Florida's Three Destructive Termite Species: Identification & Control

Florida hosts three termite types—each requires different treatment. Correct ID is step one.

1. Drywood Termites

• Live entirely in dry wood—no soil contact needed
• Yellow-brown, larger, smaller colonies
• Swarm at night (spring/summer)
• Signs: fecal pellets (hexagonal, gritty), kick-out holes
• Treatment: localized (foam, borate), fumigation for widespread

2. Dampwood Termites

• Require wet/decaying wood
• Largest termites (up to 1")
• Near leaks, gutters, soil-contact wood
• Treatment: fix moisture, replace damaged wood, localized

3. Subterranean Termites (Including Formosan)

• Nest in soil; build mud tubes to wood
• Massive colonies (millions); aggressive foragers
• Yellowish, swarm day (spring)
• Most destructive—fast, extensive
• Treatment: liquid barrier (Termidor/Altriset), bait systems (Sentricon)

Green Control for All Three

Brevard County termite pros use reduced-risk liquids, baits, borates. Post-treatment: fix moisture, wood/soil contacts, drainage. Prevention beats remediation.