State and exterminators both say homeowners need to prepare for "Termite Time"

The subject line in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services e-mail didn't contain multiple exclamation points, but the all-caps effect was no less alarming. As average temperatures rise this month in Florida, termites ditch their colonies in search of new nesting sites.

When it's warm, they swarm.

Many homeowners don't know they have termites till they see these black, winged buggers buzzing around. Termites cause $750 million in property damage annually in the United States, so it's worth taking preventive measures -especially because Southwest Florida lies in the "termite belt" along the Gulf Coast.

Florida's wet and warm climate makes it especially vulnerable to termites, according to the Agriculture Department.

Gary Maschmidt, owner of Gary's Quality Pest Control in Cape Coral, hasn't spotted a swarm yet this year. But he knows the termites are coming - and could be worse this year because of higher than average winter rain.

"I think that can contribute to a healthier swarming season for subterranean termites," he said. "As we get into season, some days will be cold and then it will warm up. Then around 1 or 2 in the afternoon they'll start to swarm."

Subterranean termites are the most destructive and frequently encountered variety throughout the state, according to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Although they nest in soil, subterranean termites attack structures by building tubes that connect their nest to structures (i.e., your house).

They attack and damage any material that contains cellulose, such as wood used in house construction, drywall covered with paper or siding materials containing cellulose.

It’s widely said that they can destroy a pound of wood a day.

These days, building codes require termite-prevention treatments during new home construction. But homeowners should keep up with annual inspections to be certain they aren’t harboring termites indoors or out.

“The biggest issue is wood debris around the house, such as piles of wood,” Maschmidt said. “Mulches people use around the foundation can attract termites. You want to make sure moisture drains away from the house.” Removing the conditions that cause infestation sometimes solves the problem. When it doesn’t, a licensed exterminator can spray, set traps or dig trenches to eliminate the infestation. Several treatment options are available, but a 1,500-square-foot house with a two-car garage and lanai could cost $800 to $1,500 to treat, Maschmidt said.

Because of varying choices and service terms, a homeowner should obtain several estimates before contracting with a termite exterminator, according to Steve Dwinell, assistant director of the DACS’ agricultural environmental services division.

“Get them to come and do an inspection and give you a written quote,” Dwinell said. “Get a copy of the contract and read it. You’ll find quite a bit of difference in terms and prices.”

Don’t assume that your household pest control service person looks for termites — they may not be trained to look for them, he said.

Overall, the pest control industry has seen significant improvements in the last five to seven years, according to Dwinell. More effective products and better trained exterminators are making a difference.

“The number of complaints we get about pest control companies has dropped,” he said. “People still need to be persistent, but we’re a little ahead of the game.”

• Winged insects emerging indoors attracted to lights or TV.

• Discarded wings accumulating around window sills or in spider webs.

• Wooden pellets (much smaller than rice grains) accumulating on floors or under furniture. These pellets are cream to reddish-brown or black. The color of the pellets is not related to the color of the wood. Pellets usually fall into piles as the termites push them out of the infested wood.

• A sign of advanced infestation is surface blisters. These termites sometimes tunnel close to the surface giving the wood a blistered appearance. Infestations may be detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver. Damaged wood sounds hollow - a papery rustling sound indicates tunnels just beneath the surface.

Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences







What can a homeowner do to protect against termites?

Houses and other wood structures can be protected from termites only if they are constructed and maintained properly, and a protective treatment is applied correctly. If you are having a house built, make sure that termite protection is considered in the design and construction of the house. Also make sure that your general contractor has a qualified pest control company provide termite protection treatment during appropriate stages of construction.



If your house is already built, there are still many things you can do to enhance your termite protection.

• Promptly repair any water leaks and moisture problems in the roof, attic, walls, bathroom and sink areas.

• Maintain gutters and downspouts, and keep splash blocks in place to keep water from disturbing the protective barrier around foundation.

• Keep siding materials (except masontry and brick) at least 6-8 inches above ground level. If siding materials extend into the ground, discuss the situation with your pest control company to determine the best way to prevent termites from entering the structure.

• Make sure that wood mulch used for landscaping is not in contact with siding.

• Divert sprinkler water away from exterior walls and foundation.

• Periodically inspect exterior wood door and window frames and moldings for blistered paint and soft spots that might indicate termite damage.

• Divert air conditioner condensation lines away from exterior walls and foundation.

• Keep any wood-based items, such as firewood, scrap lumber, fencing and planter boxes from coming in contact with exterior siding. Do not store firewood in the garage.