Where do termites usually reside on your property?

Fewer insects are more of a nuisance to homeowners than termites. If you experience a termite infestation and don’t get these wood-eating insects removed from your property right away, then you could be looking at thousands of dollars worth of damage. People trying to determine if these pests have invaded their home will often ask us, “Where do termites live on our property during an infestation?” Today, we’re going to take a look at the two termite species commonly found in Florida and explain where they’re likely to be found and what signs to look out for.

Where Do Drywood Termites Live?

As the name suggests, drywood termites live in habitats made of dry wood. They often move into a home by hitching a ride on furniture or firewood. Drywood termites don’t need to have contact with the soil, which means they’ll often live deep inside your home, especially in your attic, wood framing, and doors. Since they can live so deep, they’re often difficult to locate without professional help.

Where do Subterranean Termites Live? 

Subterranean termites also keep out of sight, but they require damp soil for their colony to survive. Although they can cause the same type of damage to your property as drywood termites, you’ll often find them in areas away from your home wherever soil, moisture, and wood are plentiful. In fact, they’re very commonly found in old tree stumps or fallen branches in your front yard or backyard.

Common Warning Signs of Termites

In most Florida homes, you have the chance of getting either drywood or subterranean termites. If you catch an infestation early, the property damage may be insignificant. To help you out, here are some of the most common warning signs of termites that you may find:

Actual Termites

It should go without saying that finding actual termites, whether dead or alive, will immediately indicate a potential infestation. You may also discover what’s known as “swarmers,” which are adult, reproductive termites with wings. If you see any without wings, these are the colony’s soldiers. It’s not too common to find an actual termite specimen, but it’s something to watch for.

Termite Wings

It may be uncommon to find actual termites, but you may definitely see discarded wings around your home. These can often be found on windowsills, near indoor lights, or even in spider webs. Unfortunately, discarded wings will typically mean that an infestation is already in play. Therefore, if you find any, you need to call a professional exterminator right away.

Damaged Walls

When a termite infestation has taken hold, homeowners often discover damaged walls. Perhaps you’ve noticed paint or wallpaper that’s started to bubble or peel. Or perhaps when you knock on a part of the wall, you’re greeted with a hollow sound. This can sometimes indicate severe structural damage, so you should get the house inspected for termites as soon as possible.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites have a unique way of moving around your property known as “mud tubes.” Made from wood particles, soil, and termite feces, mud tubes provide a conduit from the colony to a variety of food and water sources. They’re often the reason why you’ll notice that the paint on your walls is either uneven or has bubbles.

Damaged Wood

Termites will eat practically any type of wood that they come across, so you may see evidence in a variety of wooden structures. For example, if you have a wooden shed or any similar structure in your backyard, you’ll want to check it for termites. Same goes with firewood, tree branches, tree trunks, etc. If you find any damaged wood anywhere on your property, then you need to have your entire home checked.

Stuck Doors/Windows

Many people don’t even consider the fact that doors or windows that have become stuck may be an indication of a termite infestation. This is because termites eating the wood inside or near your doors or windows can cause warping.There can be other causes, of course, but if you notice that something’s become stuck, look around for other evidence of termites.

ProHealth Pest Control can provide you with effective, organic termite control

Now that you’ve learned where termites live and the warning signs to watch for, you can better protect yourself against an infestation. ProHealth Pest Control can provide you with a thorough termite inspection and treatment, as needed. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, reach out to us at (727) 308-3470 today.