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Subterranean termites are one of the most destructive pests in Florida, capable of causing significant damage to homes over time. Often called “silent destroyers,” they can go unnoticed for years while they eat away at the structural integrity of a property.

At Dave’s Pest Control, we understand the severity of this threat, and our team is dedicated to protecting your home from these hidden invaders. Through our professional services, including the use of Sentricon termite bait stations and annual inspections, we help ensure that your home stays termite-free and secure.

The Threat of Subterranean Termites in Florida

Florida’s warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for subterranean termites to thrive. These termites are a major threat to homes throughout the state, and because they live underground, their presence is often hard to detect until significant damage has occurred. Each year, homeowners in Florida discover termite damage totaling millions of dollars—estimates place the figure at over $500 million annually. The damage caused by subterranean termites can affect the foundation, walls, and wooden structures in a home, compromising its stability and safety.

Subterranean termites feed on cellulose, a primary component of wood, which is why homes built with any wood framing, beams, or flooring are especially vulnerable. Unfortunately, the damage they cause may not be visible for years. Homeowners might first notice signs of termite damage when floors start sagging, walls buckle, or doors become difficult to open. The wood they infest is often hollowed out, with a honeycomb-like structure inside, and you may find mud tubes—thin, dirt-filled tunnels that termites build to move from the soil to your home.

The Different Types of Termites in Florida and Their Destructive Impact

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it the perfect environment for termites to thrive, making the Sunshine State one of the most termite-prone areas in the United States.

These silent invaders are responsible for causing significant structural damage to homes and buildings, with an estimated $500 million in damages each year across the state. Florida is home to several types of termites, each with unique behaviors and nesting habits.

In this blog, we will explore the main types of termites found in Florida—subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites—and the threat they pose to properties.

 

1. Subterranean Termites: The Most Destructive

Of all the termite species in Florida, subterranean termites are the most common and the most destructive. These termites live underground in large colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands. Subterranean termites build intricate tunnels, called mud tubes, to travel between their underground nests and food sources, which are often wooden structures in homes. Their preference for moist environments makes them particularly dangerous to homes in Florida, where humidity is high year-round.

There are two major types of subterranean termites in Florida:

• Eastern subterranean termites are found throughout the state and are responsible for the majority of termite damage. These termites are known for their ability to rapidly consume large amounts of wood, hollowing out support beams and flooring, which can lead to structural collapse if left unchecked.
• Formosan subterranean termites are considered even more aggressive and destructive than their eastern counterparts. Originally from Asia, Formosan termites have established themselves in Florida and can cause extensive damage in a shorter period due to the sheer size of their colonies, which can reach over a million members. These termites are known to eat not only wood but also other materials like insulation and plastic.

Subterranean termites account for the majority of the $500 million in annual termite damage in Florida, often going undetected for years as they tunnel beneath homes and slowly consume wood from the inside out.

2. Drywood Termites: Small, Silent Destroyers

Drywood termites are another major threat to Florida homes. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need contact with soil to survive. Instead, they live directly inside the wood they are feeding on, making them especially difficult to detect. Drywood termites can infest a wide variety of wooden structures, including furniture, walls, and even attic beams.

Drywood termites typically enter homes through small cracks and crevices, swarming during the warmer months to establish new colonies. They leave behind tiny pellets, known as frass, which is one of the telltale signs of their presence. These termites cause significant damage over time as they burrow into wooden structures, weakening them from the inside. The most common drywood termite species in Florida are the West Indian drywood termite and the Southeastern drywood termite.

Although drywood termites cause less damage than subterranean termites, they still represent a serious risk to homes, especially in coastal areas where they are more prevalent.

3. Dampwood Termites: Preferring Moisture

Dampwood termites, as their name suggests, prefer wood with a high moisture content. These termites are less common in residential settings than subterranean and drywood termites but are often found in decaying wood near water sources, such as tree stumps, rotting logs, and even in homes with persistent moisture issues.

