way to prevent them is to eliminate the initial infestation. Annual termite inspections are also an important part of termite prevention.

Termites in Dry Wood

Termites are highly destructive pests that cause billions of dollars in damage each year. The first and most important step in termite control is determining the type of termite you have. Termite treatments differ depending on the type of termite being treated. Drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites are the three types of termites that attack Florida homes. Let's look at drywood termites in more detail, as well as treatment options for this termite species.

Drywood termites range in length from 1/4′′ to 3/8′′, depending on their age. These termites are distinguished by their thick waists, short legs, and straight antennae. Drywood alates (also known as swarmers) have equal-length wings. Drywood termites have protruding mouth pincers as well. The color of these termites varies according to their role in the colony. Workers range in color from cream to white, soldiers from cream to brown, and alates from brown to black. Drywood termites are found along the southern coast of the United States.

Drywood termites differ from other species in that they do not require soil (and its moisture) to survive. They prefer to nest inside the wood they eat rather than underground. They don't even make mud tubes. Drywood termites are able to fly into structures and eat both across and along the grain of the wood. They make small "kick out" holes in the wood to push debris out of as they eat. They prefer unaltered wood (hence the drywood name). They are frequently found inside your home in wood flooring, fascia, window sills, doors, wooden frames, attics, and even furniture.

The following are the most common signs of drywood termites:

Drywood frass is made up of 6-sided fecal pellets that are pushed out through holes in the wood. They frequently look like coffee grounds or sawdust.

Blistering/Warping: Drywood termites frequently tunnel right beneath the surface of wood, resulting in a blistered or warped appearance.

Because drywood termites do not have soil contact, they require different prevention techniques than subterranean termites. The most effective way to prevent drywood termites is to eliminate the initial infestation. These termites frequently enter your home through cracks, vents, joints, and other openings. To prevent entry, these should be sealed off.

Another way to keep termites at bay is to make the wood in your home less appealing to them. When possible, use pressure-treated wood; if this is not an option, treat wood with borates or silica gel afterwards.

Annual termite inspections are also an important part of termite prevention. These inspections, conducted by trained service professionals, aid in the early detection of termites and termite damage, allowing for treatment before the damage becomes irreversible.

Once you've determined that you have a drywood termite problem, there are two types of termite treatments that will get rid of them.

Tent Fumigation: Tent fumigation is an effective method for eradicating drywood termites. The fumigation gas is activated by placing a tent over the entire home structure. Termites are eliminated when the tent is removed.

No-Tent Fumigation: Another option for eliminating drywood termites is no-tent fumigation, which is especially effective for structures that cannot be easily vacated. The product is applied directly to the source within the structure to treat affected areas.

Life Cycles of Termites

Termites divide themselves into castes based on the location of their colony. The queen, king, and alates are reproductive termites. Soldiers, like employees, are typically sterile. Unlike bees and ants, termites undergo a developmental process known as incomplete metamorphosis. The termite goes through three different life stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

Young termites can molt several times during their lives, depending on the needs of the colony. Termite alates swarm out of the colony in this case. Because alate wings aren't designed for controlled flight, they tend to take off in random directions. Swarms can be something to keep an eye out for, especially if it's close to your home.

Termite Varieties

Before we get into termite life cycles, it's important to understand the differences between termite types. These pests are typically classified based on the location of their colony; subterranean termites are vulnerable to open air and thus construct tunnels known as mud tubes to reach potential food sources. Drywood termites live inside dry wood, which includes support beams, attic framing, and firewood or scrap wood. Formosan termites, which are mostly found in the southern United States, are similar to their subterranean cousins in most ways, but have a longer body, a shorter head, and two short pincers.

While subterranean, drywood, and formosan termites can cause problems for Florida homeowners all year, they are especially noticeable in the spring and summer.

What Do Termites Do in a Colony?

Termites, like many insects, divide themselves into castes. The following are examples of castes:

Termites on the job

Termites with soldiers

The queen, king, and alates are reproductive termites.

Termites in the Workplace

Worker termites are frequently the busiest because they are in charge of finding food, storing it, and maintaining the nest. Workers are the most likely to be found in an infestation because they are primarily tasked with digesting cellulose (the part of the wood that termites eat).

Worker termites can be male or female, but they are typically sterile.

