Termite Treatments in Florida

Common Termite Species in Port Orange Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach

1 Subterranean Termites Reticulitermes and Coptotermes
Subterranean termites are found in the soil and build shelter tubes of mud and saliva to travel into and around buildings. Their colonies can be extremely large, sometimes with hundreds of thousands of members. The Formosan termite is one type of subterranean termite known for especially large and aggressive colonies. Subterranean termites can infiltrate a building from beneath the foundation, through cracks in concrete, or even up support piers.

2 Drywood Termites Cryptotermes and Incisitermes
Drywood termites do not need contact with soil. Instead, they infest wooden structures such as framing timbers, furniture, or door and window frames, excavating galleries inside the wood. Their colonies are typically smaller than subterranean groups, but they are no less destructive. Drywood termite infestations can remain hidden for a long period because they feed deep inside beams and push out only tiny piles of pellet like waste.

3 Dampwood Termites Neotermes
These termites prefer moist or rotting wood. They are often found in logs, stumps, or wet structural areas caused by leaks. Dampwood termites are less common in well maintained homes, yet they can still become a problem if a hidden water leak or standing moisture softens wood.

Telltale Signs of a Termite Infestation

1 Swarms of Winged Termites
During mating season, reproductive termites known as alates swarm out of the colony to find new nesting sites. You may see these swarms near light fixtures, doors, or windows. After flying, they shed their wings, leaving small translucent wings on windowsills or floors. Seeing swarmers or piles of wings is often an early and clear sign of termite activity.

2 Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to protect themselves while traveling between the nest and the food source. These narrow earthen tubes appear along foundation walls, crawl spaces, and support piers. If you discover pencil thin tubes clinging to surfaces, it indicates a strong likelihood of active termite foraging.

3 Hollow Wood When Tapped
Termites eat wood from the inside out, which can leave the surface looking normal even though the interior has been hollowed out. Tapping or probing wood that seems suspicious might reveal a hollow sound or sudden give that exposes termite tunnels.

4 Frass or Fecal Pellets
Drywood termites produce small pellet-like droppings called frass. These pellets often gather beneath infested wood, sometimes forming little piles resembling sawdust. Discovering these piles near door frames, baseboards, or windows is a sign that drywood termites might be inside.

5 Warped Paint or Bubbling Surfaces
If termites tunnel close to the surface of wood, the paint or wallpaper can bubble or blister. Sometimes this resembles water damage, but further investigation might show termite galleries underneath. A professional inspection can help distinguish between termite damage and other issues such as mold or structural settling.

Potential Harm and Risks

1 Weakening Structural Support
Termites feed on cellulose, causing gradual weakening of beams, joists, and floors. If left undiscovered, major portions of a building can become compromised. Early detection and termite control help keep the damage from escalating into a serious safety concern.

2 Expensive Repairs
When termite damage is extensive, repairs to framing, drywall, or cabinetry can be substantial. For example, replacing wood that has been eaten from the inside can require partial demolition and rebuilding. Identifying and treating termite problems promptly is an effective way to avoid these costly fixes.

3 Lowered Property Value
A history of termite problems can deter potential buyers and reduce the resale value of a home or commercial property. Termite related disclosures are often required during real estate transactions. Addressing infestations and showing proof of regular termite inspections help maintain a better reputation and sustained property value.

4 Ongoing Disruption
Large termite infestations can interfere with normal living or business operations. Treatment methods like fumigation sometimes require occupants to vacate the property for a certain period, and structural repairs can be disruptive. By detecting infestations early and scheduling less invasive treatments, property owners can avoid bigger headaches later.