Living in the beautiful state of Florida certainly has its advantages. The warm, humid weather that we experience almost year-round is one of the most alluring qualities of the Sunshine State, but it also provides termites with the perfect environment in which to thrive. These wood-destroying pests can cause serious damage to your home, even compromising its structural integrity in cases of advanced infestations. Effective termite control often requires the assistance of an experienced pest control company, and Palm Coast Pest Control is here to help you protect your home from termite damage.
Today, we will review four of the most common termites in Florida, as well as what you can do to prevent termite infestations. Check them out below, then contact our local exterminators for a free termite control estimate!
COMMON FLORIDA TERMITES
SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
These pests range from creamy white to dark brown in color and are about ⅛ of an inch long. They build mud tubes that provide protection from dry air and predators as they travel between their nest and food source, and they live in underground colonies. While subterranean termites usually swarm during the spring, they can swarm during the summer and fall, as well. Currently, the Asian subterranean termites and Eastern subterranean termites are the most common species in Florida.
DRYWOOD TERMITES
Creamy white to light brown in color, these termites measure ⅜ of an inch to 1 inch long. They have long, white wings and swarm on bright, hot days after a sudden increase in temperature. They commonly infest dry wood, like the support beams in attics and studs in walls. They have even been known to infest wood furniture, making it incredibly easy to spread an infestation to a new location if the furniture is moved.
DAMPWOOD TERMITES
This species is generally larger than other termite species, and it is known for the claw-like mandibles that protrude from its head. The pests are creamy white or brown in color, and they measure between ½ and ⅝ of an inch long. They love moisture, and usually prefer to infest dead trees, logs, and other outdoor areas rather than homes. However, if you have cellulose based debris around your foundation, or if wooden structural members of your house make contact with the ground, dampwood termites may be attracted to your home.
CONEHEAD TERMITE
Appropriately named, this type of termite has a pointy, pear-shaped head. They typically have a cream body and a dark brown head and they are very small, measuring only 3 to 4 millimeters long. Conehead termites travel above ground like ants, build large nests up to 3 feet in diameter, and are one of the most aggressive species. Broward County currently has the highest population of conehead termites in the state.
CALL YOUR LOCAL TERMITE CONTROL EXPERTS!
Are you concerned that you have an active termite infestation in your home? Would you like to learn termite control tips to prevent an infestation from occurring? If so, help is just a phone call away. The experienced technicians at Palm Coast Pest Control have the skills and the knowledge to identify a termite infestation in its earliest stages, providing you with proactive termite control to protect your largest investment. We are also happy to provide you with tips on how to keep these troublesome pests out of your home.
Ready to get started? Give us a call at 800-819-PEST today, or request your free quote online now!