Dampwood termites are larger than other termite species and are less likely to cause widespread structural damage because they require high humidity levels. However, if they infest homes with plumbing leaks or water damage, they can still cause significant destruction. The Florida dampwood termite is the primary species found in the state, usually confined to areas with heavy rainfall or near bodies of water.

The Financial Toll of Termite Damage in Florida

Termites are responsible for immense financial losses in Florida, with homeowners and businesses spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year on termite control and repairs. The estimated $500 million in annual damage is a staggering figure that underscores the importance of preventative measures and timely intervention. Termite damage often goes unnoticed until it has progressed to an advanced stage, leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided with early detection.

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive, responsible for the majority of this financial burden. Their ability to tunnel underground and reach wood hidden within the structure of homes makes them particularly dangerous. Drywood termites, though less aggressive, also contribute significantly to the total damage, especially in older homes with untreated or exposed wood. Dampwood termites cause localized damage, particularly in areas with moisture problems.

Preventing and Managing Termite Infestations

Due to the widespread threat posed by termites, especially in Florida, it is crucial for homeowners to take preventative measures to protect their properties. Professional pest control services, like those offered by Dave’s Pest Control, provide effective termite management through annual inspections and termite baiting systems such as Sentricon. These systems are designed to eliminate termite colonies by using bait that workers carry back to the colony, eventually killing off the queen and preventing future infestations.

In addition to professional treatments, homeowners can reduce the risk of termites by addressing moisture problems, sealing cracks and openings in their homes, and avoiding storing wood near the foundation.

Termites are a persistent and costly problem for Florida homeowners, with subterranean, dampwood, and drywood termites posing different levels of risk. Subterranean termites, especially the Formosan species, are the most destructive, causing the bulk of the estimated $500 million in damage each year. Drywood and dampwood termites, while less aggressive, still present a significant threat to homes, particularly those in humid or coastal areas.

Through professional pest control services, regular inspections, and preventative measures, homeowners can safeguard their properties from the devastating effects of termites. In a state like Florida, where termites thrive, staying proactive is the key to preventing costly damage and ensuring the long-term protection of your home.

The Termite Life Cycle: A Hidden Menace

Subterranean termites live in large colonies that can contain hundreds of thousands of individuals, all working together in a caste system. The termite life cycle consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. After mating, termite queens lay eggs that hatch into nymphs. These nymphs can grow into one of three different castes—workers, soldiers, or reproductives—each with a specific role in the colony.

• Workers are responsible for foraging for food, feeding the colony, and maintaining the nest.
• Soldiers defend the colony from threats such as ants.
• Reproductives, including the queen and king, ensure the colony’s growth and survival. Once a year, winged termites called alates leave the colony to establish new nests, a process known as swarming.

These swarms are a common sign that termites are present nearby, but they often go unnoticed because they are brief and sometimes occur during the night.

Dave’s Pest Control and Sentricon: Defending Your Home

At Dave’s Pest Control, we take termite protection seriously. One of our most effective methods for defending homes against subterranean termites is the use of Sentricon termite bait stations.

Sentricon is a scientifically advanced system that targets the entire termite colony. The bait stations are strategically placed around your home, where worker termites discover the bait and bring it back to the colony. The active ingredient in the bait disrupts the termites’ ability to grow and reproduce, eventually leading to the death of the entire colony, including the queen.

Unlike traditional liquid barrier treatments, Sentricon offers a long-term solution that doesn’t require drilling or trenching around your home. The system is safe for families and pets while being highly effective at eliminating termites. Dave’s Pest Control professionals monitor these bait stations regularly to ensure they remain effective in protecting your home from new termite infestations.

Annual Inspections: Proactive Protection

As part of our comprehensive termite control services, we also conduct annual inspections of your property to check for any signs of subterranean termites. Our trained technicians look for telltale signs such as mud tubes, damaged wood, and evidence of swarming. Early detection is key to preventing extensive damage, and our inspections give homeowners peace of mind that their home is being thoroughly checked for potential termite activity.

