We often say that, "In Florida, it's not if you have termites, it's when you get termites."
Termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year.
The soil here in Florida is conducive to termites.
There are three types of termites, subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. Subs and drywood termites can cause the most damage and are typically found here in Florida.
The best way to find out of if your home has termites is to call a certified, licensed pest control company. They will be able to tell you for sure if you have them.
Look for these things,
Termite tubes - These thin mud tubes can often be found coming up from the ground at the base of your home. The termites tunnel their way through the tubes and congregate in a moist, damp environment somewhere in or around your home. Subs need moisture and can be found anywhere there is a source of moisture. We see them along the base of homes, in windowsills and frames, in shower stalls behind tile, and under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Swarmers - these are typically the drywood termites. In the springtime often you'll find small winged termite bodies laying on the floor or around windowsills. They are looking for a place to build a colony.
Wood-Some old rotted wood, laying around your home, may be full of termites. You can see the hollowing out of the wood.
Dirt around baseboards or windowsills - often you can find termite "dirt". They usually carry bits of dirt with them.
Check your mulch - Mulch is conducive to termites. Pull your mulch back away from your home.
For more information on termites check here.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate and Investing
I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations.
We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.
I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
that for you
I noticed some on the floor near where my dryer vent exits the home. Sprayed and killed them last year. Have no idea if there are more in the wall.
Hi Sandy, this is very good advise. One of my goals this year is to place more septic stone next to my foundation on the north side of the house where it stays moist in place of the mulch.
We got rid of our excess lumber in the storage area so as not to attract any more than necessary. We all have to eat but I don't want anything chomping on our home. Thanks Sandy!
Hi Sandy, Good reminder to check for the little buggers- they are so destructive! For a long time, I didn't think termites were in Colorado, but I've since heard they are EVERYWHERE!
Good reminder Sandy. It also reminds me to call my pest control guy for my annual inspection.
Sandy, people need to take heed of your advice! We have them here too....found them in my Dad's house and treated last year!!!
Oompa, its' time for termite free structures.
They're really common here, also. All you can do is watch and treat when you need to,
Eric, Uh-oh, that doesn't sound good. You might want to have it checked out to see if they are living in the walls. I know they can be very destructive.
Bruce, I know that our termite company has told us that they really dislike mulch, because it's usually pushed right up against the house and it makes nice moist spots for the termites.
Kevin, I'm with you. I don't want any termites chomping on my house either. We have asked a couple of our tenants to get rid of the lumber from the side of their houses. Termites love those piles of lumber.
Hi Mary, I had no idea they were in Colorado. I thought that it was too cold there for them.
Gabe, It's a great reminder to get on the phone for annual inspections.
Caren, Termites in Ohio too? I didn't know that either. Again, like I told Mary, I thought it was too cold for termites up North. It's good that you found them before they did too much damage.
Hi TOTO, Termite free structures would be great. I'd love to see one.
Leslie, Another warm client, like Florida. I bet they're really prevelant in your area.
Very good info Sandy. Thanks.
-Paul
Sandy,
Very good information. They are also a big problem in this part of the country.
Paul, You know how these termites can be. They can do extensive damage to a home.
Richard, The comment on this post have been an eye opener for me, as I was not aware that termites could be found in so many different parts of the country. I thought that the cold weather up north kept them out of some states.