Florida homes face a bigger threat from termites than homes in many other states. The weather is warm and humid, which helps termites stay active almost all year long. Termite damage in Florida can start out small but may get much worse over time. Once Florida termites get into a home, they feed on wood and weaken its structure. Many homeowners don’t notice a problem until it’s too late to do small repairs. Repairing termite damage can cost thousands of dollars, and termite damage is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies either.
Why Termites Thrive in Florida
Hot temperatures and high moisture levels make Florida a paradise for termites. Termite season in Florida often stretches through each and every month. Termites in Florida include several types of the insect. However, drywood termites and subterranean termites are the most common. Drywood termites in Florida homes live right inside the wood that they eat, while subterranean termites travel through soil and build mud tubes to reach the wood that it will feed on. Both types of termites can cause major damage to a Florida home.
How Rain and Humidity Attract Termites
Rainy weather and high humidity can soak the wood and make it easier for termites to chew through it. Wet wood becomes soft, which attracts even more termites. Roof leaks, broken sprinklers, clogged gutters, and the likes can all lead to moisture problems in and around the home. Even a small water drip can create the perfect spot for a termite colony. Once termites find a damp place, they start feeding and building tunnels. Termite wood damage can begin quickly, especially in areas that stay wet for a long time.
Wood-Framed Homes Are at Higher Risk
Florida has many homes built with wood frames. These houses are especially vulnerable to termites since the wood gives termites food and shelter – all in one place. Older wood-framed homes are even at higher risk since the wood may already be weak or cracked. Once inside, termites chew through beams and boards quietly. Many people don’t see any problems until the damage is abundant. Spotting early signs of termite damage can make an enormous difference in stopping an infestation before it spreads, or not.
Signs of Termite Damage in Homes
Common signs of termite damage include hollow-sounding wood, small holes in walls, and piles of wings or droppings. Some walls may even appear to have paint that bubbles or cracks for no clear reason. Mud tubes along the base of a home are another warning sign. Termites also cause doors or windows to stick suddenly. Homeowners sometimes confuse termite damage for wood rot. Rot makes wood soft and crumbly, while termite damage looks like chewed or tunneled paths. Termite damage pictures often show wood that looks shredded or carved out from the inside.
Protecting Your Home from Infestation
Keeping Florida termites out of your home starts with ending moisture problems and sealing entry points. Cracks in the foundation and walls need to be sealed. Wood piles should be made far from the house itself. Gutters must work properly so that rainwater drains away from your home after a storm. The most effective strategy on how to get rid of termites in Florida is to call a licensed pest control company. Professionals typically know how to handle all types of termites that Florida homes face. Regular termite inspections can commonly catch problems early and save money on termite damage repairs. Most insurance does not cover termite damage, so prevention most likely matters more than ever.
Why Regular Termite Inspections Matter
Yearly inspections help to catch termite issues well before they become unmanageable. Termites in Florida can cause major damage in just a few months. Catching them early means the repair costs stay lower, and the damage stays contained. A termite expert should know where to look and what to check. Basements, attics, crawl spaces, and wooden trim are some of the most common hiding spots. Finding signs of termite damage sooner than later can make all the difference. A regular annual check for termite wood damage will help protect your house and provide some much-needed peace of mind.
