Learn more about termite season in Florida.
If you’ve never had to deal with termites or termite control before, consider yourself very lucky. After all, these wood-eating insects can cause severe damage to the structure of your home, especially if they’re left untreated for a long period of time.
Many homeowners are not aware of termites and the dangers of an infestation until it’s too late. Some of you reading this may even be asking yourself, when is termite season in Florida? That’s a good question, so let’s look into that a bit and then explain the signs of an infestation and how to prevent one.
When Is Termite Season in Florida?
Although termites don’t hibernate during the winter season, most are relatively inactive because of the colder weather. Of course, given that it’s Florida we’re talking about, warm weather can be quite sporadic throughout the year which means an infestation may occur at any time. To give you an idea of when termite season occurs, here is a quick rundown of when you’re most likely to see termites:
- Eastern subterranean — October to February
- Dark southeastern subterranean — March to June
- Light southeastern subterranean — December to April
- Formosan — late spring
- Tropical rough-headed dry wood — April to July
- Tropical smooth-headed dry wood — all year, but mostly March and May
- Western dry wood — all year except December
- Southeastern dry wood — typically in the spring
- Neotermes castaneus (damp wood) — late fall or early winter
- Neotermes jouteli (damp wood) — late spring or summer
- Neotermes luykxi (damp wood) — late spring or summer
What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?
Organic pest control experts can perform a survey of your home or business, but there are a few different signs that you can look for yourself. Take a look around your home and call a professional immediately if you notice any of these indications of a termite presence:
Wood Damage
This one should be obvious. Since termites typically eat wood from the inside out, then a hollow sound when you tap on a wooden object is a big indication of an infestation. You may also find pieces of wood “blistering.”
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites will construct mud tubes that provide them with a source of moisture as they travel between their colony and the wood. These will typically be found close to a home’s foundation.
Termite Droppings
Known as frass, termite droppings look like wood-colored pellets. These can often be found in a small pile, which means that they’re not too difficult to spot.
How Can You Prevent Termites?
If you discover that your home or business doesn’t have termites or you’ve recently had a professional clear out an infestation, you need to consider future prevention. Here are a few quick techniques that will reduce your chances of having a problem with termite colonies.
Remove Non-Living Wood
Any non-living wood, including dead trees and firewood, will attract termites on your property. Once they’ve feasted on these appetizers, these destructive critters will then make your house their main course. Remove any non-living wood from near your structure.
Remove Standing Water
Standing water around your home or business will attract many different types of insects, including termites. Whether due to recent rain or perhaps a leak somewhere, remove any standing water four sources of water whenever possible.
Seal Common Entry Points
Termites get in through small gaps and holes in your structure’s foundation and walls. Either perform a thorough inspection yourself or hire a professional and then seal any vulnerable entry points that you discover.
Contact Prohealth Pest Control for Termite Removal
When is termite season a concern for your home or business? The experts at Prohealth Pest Control can help you determine if your property is experiencing an infestation and how to prevent future problems. We’re also experts in rodent, wasp, ant, spider, and bed bug control in Clearwater. To learn more about our residential or commercial pest control services call (727) 308-3470 today to schedule a no-cost consultation.
