Down and Dirty: The 4 Different Types of Termites in Florida

You know how we all love the weather here in Florida—the warm winters and sensuous summer nights, right? Well, termites like the climate here too, for the very same reasons—that’s why Florida has become home to one of the largest populations of the bugs in the country. They can set up shop in a nest in your back yard and use the wood that holds up your house as a dining hall, quietly causing thousands of dollars in damage before you even know they are there. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you might have termites living in or near your home, don’t delay. Call the Tampa termite treatment experts at Apex Pest Control—we can help you find out if there is a problem, and fix it for you if they are found. In the meantime, people who live in Florida need to learn as much about the wood-munchers so they will know what to look for. Below are the four main types found in our state:

• Eastern Subterranean Termites—these little bugs cause a lot of problems for homeowners in Florida, where it is has been estimated that approximately one in five homes in high activity areas will be attacked at some point. They build nests under your lawn and march in and out of your house using it as a grocery store, munching away at whatever looks good.
• Formosan Subterranean Termites—these little guys are the most aggressive and destructive timber pests in the whole country. They live in nests underground as well and can eat out the internal sections of structural timbers, making it difficult for homeowners to know they have a problem until it is too late.
• Drywood Termites—they’re different from the subterranean termites because they live inside the wood full time, not in nests in the ground. They can live in furniture, wood beams or even kitchen cabinets. They are oftentimes brought into the home accidentally, hiding inside of furniture or other types of lumber.
• Florida Dampwood Termites—less well-known, these bugs are common in the subtropical woodlands, mangrove forests and urban settings in the state. Because they prefer moist wood, they are more likely to attack homes that have water issues, such as plumbing problems or leaks in roof or walls.

The important thing to note is that all termites can cause damage to your home and because of their ability to adjust to new circumstances, they are notoriously difficult to eradicate. That’s why homeowners need to call the Tampa termite treatment professionals at Apex Pest Control—our experts can identify problems, lay down treatments to deter them from making your house their home, and/or get rid of those that have already come in. Our state-certified termite control specialists use the latest technology, products and methods to successfully treat brick, block, frame, and metal structures—click here to set up a free, no obligation visit or to request an inspection of your property.