What Termite Damage Looks Like

Termite damage can be subtle in the beginning, but over time, it becomes more pronounced. Inside the wood, termites leave behind hollow tunnels that can weaken support beams, floors, and walls. Externally, you might see blistering in wood, small holes, or buckling paint. In advanced cases, structures can start to sag or lean, which is a sign of severe infestation. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly and have a professional assessment to prevent further deterioration.

The Financial Impact of Termite Damage

Subterranean termite damage is not just a nuisance—it can be a financial disaster for homeowners. In Florida alone, the cost of repairing termite damage and controlling infestations exceeds $500 million annually. Because homeowners’ insurance policies often don’t cover termite damage, it’s essential to invest in termite prevention and protection services.

At Dave’s Pest Control, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home from termites, which is why we offer a range of services tailored to meet your needs.

Our termite protection plans, combined with our lawn and shrub services, ensure that your entire property is well-maintained and free of damaging pests.

Convenient Access with Our Online Portal

To make your experience with us even more convenient, we offer an online customer portal. Through this portal, you can easily manage your account, view your service history, access payment options, and schedule appointments—all from the comfort of your home.

Why wait?

Subterranean termites are a serious threat to homes in Florida, but with the help of Dave’s Pest Control and the Sentricon termite bait system, you can protect your home from costly damage. Our annual inspections, professional services, and customer portal make it easier than ever to keep your home safe. Thank you for trusting us with your pest control needs—we’re committed to providing you with the best exterminator service in Port Orange, Lakeland, Orlando, Winter Park, Pembroke Pines, Weston and other areas of central and south Florida.

Termites are the pests that causes billion dollars of damage to the properties of homeowners in Florida. Baby termites, also known as larvae or “nymphs” are the backbone of a healthy colony. Learning about how they develop and what they do in a termite colony can help you understand how infestations begin and spread. 

In this article, we’ll explore the lifecycle, behavior, and signs of baby termites to have you a better idea about how termites grow and infest.

Understanding the Lifecycle of Termites

Lifecycle of termites begin with the eggs through which baby termites are born. They have a highly organized social order like that of ants.

The termite lifecycle includes three stages:

1. Egg: The queen termite lays thousands of eggs, which then hatch into larvae.
2. Nymph: After hatching, baby termites undergo several molts before maturing into various roles.
3. Workers, Soldiers, or Reproductive: As termites mature, they are assigned different roles in the colony based on the needs of the colony.

Baby termites are vital to this process because they eventually grow into one of these three distinct castes; workers, soldiers, or reproductive termites, each with its own function.

What Do Baby Termites Look Like?

The most common question asked about these termites is, “What do baby termites look like?” They are small, and pale in color, often translucent white or creamy and have a soft-bodied shape.

Characteristics of baby termites:

• Size: Very small, about 1–2 mm in length.
• Color: White to pale cream, with a translucent body.
• Shape: Soft-bodied with a somewhat segmented appearance.

The appearance of baby termites can easily be confused with other larvae, like those of ants or other wood-destroying insects, so proper identification is necessary when diagnosing a potential termite infestation.

 

The Role of Larvae in a Colony

Larvae play an important role as they classified into three main groups when they grow. Each group has their own responsibilities:

1. Workers:
   Most baby termites grow into worker termites and are responsible for food, feeding of other termites and building the complex tunnel systems termites are known for. They also care for the queen, soldiers, and other baby termites, making sure the colony stays well-fed and healthy.
2. Soldiers:
   A smaller number of baby termites become soldiers. As the name predicts, their job is to defend the colony, especially from predators like ants. With their large, strong jaws, soldiers are equipped to protect the colony from threats.
3. Reproductive:
   Some baby termites develop into reproductive termites. They are responsible for the growth of termites and their life cycle. These termites leave the colony during a “swarming” event to pair up and start new colonies as future kings and queens.

How to Identify Baby Termites

Baby termites can be difficult to identify due to their small size and similarity to other insects like ants. But, lets figure out how can we try to identify them:

• Size: Baby termites are incredibly small, often less than 1/8 inch in length.
• Color: They are pale, often translucent white or creamy-colored, making them blend into their environment, especially in wood or soil.
• Shape: Baby termites have a soft, segmented body with six legs and straight antennae. They lack the pigmentation and hardened exoskeleton that is present in adults.
• Habitat: You are most likely to spot baby termites near moist wood or soil, as these areas provide them with both food and shelter.

