Termites are a major problem in the Sunshine State, and that’s no secret to anyone who’s lived here. So let’s get into the nitty gritty of termite control in the state, and let’s talk about 2024 Tampa termites.
2024 Tampa Termites: why are termites a problem in Florida?
Termites are a common problem down here in the South. Why is that? Well, it mostly has to do with climate. Termites can breed and infest homes in Florida earlier in the year than in other parts of the country, and they can be active year-round. If left untreated, termites can cause significant damage to homes and other structures, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. According to a report by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage yearly in the United States.
In Florida, where termites are a common problem, the cost of termite damage in the housing market is estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars each year. This includes the cost of repairs and the loss of property value due to termite damage.
Florida has many species of termites, including subterranean, drywood, dampwood, and conehead termites. Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive type, while drywood termites are also common. Reproductive termites are the only flying termites in Florida, and they can fly to new locations to start new colonies.
common termite prevention tips.
Before we discuss the types of termites found in the Sunshine State, let’s discuss a few tips for keeping them out of your home.
- Remove wood debris from around the home. Termites are attracted to wood, so it’s important to remove any wood debris, such as fallen trees or branches, from around the home.
- Keep firewood away from the home. If you store firewood outside, keep it at least 20 feet away from the home to reduce the risk of termites.
- Fix leaks and moisture problems. Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to fix any leaks or moisture problems in and around the home.
- Seal cracks and openings. Termites can enter the home through small cracks and openings, so it’s important to seal these up to prevent entry.
- Install termite barriers. Termite barriers, such as metal mesh or sand barriers, can be installed around the foundation of the home to prevent termites from entering.
2024 Tampa Termites, what kind of termites are common in Florida?
formosan termites
Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite with three distinct castes: alates (or reproductive), soldiers, and workers. Often referred to as “super termites,” they are the most voracious, aggressive, and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science, chewing through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected.
Alates, or swarmers, are about 5/16 inch (14-15mm) in overall length, including their wings. Their bodies are pale yellow to brownish yellow in color. They have translucent wings that are densely covered with tiny hairs.
Formosan termite soldiers have heads that are rounded on the sides and tapered toward the front, whereas indigenous subterranean termites have rectangular heads. Their mandibles lack teeth.
Formosan termites have similar habits to those of eastern subterranean termites. They live in huge underground colonies with an average of 350,000 workers, invading structures using mud tubes constructed up from the soil to wood. Formosans may also establish secondary carton nests above ground if a substantial moisture supply is available. Carton nests are made of soil and wood cemented together with saliva and termite feces.
Formosan termite queens can produce more than 1,000 eggs per day. New colonies are created when winged termites, also known as swarmers, are released from the colony and swarm. Swarming usually occurs in the evening hours following a warm, rainy day in the late spring or early summer. A single colony of Formosan termites may release over 70,000 swarmers.
subterranean termites
Remember that included with 2024 Tampa termites is the Subterranean termites who have a voracious appetite and can cause significant damage to wooden structures – including your home. This species of termite builds tunnels (called mud tubes) in the soil beneath your property. These tunnels can branch upwards into any wood that makes contact with the soil, giving them potential access to your home. They can also build mudtubes from the soil, over concrete foundations, or through cracks in the foundation to access the wood in the house. Once a termite colony takes root, these relentless pests can chew through that wood to create more tunnels and feed on the cellulose found in wood, potentially compromising the structural integrity of a building.
The general characteristics of subterranean termites are:
- 1/8 to 1 inch in length
- Lightly colored (cream or beige)
- Six legs
- Some have wings (alates or swarmers)
- Two straight antennae
drywood termites
Drywood termites are not as destructive as subterranean termites in the nation but can still do substantial damage. Their colonies are typically found in dry wood, and evidence of an infestation usually includes discarded wings, feces, or frass (piles of sawdust created from their feeding). Like all termites, drywood termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood. The main difference with this species is that they do not go for soft, moist wood as most termites do. Instead, they eat across the grain of the wood, which can be very dangerous and damaging to structures.
Like most termites, drywood termites can be organized in a caste system containing reproductive and worker/soldier castes. Swarms are often seen, indicating an infestation.
Drywood termites are most common in warmer, tropical climates where winters are mild. These termites do not need moist soil or water to survive, unlike other termites. For that reason, they typically target wood that is above-ground, meaning infestations are often in higher levels of structures. They often enter homes through exposed wood or infested wooden furniture brought indoors.
2024 Tampa Termites: What to do if I find termites in my home?
First thing’s first, you need help. No layman can deal with a termite issue alone. As soon as you can visit our website at insectfree.com and fill out the popup on the page or call the listed number and let us show you why we’ve been trusted in the area for 30 years.
