Signs of Termite Infestation

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

Did you know that termites cause Americans over $5 billion in damage every year? And here in Orlando, properties are at an especially high risk. This is due to our warm and humid climate; subterranean termites need to stay moist in order to survive, and our climate makes it that much easier for them.

Termites are a major danger to Orlando properties. It’s important to act fast if you suspect a termite infestation in your home – which is why the Heron Home And Outdoor team is here with tips on spotting termites.

What Do Termites Look Like?

Each termite species consists of three primary “castes” with different functions. These castes are the workers, soldiers, and reproductives (or alates.) Each caste looks different:

• Termite workers are the smallest caste. They are pale in color throughout their bodies. They gather food for the colony.
• Termite soldiers have pale bodies (similar to workers) but large, darker-colored heads and large mandibles. They build and defend the nest.
• Reproductive termites are the largest and are dark in color. Most significantly, they have wings. They tend the colony’s young and fly in swarms to establish their own colonies.
• Each nest also has a king and queen termite that produce all of the colony’s young. These two are the largest termites in any nest, with the queen the largest of all. You are least likely to see these two since they stay hidden deep inside the nest.

Types of Termites in Orlando

There are thousands of termite species in the world, but only about 45 in the US – with 20 of them found in Orlando, 6 of which are invasive. Subterranean termites are the biggest threat to Orlando homes; they cause about 95% of termite damage in the US. There are 5 types of subterranean termites in Orlando, including the native Eastern and Cuban Subterranean termites and the invasive Formosan, Asian, and West Indian Subterranean termites.

Signs of Termites in Your House

One of the things that makes termites so dangerous is their ability to do a lot of damage without being noticed. It’s easy to go months or even years without noticing an infestation. That’s because termites are good at hiding – whether in their underground burrows or within the structure itself.

The earlier you notice signs of termites in your home, the easier (and less expensive) it is to deal with them. Here are a few of the signs you might notice if you have termites in your home:

• Holes in walls or floor. Small holes may appear where termites have eaten your drywall or flooring.
• Wall discoloration and warping. Your walls may look yellowed or stained when affected by termite damage. They can also warp and make it harder for doors and windows to close.
• Hollow sounds. Termite-damaged walls and floors may sound hollow when knocked on.
• Musty smell. Unexplained damp, moldy smells may indicate a termite problem.
• Mud tubes. These connect a termite nest to the ground. You may notice them outside, climbing your foundation.
• Termite frass. “Frass” refers to termite droppings. Subterranean termites use it to build their nests, but drywood termites push it out. It resembles sawdust.

It’s important to remember that you may not notice any of these signs. Even with an infestation in full swing, termites are stealthy and hard to spot. That’s why regular inspections from a professional are critical even when you don’t think you have a termite problem.

Termite Control with Heron Home And Outdoor

If you suspect you’re dealing with termites, it’s important to act fast. That’s where the Heron Home And Outdoor team comes in. Our team has been dedicated to protecting Orlando homes from termites since 2002. We use all the latest and best in pest control technology to deal with existing infestations – and help protect you from new ones down the line.

For a free quote or more information on our termite extermination services, contact us today!