Termites bug pro florida treats wooddestroying termites through liquid applications or through monitoring and baiting systems termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Peak swarming periods for subterranean termites are from january through may in tampa, jacksonville, gainesville, and throughout florida. South florida termite identification guide termite facts. Subterranean termites are the most abundant variety and can be found. The signs of termite infestation florida pest control. These insatiable pests primarily feed on wood and will consume books. Termite terrys termite license exam preparation manual. Commonly, termites live in wooden structures, decayed trees, fallen timber, and soil. You can treat for termites yourself using professionalgrade termite sprays, termite insecticides, bait systems, and other termite control products. When termites swarm indoors, they will come out of walls or wooden construction baseboards, door frames, posts, etc.
According to the university of florida, termites are present in. Sodium chloride or more commonly known as salt is perhaps the easiest and quickest. Dampwood termites require constant moisture and prefer watersaturated wood. Termites are known as silent destroyers because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected for yearsdamage that isnt covered by most homeowners insurance policies. Peak swarming periods for subterranean termites are from january through may in.
In the case of the drywood termite, as its name indicates, it requires. Called a termite trail, it typically consists of termite feces, eggs, dead termites, and a powderlike. When subterranean termites eat wood, they fill it with soil to help maintain the humidity. Twentyone termite species were recorded in florida and among them at least six established were invasive species more than any other states, mostly due to the subtropical climate of. Swarming termites are attracted to light and are often found near windows, doors, vents and light fixtures. Termites will transport the poisoned bait back to their nest, where it will wipe out the. Dec 14, 2018 landlords are responsible for pestcontrol issues with a rental property, including a termite infestation. Types of termites termites are different from ants see above, ants on the left, termites on the right. Because of its population size and foraging range, the presence of formosan subterranean termite colonies poses serious threats to. They are commonly found infesting damp or decaying wood, logs, stumps, and dead trees, but will commonly attack structures exposed to moist soil and high humidity. The sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is a good indicator that there is an infestation nearby. Subterranean termites can be found in wood and compost piles around your home, in addition to the foundational wood. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline.
Subterranean termites build large colonies underground, which are composed of elaborate tunnels and chambers. Termites are small winged insects that live in colonies and feed on cellulose the fibers that make up wood. Whether there is evidence of a few termites or swarms of them, the landlord must take. There are some differences between ants and termites. Destructive super termites are swarming in south florida. Florida is relatively rich in termite species diversity compared to the rest of mainland u. Subterranean termites prefer softwoods, but may invade most species of wood. Worker termites then construct protective tunnels made of mud and saliva in order to reach aboveground wood. Termites are pests that eat wood, often damaging houses and buildings. Its no wonder termites also love miamidade, broward, palm beach and other south florida neighborhoods. These insatiable pests primarily feed on wood and will consume books, furniture and even the insulation in your walls. To get rid of termites, place termite bait stations around the perimeter of your home.
Landlords obligations with termites home guides sf gate. Drywood termites are often found in attics and require little moisture in the wood they eat. I have found a very effective and super cheap way to get rid of termites, and it is very safe. Reticulitermes flavipes, the eastern subterranean termite is the most common termite found in north america. Apr 01, 2020 drywood termites are found mostly in warm, coastal regions primarily california, texas, louisiana, florida, and georgia. The termite researchers at the university of florida ft. Dampwood termites generally stay close to the ground, but will choose moist, decaying wood anywhere it is found. They may also swarm to a lesser extent during the other months. Most termite damage is caused by subterranean underground termites, members of the family rhinotermitidae. So if you see dirt in the books or mud tubes leading to the books. Arizona, california, florida, georgia, nevada, new jersey, pennsylvania and texas.
This is a guide about getting rid of book eating termites. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the u. Termites feed on materials containing cellulose a component of plants. Whether there is evidence of a few termites or swarms of them, the. These are called exit holes and were created by worker termites. House foundations, furniture, shelves and even books. Termite types university of florida, institute of food. Many species of drywood termites live in the southern half of the united states, with a range extending from california to north carolina and southward. Asian subterranean termites are active yearround in florida with an increased level of activity in the spring months when they swarm to start new colonies. Many residents of florida, especially those living near the coast or in southern counties, will experience a drywood termite infestation in their home. The university of floridas institute of food and agricultural sciences is a great resource. Structural infestations of dampwood termites are associated with sources of free water, including woodtosoil contact, wood exposed to roof leaks, or wooden sidingdecoration exposed to rainfall or sprinklers.
They do not need soil contact in order to sustain themselves, but are commonly found in wood with ground contact. There are also several different types of termites, which can make figuring out which control method to use challenging. Learn more about termite habitats, lifecycles and more orkin. According to the university of florida, termites are present in every state in the u. The formosan and eastern subterranean termites are especially abundant in subtropical and tropical regions like southwest florida including naples, fort myers. In this article, you will find helpful information focusing on drywood and. If youre serious about a career in the termite control industry, this book will give you. The price for a termite control plan depends on the following conditions. Termites are among the worlds most destructive pests, causing more than a billion dollars in damage each year in the u. They primarily feed on wood, but can also damage paper, books, and insulation in your home or business structure. Pest control books corkys pest control and termite service. Now you might know everything about how to kill termites.
Liquid treatment of existing subterranean termite colony. Plus bonus practice exams and answer keys for each section of study. Subterranean termites florida pest control for homes. Mar 25, 2015 termites are among the worlds most destructive pests, causing more than a billion dollars in damage each year in the u. Peak swarming periods for subterranean termites occur from january through may in florida. Any wood near or in your home is a potential target for termites, and an unnoticed infestation can wreak havoc on your home in a small time period. House foundations, furniture, shelves and even books are all possible feeding sites for termites. Habitats vary among species as some termites require different amounts of moisture. Termites can damage the structural integrity of homes and must be dealt with properly to fully kill the colony and protect the home. Fortunately, with domyowns selection of termite control products, you can do your own termite treatment, saving time and money in the process. They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming.