If you see tiny white insects crawling near wood or in dark, humid areas of your home, you may be dealing with larvae or nymph, and you need to call a professional termite inspection team to get rid of these termites before they damage.

What Do Baby Termites Eat?

Baby termites have a diet consisting of cellulose, an organic compound found in wood, paper, and other plant-based materials. However, they are not capable of digesting cellulose on their own. Instead, they rely on older termites, usually workers, to feed them. Workers pass partially digested cellulose to baby termites through a process called trophallaxis.

This mutual feeding system ensures that even the youngest members of the termite colony receive the nutrients they need to grow and eventually contribute to the colony.

Common Foods Larvae Feed On:

• Wood from structures, trees, or fallen logs
• Paper products like books, cardboard, and wallpaper
• Cotton and other plant fibers
• Dead plant materials in the soil

Signs of Baby Termites in Your Home

Termite infestations are often hard to detect, especially when it comes to larvae or nymph. However, there are several signs to look out for that could indicate the presence of an active termite colony:

1. Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes as a means of travel and protection from predators. These can often be found along walls, floors, or foundation areas.
2. Damaged Wood: If you notice hollow-sounding wood, it could be a sign of termites feeding from the inside out.
3. Droppings: Termite droppings, also known as frass, are small, pellet-shaped excrement that termites leave behind after eating wood.
4. Swarming Termites: If you see winged termites, it’s a sign that a mature colony is present. These termites often swarm in spring or early summer, after heavy rainfall.

Preventing a Termite Infestation

How can we prevent termite infestation in our home? It is the common question, that residents of Florida search for. Let’s look into some of the steps we can take to prevent these infestations.

• Remove Wood Debris: Ensure that there is no decaying wood, fallen trees, or excess firewood near your home.
• Seal Cracks in Foundation: Termites can enter through even the smallest cracks in your home’s foundation, so seal any gaps or openings.
• Maintain Proper Drainage: Keep your gutters clean and direct water away from the foundation of your home to avoid moisture buildup.
• Keep Wood Away from Soil: Try to keep any wooden structures, like fences or decks, elevated from the soil to prevent termites from accessing them.

Pest Control for Baby Termites

If you suspect you have larvae or a termite infestation, it’s recommended to contact a professional termite control service immediately. Dave’s pest control has been offering pest control service in Lakeland, Orlando, Daytona, Davenport, Kissimmee, Delray Beach and other areas of Florida so if you are based in central or south Florida, get a free estimate from us today.

Drywood termites are a formidable pest that can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, furniture, and other cellulose-based materials. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termites do not require contact with soil and can thrive in dry, sound wood.

Let’s take a deep dive into the biology, behavior, and lifecycle of drywood termites, their swarming characteristics, the damage they inflict, and strategies for prevention and control.

Swarming Characteristics and Timing

Drywood termites exhibit swarming behavior, which is a key part of their reproductive cycle. Swarming typically occurs during warm months, often in late spring through early fall, with peak activity in late summer. Swarmer, also known as alates, are winged reproductive termites that leave their colony to mate and establish new colonies. This dispersal flight usually happens during the day, particularly after a rainstorm when the air is humid and temperatures are favorable.

Appearance

Drywood termite alates are distinguishable by their appearance:

• Color: They range from light brown to dark brown.
• Size: Alates are about 1/2 inch long, including their wings.
• Wings: They have two pairs of long, equal-length wings with a distinctive vein pattern, which they shed shortly after swarming.

Workers and soldiers, which remain within the colony, are smaller and less conspicuous:

• Workers: Creamy white to light brown and wingless, about 1/4 inch long.
• Soldiers: Similar in size to workers but have large, dark mandibles and elongated, darker heads.