Termites with Soldiers

Soldier termites exist solely to defend the termite colony, and their powerful jaws are often so large that they can't feed themselves, necessitating workers to feed them. Because soldier termites' characteristics are so exaggerated, many species of termites are identified based on them. Soldiers, like employees, are typically sterile.

Termites that reproduce

Fertile males and females, known as the king and queen, are both reproductive termites. The queen of a termite colony is in charge of egg production and mates with the colony's king for life. Some queen termite species, such as subterranean termites, begin producing winged alates for reproduction in the spring, resulting in termite swarms emerging from the colony in a phenomenon known as nuptial flight.

The Life Cycle of Termites

Termites, like most insects, begin their lives as eggs. However, unlike bees and ants (the Hymenoptera classes that termites are said to resemble), these pests undergo a developmental process known as incomplete metamorphosis. The termite goes through three different life stages in an incomplete metamorphosis: egg, nymph, and adult. Young termites can molt several times during their lives, depending on the needs of the colony, including into reproductive alates.

Nymphs of Termites

Termite nymphs look like small adults and molt into workers first, often in three stages. Termite nymphs can take months to develop into adults, depending on food availability, temperature, and colony population. Nymphs are unable to feed themselves while growing. Worker termites are responsible for this task, as well as other colony tasks such as tending to the queen, building the nest, and foraging for food.

Termites that have reached maturity

Termites will "molt" into their final form as they mature. Many termite nymphs will develop into workers, but some will continue to molt into soldiers or reproductive flyers known as alate nymphs. Pheromones secreted by the queen regulate colony growth, and all but a few termites are prevented from becoming fertile queens by these secretions. Termite alates may remain in the colony as supplemental queens or kings in some cases. These termites do not fully mature until the colony's main reproductive agents die.

How Termite Colonies Proliferate

While termites can build mud tubes to find food, termite colonies can also spread during what is known as a nuptial flight. Termite alates swarm out of the colony in this case. Because alate wings aren't designed for controlled flight, they tend to take off in random directions. The timing of nuptial flights varies by species; some swarms begin at dusk, while others begin in the morning. Precipitation, wind speed, moisture, and other environmental factors all play a role.

When alate males and females form a pair in flight, they land together and search for a suitable new colony location. When the two mates find the right spot, they dig a chamber large enough for both of them, close it up behind them, and proceed to mate. Once this occurs, the two reproductive termites never leave the colony again and continue to mate for the rest of their lives, which is a very long time for termites: Once mated, a termite queen can live for 30 to 50 years. If the queen dies while there is still a king present, the king will produce pheromones to encourage the development of replacement queens.

Why Are Termite Swarms Important in Termite Control?

When it comes to pest control, a termite swarm is something to keep an eye out for, especially if it's close to your home. This could be an indication that a termite infestation exists or is on the horizon.

Biology of Subterranean Termites Formoson Prevention and control of subterranean termites

Subterranean termites cause more damage to homes in the United States than storms and fires combined. Termites can enter your home through any wood that comes into contact with the soil, such as the exterior trim or cladding. A typical home may have three to four colonies under or around it. The three castes (workers, soldiers, and reproductives) have distinct functions. Swarmers develop from larger, wingless nymphs.

The male (king) and female (queen) will form a pair, lose their wings, and build a small cell in moist soil. Formosan termites are subterranean termites that live in the ground and build mud tubes and carton nests. Swarms appear on warm, rainy days at dusk and last into the evening. A typical colony consumes over 1,000 pounds of wood per year and is extremely aggressive. Formosan subterranean termites will chew through thin sheets of metal, mortar, PVC pipe, electric power lines, and telecommunications lines.

This termite will consume wood, paper, books, furniture, and other cellulosic materials. It is extremely difficult to detect in closed structures until severe damage has occurred. Moisture attracts termites and ants. Surface water must drain away from the building if the ground near the foundation is sloped or graded. Crawl spaces should have two square feet of ventilation openings for every 25 linear feet of foundation wall.

This helps to keep the ground dry and unappealing to termites. Trenching and treating or rodding to treat the soil on the outside of the foundation. Subslab chemical injections are typically performed by a professional pest control operator. Pressure-treated wood (chromated copper arsenate) protects against termites and fungi that cause wood decay.

With the advent of centrally heated homes, termites have become a threat in nearly every region and state in the United States. There may be as many as 13 to 14 subterranean termite colonies per acre on average, which means that a typical home may have three to four colonies under or around it. With as many as 1,000,000 subterranean termites per colony, the threat of infestation becomes very real.

