Termite Threats

Annually termites invade millions of homes causing billions of dollars in damage.  Their insatiable nature makes them search for any wood structure or product including not only your home but furniture, insulation and even books.  Their damage is so extensive it surpasses the combined damage done to homes from storms and fires.  Unfortunately termite damage is not as visible as firms or storms, many times going unobserved for long periods of time, and it can be substantially more costly to homeowners since the damage is seldom covered by insurance.

In the U.S. termites have been reported in all states but Alaska and are much more prevalent in warmer climates of the south.  Just one subterranean colony can contain thousands, sometimes millions of termites.  They are constantly searching for a food source and existing colonies can spread rapidly.  "Swarmers" are the reproductive termites that can be seen in early spring and summer looking to form a new colony in another location.

Termites need only a tiny gap in concrete, metal or mortar in order to enter your home.  They will construct air and moisture tight shelter tubes that lead from the soil to the wood in your home and these tubes have been detected in wires, along pipes and can also extend free of any support.  The workers are using these tubes as their "highways", traveling constantly back and forth between their colony in the soil to the food source (your house).

Drywood Termites

Another kind of termite that can pose a threat to your Florida home is the drywood termite.  This species of termite doesn't attack from the ground like subterranean termites, although they are capable of causing just as much damage.   Drywood termite colonies are relatively small in numbers (3,000 termites), are found inside the structures on which they feed, and require a specialized termite control treatment.

Often times in late spring and summer, you may detect mating pairs of drywood termites called swarmers.  Another way to detect their presence is if you come across frass (fecal matter) that looks similar to coffee grounds and has a gritty texture. Other indications you may have an infestation include damaged wood, swarmer bodies or wings or kick-out holes.

Click here to find out how the Nader's STEPS® Total Protection System can help protect your family and home from subterranean and drywood termites.