Lifecycle and Metamorphosis of Drywood Termites

Drywood termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis, consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

1. Egg: Laid by the queen within the wood, these hatch into nymphs.
2. Nymph: These immature termites molt multiple times, gradually increasing in size. Nymphs can develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductives (alates) depending on the colony’s needs.
3. Adult: Mature nymphs transform into either winged alates or specialized soldiers and workers. Alates eventually leave the colony to swarm, mate, and establish new colonies.

Habitat and Distribution in Florida

Drywood termites are prevalent in warm, coastal regions where the climate is conducive to their survival. In Florida, they are most commonly found in:

• Coastal Areas: Particularly in South Florida, where the warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions.
• Urban Areas: Infestations are frequently reported in older, wooden buildings that offer ample food sources and shelter.

Damage Characteristics

Damage caused by drywood termites can be severe, often going unnoticed until it becomes extensive. Signs of damage include:

• Hollowed Wood: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer on the surface. Affected wood sounds hollow when tapped.
• Frass: This is the term for termite droppings, which resemble small, hard pellets and are often found in piles beneath infested wood. Frass can vary in color, ranging from light beige to dark brown, depending on the type of wood consumed.
• Galleries: Internal tunnels within the wood, which are smooth and clean, indicating termite activity.

Preventing and Controlling Drywood Termites

Preventing drywood termite infestations involves several proactive measures:

• Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of wooden structures, particularly in attics, eaves, and other vulnerable areas.
• Sealing Cracks: Seal cracks and crevices in wooden structures to prevent termites from gaining entry.
• Reducing Wood Contact: Ensure that wood is not in direct contact with soil or exposed to moisture.

If an infestation is suspected or confirmed, professional pest control is essential. Treatment options include:

• Fumigation: This involves enclosing the structure and releasing a gas that penetrates wood to kill termites.
• Localized Treatments: Spot treatments with insecticides can target specific infested areas.
• Wood Treatments: Applying borate-based products to wood can help prevent termite infestations.

As you can see, Drywood termites are a significant pest that poses a serious threat to wooden structures in Florida. Their ability to live within and consume dry wood, coupled with their elusive nature, makes them a challenging adversary. Understanding their biology, behavior, and signs of infestation is crucial for effective prevention and control. Regular inspections, proactive measures, and professional pest control services are essential to protect homes and properties from the destructive impact of drywood termites.

Spot Treatments: A Targeted Approach

Spot treatments are a localized method of termite control that targets specific areas of infestation. Professional pest control companies use a variety of techniques to effectively treat drywood termite infestations:

Identification and Inspection:

• • Visual Inspection: Trained professionals conduct thorough visual inspections to identify signs of termite activity, such as frass, kick-out holes, and damaged wood.
  • Detection Tools: Advanced tools like moisture meters, infrared cameras, and acoustic devices help locate termite colonies within the wood.

Treatment Methods:

• • Localized Injections: This involves injecting liquid termiticides directly into the infested wood. The pesticide permeates the wood, killing termites on contact. Professionals drill small holes into the wood to inject the termiticide, ensuring it reaches the colony.
  • Foam Treatments: Foam termiticides expand within the wood, providing thorough coverage and penetration into hard-to-reach areas. This method is effective for treating large infestations within walls and voids.
  • Dust Applications: Insecticidal dusts are applied into the termite galleries. As termites move through the dust, they carry it back to the colony, leading to widespread eradication.
  • Wood Treatments: Borate-based treatments can be applied to wood surfaces. Borates penetrate the wood and act as a long-term deterrent against termites, preventing future infestations.

Benefits of Professional Spot Treatments

Engaging professional pest control services for spot treatments offers several advantages:

Expertise and Experience:

• • Accurate Identification: Professionals have the expertise to accurately identify the extent and severity of termite infestations.
  • Targeted Application: Skilled technicians can effectively target specific infested areas, ensuring thorough treatment without unnecessary damage to the structure.

Safety and Efficacy:

1. • Proper Handling of Chemicals: Professionals are trained in the safe handling and application of termiticides, minimizing risks to occupants and pets.
   • Effective Results: Professional treatments are more likely to achieve complete eradication, preventing reinfestation and further damage.

