Annually, termites cause billions of dollars of damage and are responsible for more monetary losses regarding homes than fire and any other natural disasters combined. Termites silently feast on your house and can remain undetected for years. The two termites we mainly deal with in South Florida are the Subterranean Termite and the Drywood Termite. Both contain protozoa in their gut which allows them to digest cellulose which is found in organic plant material as well as paper, cardboard and wood.

Subterranean termites require a large moisture source to live. This being said they will generally nest in the soil or near a water source such as a leak. One telltale sign of a Subterranean Termite infestation are the presence of mud tubes. These mud tubes lead from their nesting site to their feeding area and are constructed from saliva, mud and excrement to protect them from the elements as well as keep them moist. Because Subterranean Termites come from the ground and generally nest in the soil, an exterior baiting method can be used to control as well as prevent them from entering the structure.

Drywood termites are different in that they generally nest in the wood they consume and the wood where they nest and which they eat does not need to have much moisture for them to live as it does for Subterranean termites. Their colonies are generally smaller than Subterranean termite colonies and an infestation can be localized. Drywood termite swarms are usually seen in late spring and summer. Some evidence of a Drywood infestation is the presence of wings around windows and doors and piles of hard excreted pellets. The exterior baited methods used for Subterranean termites will not prevent a Drywood infestation since they can infest a structure from the air.

Termites are sometimes confused with ants since they can swarm around the same time. Some characteristics of ants are: a constricted waist, larger forewings and smaller hindwings and their antennae are elbowed.  Termites on the other hand have a broad waist, their hindwings and forewings are of equal size, and their antennae are beaded and straight. It is important to be educated on the type of insect you are dealing with since treatment options can vary vastly depending on the pest. And while do-it-yourself methods are available, it is best to leave treatment up to a licensed professional especially when dealing with your largest investment.

If you suspect termite activity or just want to be on the safe side, please call our professionals today for a free inspection. Safe Home Pest Control serves West Palm Beach and all of South Florida.