According to a study from the University of Florida, Central Florida and Polk County are home to eight different species of termites, with subterranean and drywood termites being the most common.
Places like Davenport, surrounded by fresh water and dense trees, are at a heightened risk for termites, as they provide all the perfect ingredients for an infestation.
On average, termites cause approximately $40 billion in annual property damage globally and are one of the most challenging pests to detect.
Since most homes in Central Florida are built with lumber frames and enjoy an incredible amount of rainfall annually, this makes for the perfect cocktail to attract cockroaches to your home.
If you suspect you may be dealing with a termite infestation in Davenport or want to educate yourself on the signs to check for a potential infestation, read on to learn more about what causes termites, how to identify them, and how to eliminate them.
Signs of Termite Activity in Central Florida
There’s a reason that termite inspections are one of the most popular inspections when buying a home. In many cases, termites can thrive for years in your basement, shed, or crawl space, chewing through the lumber frame before visible signs manifest.
One of the best ways to prevent a termite infestation is to identify the early signs of their presence. During the spring, be sure to look for swarmers–termites with wings that form colonies and reproduce.
Termites are generally ¼” to ½” in length with long brown bodies. The swarmers will have a pair of wings that distinguishes them from other insects, though they can sometimes be confused with flying ants.
In most cases, you won’t actually spot a termite infestation without cause to look for one. Instead, you’ll want to look for the following signs that could indicate a potential termite infestation.
- Mud tubes: These long, narrow tubes run along your foundation or walls to provide cover for worker termites to travel to and fro. Mud tubes are primarily a sign of subterranean termites, one of the most destructive species of termites.
- Discarded wings: These wings are often found near windows or doors and can indicate that a new termite colony has formed at your residence.
- Hollow-sounding wood: Buckling or hollow-sounding wood could indicate that the structural integrity of the wood has been compromised. Without any obvious sign of water intrusion or rot, you may be looking at termites.
- Frass: Contrary to popular belief, frass is not made of sawdust, but is actually termite droppings that resemble little pellets.
- Door or window frame damage: Doors that suddenly don’t close properly or windows that have separated from the frame could indicate termites, as well as other structural problems in your home.
While you’re free to investigate these signs on your own, a trained professional can give you a more accurate assessment of whether or not you’re dealing with termites.
Steps to Deal with an Active Termite Infestation
If you suspect you have a termite infestation, here are some steps and tips to try to eliminate termites and reclaim your home.
Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection
First and foremost, schedule a professional inspection to determine the source of an infestation and the damage that has been done.
Licensed inspectors have access to advanced tools like thermal imaging meters and have more knowledge of what signs to look for to spot an infestation. Your inspector can also identify the species of termite found, which will significantly influence the steps you take to eliminate the infestation.
Once identified, you’ll have a few options at your disposal to get rid of termites in your Central Florida home.
Use Liquid Termiticides for Fast Action
If you’re already facing an infestation, liquid termiticides provide a fast and aggressive treatment. These chemicals are applied to the soil around the foundation, creating a barrier that kills or repels termites.
In Polk County, where soil conditions and temperatures can vary, it is essential to hire an experienced company that understands how to treat local soil types and account for seasonal rainfall.
Some products can provide protection for up to 10 years when applied correctly and used as directed.
Install Liquid Bait Stations
Termite bait stations are a popular choice for long-term termite control in Central Florida. These devices contain slow-acting poison that worker termites carry back to their colony, gradually eliminating it.
These are generally more effective in eliminating termites, though they are considerably more expensive. When accounting for costs, you will only achieve marginal savings by investing in a bait station yourself, as opposed to hiring a professional.
Contact a Local Termite Expert
Of all the pests you don’t want to mess with on your own, termites certainly top the list. Not only can failing to treat an infestation on your own result in significant damage to your home, but you’ll spend hundreds of dollars more in the long run trying to treat the problem.
An experienced local termite control professional in Central Florida can provide a thorough inspection and treatment plan, along with continuous monitoring, that eliminates the problem and provides total peace of mind.
Prevention Tips to Help Deal with Termites
When in doubt, the best way to eliminate termites is to prevent them from infesting your property in the first place. Here are a few termite prevention tips that can help keep your home termite-free.
Eliminate Moisture Around Your Home
Termites are drawn to moisture, especially subterranean termites that build colonies in damp soil. Central Florida’s high humidity and summer storms exacerbate the issue, leaving homeowners more vulnerable to infestations.
To reduce moisture in and around the home, try the following steps:
- Fix leaky faucets and outdoor hoses.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home and are not clogged.
- Install proper drainage around the foundation.
- Use dehumidifiers in crawlspaces and basements.
Seal Cracks and Entryways
One way to prevent termites from infesting your home is to physically block their access. While it may sound difficult, it’s actually quite easy with the right tools at your disposal.
Use tools like weatherstripping, caulk, and spray foam to fill gaps and cracks in your foundation, siding, and where pipes enter the home. This will also block access for other pests like rodents, cockroaches, ants, and spiders.
Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact
One of the best tips we can offer is to minimize wood-to-soil contact in your yard and dispose of any soft or decaying wood.
Some added precautions we recommend include:
- Use concrete or metal supports under wooden decks and fences to limit contact.
- Keep mulch at least 12 inches away from your foundation.
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the home.
- Inspect wooden landscape timbers for signs of decay or tunneling.
While pressure-treated wood helps, it’s not foolproof—subterranean termites can still bypass it if conditions are right.
Schedule Annual Termite Monitoring
The most effective way to prevent and eliminate termites is to partner with a reputable local termite monitoring company. Using bait stations and quarterly inspections, a termite control company can help manage and eliminate any potential or existing termite issues you may encounter.
For complete termite control and relief in Central Florida, trust the experts at Green Behr. With over 11 years of experience treating termites in Central Florida, homeowners and businesses trust Green Behr for termite control in Davenport.
FAQs
What types of termites are common in Central Florida?
The most common types are subterranean termites (including the aggressive Formosan species) and drywood termites. Both can cause significant damage if left untreated.
How often should I get a termite inspection in Central Florida?
Once a year is recommended, but high-risk areas like Central Florida may benefit from more frequent checks—especially for older homes or properties with past infestations.
When is termite season in Davenport?
Termite season typically peaks in spring and summer, especially after rain. Swarmers (winged termites) are often seen during these warmer months.
