Termite Prevention Tips

Just because you’ve never seen termites, it doesn’t mean your home is termite-free. Subterranean termites live in underground colonies and their tunnels penetrate as deep as nine feet into the earth. Termites can enter your home through gaps as small as 1/32 of an inch. Once inside, termites rarely break through the surface of the wood, hollowing it out from the inside. Structural damage may be totally hidden from view.

Yes! Termites are responsible for an estimated $5 billion of damage each year in the United States. Preventive termite programs can resolve hidden infestations and prevent future problems and are offered at a cost savings, adding to the value of the program.

Termite swarmers sometimes alert homeowners to an infestation, however it may take up to four years for a colony to produce swarms. Swarms generally last for less than an hour once a year. Mud tubes leading up from the ground are another indication of an active infestation. These are generally located along the foundation of a building. Finally, wood damage may be an indication of an active infestation, depending on its location and the presence of live termites.

Yes, drywood termites, including C. brevis and I. minor, are different than subterranean termites. Cryptotermes brevis is the most widespread drywood termite in the tropics worldwide and is common throughout Florida. Drywood termites live entirely within the wood members they infest. Curative treatment methods include fumigation and spot treatments, depending on the infestation. Wood replacement is another option if the infestation is isolated to a wood member that may be easily replaced.