Termites can wreak havoc on Orlando homes, causing billions in damage annually. These tiny pests silently destroy wooden structures, often undetected until significant harm is done.
How can homeowners spot the signs and prevent costly damage? Read on for essential tips to safeguard your home against these destructive insects.
Key Takeaways
- Orlando’s warm climate is perfect for termites, including destructive subterranean and drywood types.
- Termites eat wood, damage homes, and leave clues like thin tunnels on walls and hollow spots in wood.
- To prevent termites, seal cracks, keep things dry, use tough building materials, and check homes for termite activity yearly.
- For serious termite problems, professionals can help with special treatments like sprays, baits, and whole-house fumigation.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small insects that decompose wood and plant matter. These social creatures live in colonies and can cause extensive damage to wooden structures if left unchecked.
Here’s a look at what they look like:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Between ¼ and ½ inches in length |
| Body | Rectangular-shaped |
| Color | White to light brown |
| Wings | Some termites develop wings for swarming |
| Antennae | Straight |
| Mandibles | Strong jaws for chewing wood |
| Eyes | Worker termites are usually blind |
| Exoskeleton | Soft and prone to drying out |
Common Habitat
Termites thrive in warm, humid environments, making Orlando and its surrounding areas in Central Florida ideal. Depending on the species, they build intricate nests in soil, wood, or both.
In urban areas, they often infest homes and other wooden structures. They can enter buildings through tiny cracks in foundations or by constructing mud tubes to bridge gaps.
Types of Termites in Orlando
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive termite species in Orlando. They live underground in massive colonies.
To access wood above ground, they build mud tubes. By eating wood from the inside out, they cause extensive damage to homes and buildings.
This species includes native eastern subterranean termites and invasive Formosan termites. The Formosan subterranean termite is particularly aggressive, causing severe structural damage.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are another common species in Orlando. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need contact with soil and can infest dry wood directly. These pests often enter homes through attics, eaves, or wooden furniture.
They typically form smaller colonies than subterranean termites. However, if left untreated, they can cause significant damage over time. These critters are known for leaving behind distinctive pellet-like droppings called frass.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites are less common in Orlando but can still be found in areas with high moisture content. As their name suggests, they prefer wood with high moisture levels. So, they often target decaying logs, stumps, and water-damaged wood in structures.
They are typically larger than other termite species. They don’t build mud tubes and are less likely to infest homes without a moisture problem. However, they can cause significant damage to outdoor wooden structures.
Signs of A Termite Infestation
Visible Damage
Termites often leave visible traces of their presence in and around homes, such as:
- Hollowed-out wood
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Sagging floors
- Stuck windows and doors
- Damaged ceiling beams
Physical Evidence
Beyond visible termite damage, termites leave behind physical evidence of their presence, including:
- Mud Tubes: Pencil-width tunnels on walls or foundations
- Frass: Small, wood-colored pellet termite droppings
- Discarded Wings: Piles near entry points after swarms
- Clicking Sounds: Faint noises from within the walls
How To Prevent Future Termite Problems
Keeping termites at bay requires some proactive steps. For homeowners like you, you must check for signs of termites at least once a year.
Other measures to take include:
- Seal entry points, such as foundation cracks, pipe gaps, and damaged wood, promptly.
- Reduce moisture around the home by fixing leaky pipes to ensure proper drainage.
- Store firewood and lumber away from the house to avoid attracting termites and other pests.
- Consider using termite-resistant materials for any new construction or renovations.
- Maintain a barrier between soil and wood structures using concrete foundations or metal shields to block termite access.
- Remove dead trees and stumps from your property. If left unattended, these can serve as termite magnets.
- Hire a pest control company for accurate termite inspections, treatment, and protection.
Professional Pest Control Services
Termite infestations can be a homeowner’s nightmare. For your peace of mind, pest control companies offer specialized services to tackle these wood-destroying pests effectively.
Here are common termite treatment options offered by licensed pest management companies:
| Termite Control Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Thorough assessment to identify termite colonies and other pest problems |
| Baiting | Installation of termite bait stations around the home |
| Liquid treatments | Application of termiticides like Termidor to soil and wood |
| Fumigation | A whole-house treatment for infestations that can get rid of bed bugs, fleas, and roaches, too. |
| Warranties | Protection and treatment plans for continued coverage |
| Annual check-ups | Regular inspections to ensure ongoing termite protection against future infestations |
When To Call an Orlando Pest Control Expert
If you notice discarded wings from swarmers during the peak season, it would be wise to contact an Orlando termite control right away.
Don’t wait if you are concerned about termite activity. With experienced pest control exterminators, you can benefit from advanced tools and techniques to detect and get rid of these pesky critters.