What to Know About Subterranean Termites in Florida

Subterranean termites are a persistent and costly threat to Florida homeowners. These insects thrive in the state’s humid, warm climate and feed on cellulose, targeting wooden structures.

Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or moving into a new home, understanding how to identify and prevent a subterranean termite infestation is essential. Here’s everything you need to know to safeguard your property.

Key Takeaways

• Florida’s humid climate makes homes vulnerable to subterranean termites, which build soil-based colonies and feed on cellulose.
• Key signs of an infestation include mud tubes, swarmers near windowsills, hollow wood, blistering paint, and visible termite tubes.
• Professional pest control services provide reliable solutions like bait systems, liquid treatments, and routine termite inspections.
• Preventing infestations involves sealing cracks, fixing leaks, removing wood debris, and using treated wood in key areas.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites require moisture access, which is why they build colonies in the soil. Recognizable by their straight antennae and strong mandibles, these termites consume cellulose, a component of wood, paper, and even drywall.

Their bodies are typically pale or dark brown, depending on their caste within the colony. Two common types of subterranean in Florida are:

Unlike drywood termites, subterranean termites travel between soil and structures, often forming mud tubes to stay protected. In moist environments, these termites are especially drawn to areas like crawl spaces, slab foundations, and fence posts.

Why Are Subterranean Termites a Problem in Florida?

With its high humidity and frequent rainfall, Florida's subtropical climate creates perfect conditions for subterranean termite colonies to thrive.

These pests prefer moist environments and frequently invade properties with leaky pipes, clogged gutters, or unprotected slab foundations.

With an average of 13-14 colonies per acre, Florida homes are constantly at risk.

Worker termites can feed on food sources like untreated wood or plant debris, weakening your home’s structural integrity over time.

Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation

Catching signs of subterranean termite problems early can make all the difference in protecting your home. Here are some signs to look out for.

Mud tubes - thin, pencil-sized tunnels made of mud. These tubes connect the soil to surfaces above ground.

Swarmers, or Alates - swarm during the termite swarming season, which usually happens in spring or summer. These winged reproductive termites are drawn to light and often leave behind their wings near windowsills or doors.

Damaged wood - subterranean termites hollow out wood, leaving it with a honeycomb pattern that weakens the structure. Tapping the wood with a screwdriver can help reveal hollow spots.

Blistering paint or walls - which might look like water damage but could actually mean termites are tunneling underneath.

Termite tubes made of mud and debris may appear on walls or other surfaces, signaling active termite activity.

Subterranean Termite Treatment Options

If termites have already invaded your property, act fast to minimize damage. Treatment options include:

• Termite Baits: Termite bait systems target active termites. These worker termites carry the bait back to their colony, eliminating it over time.
• Liquid Treatments: Liquid treatment forms a barrier in the soil, killing termites as they pass through.
• Termite Inspections: Regular termite inspections by pest control professionals can detect activity early and prevent damage.
• Foundation Trenching: This involves creating a trench around your home and applying a liquid repellent to form a protective barrier.
• Treated Wood Repairs: Replacing damaged areas with treated wood helps prevent future infestations.

Subterranean Termite Prevention Tips

Preventing subterranean termite activity starts with eliminating their access to food and moisture. Here’s how you can reduce the risk of an infestation:

1. Fix Leaky Pipes and Gutters: Moisture from leaky pipes or clogged gutters can attract termites. Ensure water is properly directed away from your home’s foundation.
2. Use Treated Wood: For decks, fence posts, and crawl space beams, replace untreated materials with treated wood.
3. Inspect Slab Foundations: Subterranean termites often enter homes through cracks in slab foundations. Seal any gaps to prevent entry.
4. Eliminate Wood-to-Soil Contact: Keep wooden siding, landscaping timbers, and other materials off the ground.
5. Remove Stumps and Debris: Dead trees, stumps, and wooden structures can be an easy entry point for termites.
6. Install Bait Stations: Professional-grade bait stations can monitor termite activity and eliminate new colonies near your home.

Protect Your Florida Home With Professional Pest Control

Termites aren’t just a nuisance. They’re a serious threat to the safety and value of your home. From telling subterranean, dampwood, and other types of termites to applying targeted treatments, professional pest management is the best way to defend against these destructive pests.

At Native Pest Management, we specialize in subterranean termite control and offer proven methods for keeping your house termite-free.

Schedule your free inspection today, and let us help protect your biggest investment from the dangers of extensive termite damage.