When it comes to protecting your home, you want to make sure you have proper pest control in West Palm Beach FL. With the numerous types of pests that can infest a home in South Florida, knowing how to identify pests, identify termites, and identify which type of termite you have is important before you have irreparable damage.
Florida termites can cause more financial harm than nearly almost any other pest, which is why it’s important to have a good termite control company. Florida Environmental Pest Management serves West Palm Beach and all of Florida for homeowners, landlords, and renters. We want to help you live a life free of insects and other pests so you don’t have to fight with them for control of your home.
How do I know what kind of termites have invaded my home?
Identifying the specific species of termite is difficult because there are thousands of different subspecies, but the main ones in South Florida can be easily identifiable. Look for the most common signs like color to guide you.
Identify Termites Body Shape And Colors:
The other big difference is body shape. Termites have one long segmented body without any small appendages attached as an ant does. Termites have two sets of legs on opposite sides, (six total legs) which allows them to move quickly.
Swarmers of each species vary somewhat in color:
- Drywood termites typically have red or brown bodies.
- Dampwood termites tend to be light yellow or tan.
- Similarly, Formosan termites are yellow-bodied, though they are distinguishable thanks to their slightly hairy wings.
- Carpenter ants are usually red, black, and brown
Termites’ wing colors vary by species, ranging from colorless, almost translucent, to gray or brown. The number of veins in wings is often a clue to the species. Drywood termites and most damp wood termites have front wings with three major veins, while subterranean, Formosan and some damp wood termites have front wings with two major veins.
Different Types of Termites In South Florida
When it comes to termites in South Florida, unfortunately, you have to contend with several different species of highly destructive termites. Three of the most common types that infest homes are:
- Native Subterranean Termites
- Formosan Subterranean Termites
- Asian Subterranean Termites
Native subterranean termites are the most common type that you will see in Florida. They are dark brown in color and about 0.3 inches long with wings. Formosan subterranean termites are relatively new to the area but no less damaging than other types. Asian subterranean termites are without a doubt the most damaging of the bunch. They are yellowish-brown in color, have hair on their wings, and are just over a half-inch long. They were not discovered in the area until 2001, but they are now one of the most common species around.
The full list of South Florida Termites
Subterranean Termites
NATIVE
Eastern Subterranean Termite
Cuban Subterranean Termite
INVASIVE
Formosan Subterranean Termites
Asian Subterranean Termites
West Indian Subterranean Termites
Drywood Termites
NATIVE
Florida Drywood Termite
INVASIVE
West Indian Dyrwood Termite
Western Drywood Termite
Dampwood Termites
NATIVE
Florida Dampwood Termite
Higher Termites
For a full list of termites in south Florida with pictures and identification help as well as behavior patterns, you can visit our termite database.
How many types of termites are there?
2,000. There are 2,000 different species of termite varying in shape, size, and behavior. Despite there being more than 2,000 types of termites, not all of them can be found in Florida. Because of this, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced West Palm Beach, Florida, exterminator from Florida Environmental Pest Management. Our team will be able to inspect your home and identify termites that have infested the property. After positively identifying the termite species, we will be able to provide you with the right termite treatment for eradication.
What is the worst type of termite to have?
How do termites nest?
Unfortunately for you, all of these termites are the kind that burrows underground. Native subterranean termites build rather large, long shelter tubes along the foundation of a building that allows for the colony’s population to have access to a food source above. Formosan subterranean termites are similar in how they nest but unlike other types of termites because they can infest multiple buildings at once. Asian subterranean termites build shelter tubes too but are more known for how they can swarm in force instead of their nesting habits.
What Kind Of Termites Are Most Common In Florida?
Different varieties of termites thrive in Florida’s hot and humid climate. Drywood termites, damp wood termites, and subterranean termites are the three principal varieties found in the state. There are many more types of termites which all have different behaviors and damages that they can cause. Termite control services can help to lessen the risk of damage caused by termites in Florida.
What Are Signs Of Termites In Florida?
The following are signs of termites infestation in Florida
- Termite droppings (frass)
- Damaged or hollow wood.
- Shed wings.
- Swarmer termites at home and environment
- Mud tubes around the structural foundation
- Blisters on wood floors.
- Cracked or bubbling paint.
- Small holes in drywall
When Do Termites Swarm In Florida?
There are many types of termites in Florida, and many of them have a different termite swarming season. We’ll go over all of the different termites and their behaviors below for Florida homeowners.
Are Drywood Termites A Problem In Florida?
The Florida Building Code does not mandate a prophylactic treatment for dry wood termites for new construction. Subterranean termite treatment is necessary. A dry wood termite infestation is more likely to occur in the state’s southern and coastal regions.
Do Most Homes In Florida Have Termites?
The damage that termites cause is more significant than that caused by combined floods, fires, and hurricanes. It’s hard to believe such a high number, but in Florida, there are typically between three and five termite colonies for every acre of land, so it’s not that strange.
How Do You Get Rid Of Termites In Florida?
While it is impossible to eliminate termites from the environment entirely, you can take steps to reduce the risk of establishing a colony in your house and taking control of any existing colonies in the area. It may be tempting to control termites on your own, but the prevention and treatment of termite infestations are best left to the experts.
How Can You Tell If There Are No More Termites?
It is possible to encounter mud tubes that are no longer in use. If you want to determine whether termites are still entering your home, break off a little section of the mud tube. If the tube is mended within a few days, termites are still there and utilizing the tunnels.
Looking for Pest Control West Palm Beach FL?
Have you been looking for more information about pest control in West Palm Beach FL? If so, contact us today. Florida Environmental Pest Management is here to make sure your home is pest-free and enjoyable for your entire family to live in. We understand how frustrating it is to see pests inside your home. We will identify termites and provide the proper treatment method to eradicate them from your home.
We offer environmentally friendly pest control solutions for the interior and exterior of your home. Our pest control solutions are safe for children and pets too. We just ask that your pets are secured in a room or crate when we enter the home to conduct service. You can let them out one hour after we have finished spraying the interior of the home.
Give us a call today at 561-708-4090 to schedule an appointment for termite treatment. If you are in need of routine pest control services, we offer plans for homeowners. We can visit your home monthly, quarterly, or twice a year based on your needs to spray our solution in an effort to protect your property from all types of pests in Florida. Don’t wait another minute. Eradicate bugs from your West Palm Beach home today.
