TERMITES

Termite Facts

Termites generally swarm in the spring. It is important to get an annual termite inspection to prevent costly damage.

Termites also swarm in the late summer

One colony of Termites can contain an average of 3 million members. There have been documented cases where 70 million Termites have been found.

One colony of Termites can contain an average of 3 million members. There have been documented cases where 70 million Termites have been found. Termite colonies are often larger (and more damaging) in a home infestation than in nature.

Termites Photos

Termites

Termites

Termite Concerns for Florida Residents

Repair & Re-Treatment Guarantee

Truly Nolen is no stranger to Florida and the multitude of pests the state has to offer; after all, Florida is where it all began for our company nearly 75 years ago. Since then, we’ve perfected the science of termite control and extermination, and the knowledge and experience we’ve gained since then has led to our Total Termite Protection (TTP)plan, the industry’s most innovative and comprehensive termite protection and control plan available.

TTP protects homes from termite infestations in Florida with a layered approach that covers the home and property. From soil to roof, your property will be protected from these destructive pests.

Among the things Florida homeowners need to ensure their security, comfort, and peace of mind, termite control in Florida has become a necessity. Quality termite control, however, is always in demand; those that have it are Truly Nolen customers.

Termite Risks for Florida Homeowners

Florida homeowners that aren’t covered by a termite protection plan or a pest prevention plan are at a larger risk of a termite infestation than those in other parts of the country; Florida’s geography makes it ideal for a large number of pests that invite themselves into the 9 million homes that occupy the state. Although these pests range from annoying to disgusting, none are as notorious as the termite in Florida.

Four main species are most prevalent throughout the state of Florida, although smaller populations of other species are present. These termites, which include the Eastern Subterranean, Formosan Subterranean, Powderpost Drywood, and Florida Dampwood termite, each present their own challenges for Florida residents.

Termite concerns for Florida residents are plenty; these pests cost Florida homeowners more than $500 million each year.

Specific Areas of Termite Concern in Florida

Although Florida’s geographical features are mainly consistent throughout the state, the South Florida area is at an especially high risk of termite infestation; spanning as far north as West Palm Beach and as far South as Homestead, South Florida contains the majority of the state’s homes and population.

The following areas have the highest number of reported termite infestations in South Florida:

 

Termite Infestations in Miami, Florida

  • Aventura;

  • Coconut Creek;

  • Coral Gables;

  • Hialeah;

  • Homestead;

  • Miami Beach;

  • Miami Lakes;

  • North Miami;

 

Termite Infestations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • Boynton Beach;

  • Cooper City;

  • Coral Springs;

  • Dania Beach;

  • Davie;

  • Deerfield Beach;

  • Hallandale Beach;

  • Hollywood;

  • Lauderhill;

  • Sunrise;

  • Pompano Beach;

  • Pembroke Pines;

  • Weston;

 

Termite Infestations in West Palm Beach, Florida

  • Boca Raton;

  • Delray Beach;

  • Greenacres;

  • Jupiter;

  • Lake Worth;

  • Palm Beach Gardens;

  • Riviera Beach;

  • Royal Palm Beach;

  • Wellington;

Other than these cities in which termite infestations are most prevalent, homes currently being built in Florida are also susceptible to termite infestations; these homes are often surrounded by lumber and other wooden building materials that termites can easily access. When moving into one of these newly built communities, you should always ask for termite inspection information.

Recently, building codes have been established to ensure that building contractors are treating the worksite for termites to prevent them from entering incomplete homes and to keep them out once the project has been completed.

Older homes can also be a concern for termite infestation in Florida; historic districts can be found throughout the state, especially in Northern and Central Florida. In fact, much of Northern Florida was settled as early as 1565. These houses may have been renovated years since, but their older foundations are vulnerable to termites who can potentially destroy our state’s history.

 

Florida’s Termite Season: When Do Termites Swarm?

Although all termite species in Florida reproduce and form nests in the same way, they each choose a different time to swarm. These swarmer termites will fly until they find a location suitable for building a nest. Once they’ve found a comfortable home, the swarmer termites will shed their wings and begin building the next.

The Formosan Termite is particularly active during the spring, but tend to wait until the night hours to begin swarming.

The Dampwood Termite species stick to the cover of night to swarm, typically during the spring and summer months.

The Eastern Subterranean Termite favors daylight, swarming between the months of October and February.

The Powderpost Termite follows the example of the Eastern Subterranean Termite, swarming later in the year during daylight hours.

 

Spreading

Spreading is a specific termite concern for Florida residents; homeowners in Florida that look for termites themselves in an attempt to control them may end up worsening the situation. In fact, insurance companies generally advise homeowners to seek professional help if they suspect a termite infestation.

Eastern Subterranean termites, the most common type of termite found in Florida, are a great example of this. If a homeowner finds a nest of these termites and attempts to exterminate them, the termites will quickly flee the area, causing as many as 25,000 termites to spread throughout the home and property. If this happens, the infestation becomes that much harder to contain and may put neighboring homes at risk.

 

Power Failures

Another specific termite concern is actually mistakenly attributed to rodents—power failures. Formosan termites are a species of termite native to China, most likely imported through the numerous ports in the State. Although termites are mostly known to eat wood and other cellulose materials—especially in utility poles—Formosan termites also enjoy devouring electrical cabling.

If the presence of these pests is unknown, repair of your home’s electrical system may be costly, as it will be hard for the electrician to pinpoint the problem. Even worse, these frayed cables also present a risk of electrical fire in older homes and those that consume a lot of electricity.

 

Furniture

Interior decoration and furniture manufacturing is big in Florida; numerous multi-million dollar furniture manufacturers and retailers call the state home.

As such, the destruction of furniture has become a specific termite concern for Florida residents, who have reported an increase in damage to expensive furniture caused by Powderpost Drywood termites, or Cryptotermes Drywood termites. These termites aren’t very different from the other termites found in Florida, but aren’t afraid to venture further into a home and share a couch.

 

Landscaping

Homes in the rural areas of Northern and Central Florida often enjoy large properties that occupy acres of land! It’s difficult to find a home in any part of Florida without some kind of tree, plant, or garden. From mangoes to orange groves, Florida is home to an impressive array of agriculture.

The Florida Dampwood termite presents a specific termite concern for Florida residents—the trees, plants, and gardens in their yards are delicacies to these insects. Florida Dampwood termites can quickly kill plants and fruit-bearing trees, costing homeowners hundreds in landscaping costs to remove dead trees and plant new ones.

 

Adapting to Termite Concerns: Termite Control in Florida

Just like the internet and cable television, termite control in Florida has become a must-have for a homeowner’s comfort and peace of mind. Quality termite control, however, is always in demand; those that have it are Truly Nolen customers.

Protected by our Total Termite Protection (TTP) plan, Florida homeowners enjoy the industry’s most innovative and comprehensive termite protection plan. TTP protects homes from termite infestations in Florida with a layered approach that covers the home and property. From soil to roof, your property will be impervious to these destructive pests.

Our termite control services in Florida are guaranteed to protect your home. If you ever spot signs of termites after we’ve treated your home, we’ll gladly re-treat it and ensure the termites are gone. We’re the only company that stands by our termite control services with a signficant guarantee that protects qualified homes against damage from termites for up to $1 million.

To schedule a termite inspection or consult a termite control expert, contact your local Truly Nolen branch today!

Additional Information

Termites Video

Pest Guide: Subterranean Termites

Pest Guide: Drywood Termites