Subterranean termites cause more damage to homes in the United States than storms and fires combined; colonies can have up to one million members.

Subterranean termites nest in soil to obtain moisture, but they also nest in wet wood. They will easily attack any wood that comes into contact with the ground. Termites can build mud tunnels or tubes to reach wood several feet above ground if the wood does not come into contact with the soil. They can also get into a structure via expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities enter the house.

Winged termites emerging from the ground near the house do not necessarily indicate that the house is infested, but it is a good reason to investigate further. Termites in the wood of houses or other structures usually come from colonies that have already established themselves in the soil.

Biology of Subterranean Termites

Termites are ant-like insects that are small in size. They differ from ants, however, in that they feed on the cellulose in wood. They can tunnel through wooden structural members in buildings and completely destroy them while working mostly unseen beneath the surface. A termite colony can enter your home through any wood that comes into contact with the soil, such as the exterior trim or cladding.

Termites are social insects that live in colonies with a caste system of labor. They have castes for reproductives and soldiers. There is a distinct worker caste in many termite societies, but the typical worker duties (nest building, food gathering, and feeding the reproductives and soldiers) are also handled by nymphs. Workers and nymphs do all of the work, while soldiers are only responsible for defending the colony.

Winged adults, also known as swarmers, are primary reproductives. During certain seasons of the year, they emerge from the colonies on colonizing flights. Following the flights, the male (king) and female (queen) will form a pair, lose their wings, and build a small cell in moist soil. They will mate, lay eggs, and raise the first workers. Secondary reproductives (without color or functional wings) are common in colonies where primary reproductives are absent.

The three castes (workers, soldiers, and reproductives) have distinct functions.

The life cycle of a termite

Biology of Subterranean Termites

Nymph \sNymphs

These young termites mature into workers, soldiers, or reproductives. As the nymphs grow in size, they begin to eat wood.

Soldiers

These termites guard the colony. They have mandibles, which are enlarged jaws that they use to defend the colony. They appear to be workers, but their heads are larger and darker in color than the workers'. They make up only 1 to 3% of the foraging termite population.

a subterranean worker

Workers

These are the termites that do the most damage by eating wood and tunneling, but they also keep the colony going, build and repair the nest, forage for food, and care for the young. Workers are the largest of the three castes.

reproductive winged

Reproductives

Reproductives come in the form of a queen, king, or alate. Primary and secondary reproductives are both possible. Primary reproductives have left other colonies. Secondary termites are found in mature colonies and serve as replacements if the primary reproductives are killed.

Winged reproductives (alates) are coal black to pale yellow-brown in color, flattened, and 1/4 to 3/8 inch long, with pale or smoke-gray to brown wings. Swarmers are another name for alates. During warm weather and rain, swarmers leave a mature colony. They depart from their mother colony to mate and establish new colonies. They become the new colonies' king and queen. Swarmers develop from larger, wingless nymphs. They have two pairs of equal-sized long, narrow wings.

After establishing their colony, the king and queen termites remain underground or within wood. They live for a long time, up to ten years, producing thousands of termites.

Subterranean Termites from Taiwan

Following WWII, these "supertermites" were introduced to the United States' coastal regions.

The winged reproductives of Formosan termites are pale yellow to brownish yellow, and the hairy wings have two dark veins at the leading edge.

The soldiers have a large oval head with toothless mandibles that cross at the tips. Formosan termites have been discovered in Gulf Coast states, along the eastern seaboard from Florida to North Carolina, as well as Tennessee, California, and Hawaii.

Formosan termites are subterranean termites that live in the ground and build mud tubes and carton nests made of soil and wood cemented together with saliva and feces.

Formosan termite carton nests retain moisture, allowing colonies and satellite colonies to establish aerial nests and survive without contact with the soil. Swarms appear on warm, rainy days at dusk and last into the evening. Formosan swarmers are frequently drawn to light.

Map of formosan termite-infested states

Subterranean Termite of Native Origin

Formosan termite colonies range in size from 100,000 to 1 million.

At least ten million. The largest known single Formosan termite colony was discovered in an Algiers, Louisiana public library building. Within a 600-pound nest, the colony contained over 70 million termites.