Preventive Measures:

• • Comprehensive Solutions: In addition to spot treatments, professionals can offer preventive measures such as wood treatments, moisture control, and regular inspections to protect against future infestations.

How are drywood termites different from subterranean termites?

Subterranean termites and drywood termites vary in several key aspects:

Color and Appearance:

• • Subterranean Termites: Typically, subterranean termites are creamy white to dark brown or black, depending on their caste (worker, soldier, or reproductive). The workers are lighter in color, while the alates (swarmer) are darker with wings.
  • Drywood Termites: Drywood termites are generally light brown to dark brown. The soldiers have a distinctive large, dark head with strong mandibles, and the alates are dark brown with wings.

Nesting Behavior:

• • Subterranean Termites: These termites build their nests underground, requiring contact with soil for moisture. They construct intricate tunnel systems to reach wood sources above ground. Mud tubes, which provide protection and moisture as they travel, are a hallmark of subterranean termite activity.
  • Drywood Termites: In contrast, drywood termites do not need soil contact and can live directly in the wood they consume. They create colonies inside the wood and expel their frass (droppings) through small holes, leaving behind piles of pellets.

Metamorphosis and Lifecycle: Both subterranean and drywood termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis, consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. However, their lifecycles exhibit unique characteristics:

• • Subterranean Termites:
    
    • Egg: The queen lays eggs in the nest, which hatch into nymphs.
    • Nymph: These immature termites molt several times, developing into workers, soldiers, or reproductive.
    • Adult: Reproductives (alates) leave the colony to swarm, mate, and establish new colonies. Workers and soldiers remain to maintain and defend the nest.

• • Drywood Termites:
    
    • Egg: Laid within the wood, these hatch into nymphs.
    • Nymph: Nymphs molt multiple times, eventually becoming workers, soldiers, or alates.
    • Adult: Alates swarm to establish new colonies, while soldiers and workers sustain the existing colony.
    • Swarming: Swarming is a critical reproductive event for both types of termites. During swarming, winged alates leave their colonies to mate and form new colonies. This usually occurs during warm months, often after rain. Subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring, while drywood termites can swarm throughout the year, depending on environmental conditions.

Professional Pest Control Solutions

Dealing with termite infestations requires professional expertise and intervention. Pest control companies offer comprehensive services to protect homes from termite damage:

• Inspection and Identification: Expert termite exterminators conduct thorough inspections to identify the type of termite and the extent of the infestation. They look for signs such as mud tubes, frass, damaged wood, and swarmer.
• Treatment Options:
  
  • Chemical Treatments: Liquid termiticides can be applied to the soil around a structure, creating a barrier that kills termites upon contact. Non-repellent termiticides allow termites to transfer the poison to the colony, ensuring more effective elimination.
  • Bait Systems: Bait stations are strategically placed around the property. Termites consume the bait and share it with the colony, eventually leading to its collapse.
  • Fumigation: For severe drywood termite infestations, whole-structure fumigation may be necessary. This involves sealing the building and introducing a gas that penetrates wood to eliminate termites.
• Preventive Measures: Professionals provide recommendations to prevent future infestations, such as:
  • Moisture Control: Fixing leaks, ensuring proper drainage, and reducing humidity levels to make the environment less conducive to termites.
  • Wood Treatments: Applying borate solutions to wood to deter termites.
  • Regular Inspections: Scheduling periodic inspections to catch infestations early and address them promptly.

Subterranean termites are a formidable threat to homeowners, distinguished from drywood termites by their nesting behavior, physical characteristics, and reliance on soil contact. Understanding their lifecycle and swarming habits is essential for effective control and prevention.

We here at Dave’s Pest Control offer termite inspections, treatments, and preventive measures, to protect your home from these destructive pests. So, if you are based in central or south Florida, feel free to call us. We offer pest control in Winter Haven, Winter Park, Pembroke Pines, Boynton Beach, Weston and other areas of Florida.