DrywoodDrywood Termite
Drywood (non-subterranean) termites as well as subterranean termites occur in Florida.
- Drywood termites infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil.
- Signs of infestations by drywood termites and control measures differ drastically from those for subterranean termites.
- Drywood termites occur in small colonies in isolated wood pieces.
- Multiple colonies can infest a structure simultaneously.
SubterraneanSubterranean Termite
Subterranean termites are more destructive then the drywwod termite and infest wood from underground.
- These termites have become a burden to homeowners today because it is not until there is severe infestation that these hidden creatures are seen.
- Wood damaged by subterranean termites is often not noticed because the exterior surface usually must be removed to see the damage.
- However, galleries can be detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver.
- Damaged wood sounds hollow, and the screwdriver may even break through into the galleries.
- Subterranean termite feeding follows the grain of the wood, and only the soft springwood is attacked.
- Unlike drywood termites or other wood-boring insects, subterranean termites do not push wood particles or pellets (fecal material) to the outside, but rather use it in the construction of their tunnels.
- This debris, along with sand and soil particles, is used as a form of plaster.
RoachesRoaches
Cockroach feces will be visible during an infestation.
- Small roaches produce feces that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, while larger roaches expel cylindrical droppings.
- The quantity of visible feces is oftentimes a good indicator of the level or duration of infestation.
RodentRodent
Rats and other rodents require treatment.
- If you notice any signs of their presence such as scurrying sounds in the attic, rodent droppings around your home, holes in food packaging, and more, you should contact us immediately
- Rats and mice start fires by chewing on electrical wires causing millions of dollars of structure damage each year.
FormosanFormosan Termite
The Formosan termite is often nicknamed the super-termite because of its destructive habits due to the large size of its colonies and its ability to consume wood at a rapid rate.
- A single colony may contain several million individuals (compared with several hundred thousand termites for other subterranean termite species) that forage up to 300 feet (100 m) in soil.
- A mature Formosan colony can consume as much as 13 oz of wood a day (about 400 g) and can severely damage a structure in as little as three months.
- Because of its population size and foraging range, the presence of a
colony poses serious threats to nearby structures. - Formosan termites have never been eradicated from an area where they have established a colony.
- Formosan termites infest a wide variety of structures (including boats and high-rise condominiums ) and can damage trees.
- In the United States, along with another species, Coptotermes gestroi , introduced from Southeast Asia, they are responsible for tremendous damage to property resulting in large treatment and repair costs.