Aggressiveness

A typical colony will consume approximately 7 pounds of wood per year. Termite shields (when properly installed) can help control termites. The proportion of soldiers in a typical colony is less than 2%, making them vulnerable to outside predators such as ants. A typical colony consumes over 1,000 pounds of wood per year and is extremely aggressive. Termite barriers are ineffective. To reach wood or cellulosic material, Formosan subterranean termites will chew through thin sheets of metal, mortar, PVC pipe, electric power lines, and telecommunications lines. This termite will consume wood, paper, books, furniture, and other cellulosic materials. A typical colony has 10% to 20% soldiers, making it much less vulnerable to natural predators.

Adaptability

Moderately adaptable; more restricted range; species is ground-dependent for water, making detection via mud tubes easier. If they are present in the structure, they are usually concentrated on the first floor. It prefers damp dead wood. In most cases, it will not infest living trees. Extremely adaptable; does not require moisture from the ground; can survive on water condensation even at attic level. Creates carton nests in walls and roofs; the carton nest functions as a satellite home, trapping and conserving water. It is extremely difficult to detect in closed structures until severe damage has occurred. They also attack and cause severe damage to a wide variety of living trees; they prefer hardwoods such as oak, gum, and maple, but will also attack softwoods such as Southern Pine. Much more adaptable to different soil types, climates, and environments — from urban to wild.

Mobility

Moderate to low; dependent on the ground; and relatively weak flyers in the alate (flying stage) form.

Very mobile; moves around a lot when disturbed; not dependent on the ground. Ablates are proportionally more powerful flyers.

Formoson Subterranean Termites have devastated the state of Louisiana. Louisiana State University is a great place to learn more about these subterranean termites.

Subterranean Termite Prevention and Control

Mechanical Alternate: Avoid accumulating moisture near the foundation. Water should be diverted away from your home using properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Surface water must drain away from the building if the ground near the foundation is sloped or graded. Moisture attracts termites and ants.

Proper ventilation will help to reduce humidity in crawl spaces. Crawl spaces should have two square feet of ventilation openings in the foundation for every 25 linear feet of foundation wall. Each exterior corner of the building must have one vent within five feet of it. This helps to keep the ground dry and unappealing to termites. Prevent shrubs, vines, and other vegetation from covering the vents. It is critical to have adequate cross-ventilation. To reduce excess moisture, cover 75 to 85 percent of the soil surface with polyethylene sheeting in crawl spaces.

There should be no contact between the woodwork of the building and the soil or fill. Exterior woodwork should be at least 6 inches above ground, and crawl space beams should be at least 18 inches above ground to allow for future inspections.

Sanitation

Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the backfill before or during construction, especially near the building. Remove any old form boards, grade stakes, or other items that were left in place after the building was built. Remove any old tree stumps and roots from around and beneath the structure. Never stack or store firewood lumber or other wood products against or within the crawl space. Keep trellises, vines, and other climbing plants away from the house. (Prevent any potential hidden paths of termite entry into the structure that could bypass any existing termiticide soil barrier.)

Treatments for Termites

Soil Treatments Termite treatments applied to the soil and adjacent to the building to form a continuous barrier.

Foundational treatments are the application of termiticide to a foundation in order to create a barrier against termites. The goal is to apply termiticide to all cracks in the footing as well as cracks in the foundation wall that may lead to the ground outside. Foundational treatment includes treating the inside of hollow concrete walls. Slab, basement, and crawl space foundations are the most common.

To form this chemical barrier, all three types of construction will require specialized treatment. Trenching and treating or rodding to treat the soil on the outside of the foundation, rodding beneath slabs, or vertical drilling and treating of outside slabs, stoops, or porches may be used for treatment outside the structure. Inside, treatments may include trenching and treating the soil along crawl space foundation walls, vertical drilling and treating slab foundations, rodding around bath traps and other utility openings, or directly treating wood.

Concrete Slab Construction: Although it is possible to trench around the outside of a poured slab, this usually does not provide satisfactory control because the termite colony may be entering the structure from the soil beneath the slab.

Chemical Treatments has more information on chemical treatments for subterranean termites.

After the slab foundation is completed, homeowners are not equipped to treat under slabs. Subslab chemical injections are typically performed by a professional pest control operator.

Borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) such as Timbor or Boracare and/or pressure-treated wood (chromated copper arsenate) protect against termites and fungi that cause wood decay. However, termites can attack railroad ties, telephone poles, and pressure-treated wood over time. Mud tubes can be constructed on the surface, or entry can be gained through cut and cracked ends.