Living in Florida certainly comes with many perks – sunshine, beautiful beaches, and mild temperatures year-round—but it also means dealing with not-so-welcome guests, such as termites. So, when should homeowners be on the lookout for termites, and what are the signs to look for? Read on to learn everything you need to know about termite activity in Florida.
When Is Termite Season in Florida?
Thanks to Florida’s warm, humid climate, there really is no “termite season” in The Sunshine State—these nuisance pests are active almost year-round. That means homeowners must be vigilant against termites even during the colder months of the year.
Termites do have a season when they swarm, though, and it’s often a stressful time for Florida homeowners. Typically, termite swarm season occurs in the spring and early summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of moisture in the air. During this time, winged termites will emerge from their colonies in search of a mate and a new place to establish a colony. They thrive in the warm weather of spring and early summer, as Florida’s climate enables them to breed, work, and spread very easily.
Learn More: 3 Things You Need to Know About Termite Swarm Season
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Homeowners in Florida always need to be alert and proactive when it comes to termite infestations—but during the spring, vigilance should be taken up a notch. If you notice any of the following signs of a termite infestation, call your local termite control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control right away:
- Swarmers: One of the most obvious signs of termite infestation includes swarmers. Swarmers are termites that leave their nests to mate and start a new colony. They are typically around 1/4 inch in length with long wings that are almost twice their body size. During swarming season, you may notice many of these tiny creatures flying around your home, especially near windows and light sources.
- Hollow Sounds: Termites attack the structure of your home, mostly targeting wood. They chew on wood from the inside out, leaving behind only a thin layer of painted or surfaced wood. This makes the wood sound hollow when tapped on.
- Mud Tubes: Termites create mud tubes, which are tunnels made of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva. These tubes connect the termites’ underground colonies to their food sources, which are typically the wooden structures in and around your home. These tubes are the size of a pencil or smaller, and you may find them running horizontally or vertically along the foundation of your home.
- Blisters in Wood: Termites create blister-like protrusions on the surface of wood as they feed on it. These bumps come about due to the moisture left behind as termites chew on the wooden structure. These bumps can take a while to manifest, but if you’ve noticed that in your wooden structures, then it’s time for a professional termite inspection.
- Damaged Doors and Windows: Termites attack wooden structures, leading to weakened structures that may not hold up. You may notice that your doors or windows are not operating as smoothly as they used to or are becoming harder to open and close. This means termites have damaged the wooden frames, and you may need to repair or replace these structures.
Learn More: 4 Signs There Are Termites in Your House & How We Can Help
Call the Termite Control Experts and Protect Your Home
If you’ve noticed any of the signs of termite activity described above, contact the termite control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Apopka right away. Prevent termites from destroying your home by calling us today at (407) 880-6655 for your free termite inspection.
