Termite Identification

Subterranean Termites nest in the soil or damp wood to obtain moisture and protection due to their very thin cuticle (exoskeleton). They will actively seek wood in contact with the ground for food and protection and if necessary, create a mud tunnel to protect them in their quest for wood. These tunnels can be as long as 50-60 feet!

In addition to mud tunnels, Subterranean Termites can access wood via water or cracks in concrete. This is why you will often see termite damage around the walls of showers when remodeling or even in interior baseboards! Home maintenance is an important part of preventing termite damage. Stucco should not come in contact with the ground and if necessary cut to be 6-8 inches above grade. This will allow for early detection of mud tunnels.

Often, termite damage is not realized until it is extensive. We recommend performing an annual inspection of your home to eliminate any possible entry points. As a homeowner you can look and keep mulch from getting too high, caulk and seal any cracks or points of entry and keep any piles of wood away from your home.

The most aggressive and damaging termite found on the planet. These destructive termites live in huge colonies that can easily contain 10 Million individuals! Once they infest a structure they quickly cause damage that is not only expensive to repair, but can affect the structural integrity of the building.

Originally found only in South Florida they have been traveling further and further North and have made it to Brevard County Florida. A map of their documented locations can be found here. Sometimes confused with flying ants, the best way to tell them apart is by looking at their waists, as termites have broad waists and flying ants have narrow ones.

Not all treatments are options with these hostile and harmful termites. Because of the huge size of these colonies they will avoid any liquid treated soil and continue to infest and destroy. That is why we offer the most recommended and reliable solution for treatment. The Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System.

Drywood Termites do not need the soil or moisture to protect them. For this reason, they can infest any wood they come in contact with. Including furniture, cabinets and even picture frames. You may see their droppings (frass) in piles in or around your home which may feel like a dust pile that keeps coming back.

Drywood colonies are smaller however, multiple colonies can infest the same area at the same time. You will see “galleries” or long lines of missing wood in infested structures or items. You will rarely see a drywood termite in wood. However, you can find them swarming in late spring and summer.

Because drywood termites do not live in the soil for protection, liquid soil treatments will not prevent or kill them. Traditional treatments involve foaming the local area, removal of the infested wood or in heavily damaged structures, fumigation may be necessary.