Florida is an excellent state to live in at the moment. A booming economy, strong values, and great weather are all on the short list of reasons why. And just one look at our beaches and nature can seal the deal. However, there are a few problems bubbling under the surface in Florida. Tampa termite control is something you’ll likely need at some point in your time as a Florida homeowner- so let’s discuss that today.
Tampa Termite Control- Are termites bad in Tampa Florida?
I won’t beat around the bush with this question. Yes, the termites in Florida are bad. And getting worse. Soon, termite swarming season will start. So it’s time for residents of central Florida to get ready to deal with them.
Termites are so bad in Florida, that we’re actually the worst state in the Union for termite damage. In fact, we’re the highest risk in the Nation even with Hawaii and Alaska included. Tampa and St Pete, and that entire central west coast area, are dense with many different kinds of termites. Particularly West Indian drywood termites- one of the most destructive species in the country.
Termites are a common problem in the state. And that’s mostly thanks to our warm and humid climate. We’re not the only ones who love the sun and warm weather, ya know! And if left unchecked termite species can cause havoc to your homes. Some infestations, if left untreated, can make your home unsafe to occupy. Termites cause an estimated five billion in damages in the United states. This includes homes, businesses, and other structures. In the housing market specifically, termites can cause significant damage to homes, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. The cost of termite damage in the housing market can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the extent of the damage.
So let’s get into the nitty gritty on what to expect from Florida termites.
Tampa Termite Control: What kind of termites live in Florida?
In Florida, we have multiple kinds of termites to contend with in our home defense battles. So let’s start off and go type-by-type.
Subterranean Termites
Termites, in nature, are a great way to help old and dead wood decompose. But in the real world they’re a massive financial burden. Subterranean termites are found throughout the United States, but are relatively scarce in the colder states. They occur in greater numbers in warm, southern states. However they exist in every state except Alaska. They are most common in the humid, subtropical south between Florida and Southern California.
Their life cycles differ depending on the species. Different rates of growth from egg stage to adult, depending on individual species; one primary queen per colony, which can lay tens of thousands of eggs in its lifetime, but eggs also can be laid by supplementary reproductives in an established colony.
Dampwood termite
Next up are the Dampwood termites. These are creamy-white to brownish pest insects that are found throughout the pacific coastal states, the entire south, and southern Florida.
As their name suggests, dampwood termites, are a termite species that infest damp and sometimes decaying wood with high moisture content. They are normally larger in size than other termite species, even though their colony sizes are among the smallest. Dampwood colonies are populated by three castes: the reproductives, soldiers, and nymphs.
Dampwood termites thrive in wood that’s rotten, moist, and very wet. You can find them in outlying building in sheds quite often. They’re also found in logs, stumps, dead trees, fence posts, and utility poles. Old firewood and compost piles are also common lodgings for this pest species.
Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termite colonies, have no worker caste. The nymphs take care of the kings and queens and feed the soldiers. Dampwood termites create a series of chambers in wood, which are connected by tunnels with smooth walls, as if sandpapered.
Drywood termites
And last on our list of termites that will have you needing Tampa termite control is the 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.
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.
Tampa Termite Control: How to get rid of termites
If you are dealing with a termite infestation, do not hesitate to contact a pest control specialist as soon as you can. This isn’t like an ant or cockroach infestation. These are serious, heavy duty pests that can destroy your home if left unchecked.
Instead of wasting time and money, visit us at insectfree.com. When you’re there, either call the number at the top right or fill out the pop-up on the home page for a free consultation today. Let Earth’s Best show you why we’ve been trusted with Tampa termite control for three decades!