Images of common termites found around the home to help you identify termite problems. Among these grounddwelling termites, the most common structural pests are the eastern, western, and formosan subterranean termites, who will happily eat. Termites leave behind an easytodecode track that tells a lot about the level of infestation. There are also several different types of termites, which can make figuring out which control method to use. These termites are the most economically important wood destroying insects in the united states and are classified as pests. Jun 05, 2018 a reliable way to prevent the termites from destroying a piece of furniture is to coat them with petroleum jelly. Worker termites are small, lightcolored insects that move quickly when. My beef with this book is mainly that in pest control and state license exams, their isnt just one book you can dive into that has it all, this book came somewhat close.
A termite swarm will last about 3040 minutes and the swarming termites will fly toward a light source, typically collecting around. A reliable way to prevent the termites from destroying a piece of furniture is to coat them with petroleum jelly. Within 20 to 30 years, you can have up to 50 colonies if left untreated. In fact, ufifas entomologists estimate subterranean termite activity will expand, meaning half the structures in south florida will be at risk of. A single colony of formosan subterranean termite may contain several million termites versus several hundred thousand termites for native subterranean termite species that forage up to 300 ft in soil figure 1. Formosan subterranean termite university of florida. There is a national guide and books for the following states. The three principal types of termites in florida are subterranean, which nest in. In fact, knowing the key differences between ants and termites is a good starting point for identification.
Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite infestation. Termite types university of florida, institute of food and. Landlords are responsible for pestcontrol issues with a rental property, including a termite infestation. With its warm, humid climate, florida makes a terrific home for termites of all kinds. Winged termites are often the first sign of a subterranean termite infestation. Dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content.
They feed on cellulose material such as the structural wood in buildings, wooden fixtures, paper, books, and cotton. Termites are very small and similar in size to ants, which often leads to confusion. Florida in the early 1970s, remained undetected until the rst reported record koehler 1980 in hallandale broward county, and has since been found in most urban localities throughout. Termites in the wood of homes or other buildings usually come from colonies already established in the soil. They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Termite control diy termite treatment products fast.
Lauderdale research and education center will identify your. A termite s mouth is capable of tearing pieces of woody material. They have bodies that are white in color as well as two antennas that stick out of the head. All termites feed on detritus dead plants and trees as well as dead parts of living trees, including wood. For example, if your table or chair is infested, you can take them out in sunlight and leave it for 23 days. After applying the jelly on the piece of wood put it out under the sun. Termites swarming in florida termite infestations in fl. Termites bug pro florida treats wooddestroying termites through liquid applications or through monitoring and baiting systems. As discussed earlier, sunlight is the most noncost effective way to kill termites. They feed on cellulose material such as the structural wood in buildings, wooden fixtures, paper, books. Florida dampwood termites are commonly found in tropical areas, in urban settings on the coast of florida and the florida keys. While native subterranean termite nests have members in the hundreds of thousands, formosan subterranean termite nests can have nests in the millions.
Florida is relatively rich in termite species diversity compared to the rest of mainland. Everything you need to know to pass a termite license exam on your first try. Just like wood, paper contains the nutrients that termites need. The pests are found in greater numbers in tropical regions where living conditions for termites is optimal. Unlike subterranean termites which require excess moisture, drywood termites spend almost their entire life cycle inside the sound, dry wood members upon which they feed. Subterranean termites can be found anywhere in the states. Examples of items that contain cellulose include paper products, books, lumber, wooden furniture, cardboard and cotton. Although wood is the main target for termites, they can also feast on books, papers, cardboard, and even pool filtration systems.
Seemingly seem to jump into wood destroying beetles. Frequently asked questions about termites terminix. Worker termites then construct protective tunnels made of mud and. Apr 18, 2019 the university of florida s institute of food and agricultural sciences is a great resource. Scientists in florida have tracked the development of a new hybrid. Examples of items that contain cellulose include paper products, books, lumber, wooden furniture, cardboard and. There are four basic groups of termite present in florida. Unlike some other types of termites, however, they dont need access to damp conditions. Everything you need to know about termites in tampa. Termites responsible for damage in florida include drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites. Both flying ants and termites swarm as part of the mating process. Termites will not only eat your wooden bookshelf, they will eat your books as well. Termites were once classified in a separate order from cockroaches, but recent phylogenetic studies indicate that they evolved from cockroaches, as sister to cryptocercus.
Drywood termites are slow eaters with 1,000 termites in a colony, su says. Termites like darkness and once exposed to light and heat can help in sweeping them off. Termites recycle wood products into the soil by feeding on cellulosethe main cell wall component of plantsand breaking it down. They primarily feed on wood, but can also damage paper, books. Learn about the types of termites in florida, and how to prevent them from establishing a colony in your home. Termites are eusocial insects that are classified at the taxonomic rank of infraorder isoptera, or as epifamily termitoidae within the cockroach order blattodea. Click the link below to download a free coloring book. Formosan subterranean termite nests are much larger than that of a native subterranean termite. Formosan termites are the most destructive species of termites in florida. In fact, termites are predicted to damage over 50% of south florida structures by 2040, according to university of florida researchers in a 2015 report. To protect themselves from drying out and predators, subterranean termites build mud tubes figure 6 that consist of soil, saliva, and excrement. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Supertermite could be even more destructive than parent.