Termite Treatments in Florida

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite species around. With the queen able to lay 1,000 eggs in a single day, colonies can be as large as two million members. A good rule of thumb – the larger the colony, the greater and quicker the damage. As they prefer a warmer climate and require moisture, Florida and other southern states are naturally at risk. 

While both of these species are subterranean termites, consuming wood for cellulose and building mud tubes for moisture and protection, there are very distinct differences between Formosan and eastern subterranean termites. Any noticeable termite activity requires immediate attention, however, if Formosan termites are suspected, treatment efforts must be expedited — it is estimated that a large Formosan termite colony can collectively obliterate almost a pound of wood a day. 

Here are the differences between Eastern Subterranean and Formosan Termites:

EASTERN SUBTERRANEAN

• Long Bodies & Long Heads with Long Pinchers
• Translucent, Gray-Brown Color – often blending into soil and wooden surfaces
• Rely on Frequent Trips to Soil for Moisture, Making them Less Efficient – the way they build nests do not allow for efficient moisture circulation

FORMOSAN

• Longer Bodies & Short Heads with Short Pinchers
• Translucent, Orange Color – often easily seen in soil and on wooden surfaces
• Do Not Rely on Trips to Soil for Moisture, Making them Very Efficient – they have the ability to build nests which allows for better moisture circulation

Greater efficiency means quicker damage. What’s more, Formosan termites form much larger colonies. And, if that’s not enough, Formosan termites forage over wider areas, sometimes as far as 100 meters from their nest — the more area they cover, the more likely they are to encounter our homes. So, while all termites are definitely highly destructive, Formosan termites are by far the most massive threat to Florida homes. 

Environmentally-Friendly Termite Treatments

When it comes to getting rid of termites in Florida, protection from harmful chemicals is just as important as saving your home from massive termite destruction. We offer eco-friendly termite treatments that DO NOT require tent fumigation.

Risks of Tent Fumigation

“Tenting” is a common method used to eradicate drywood termites. Drywood termites do not nest underground in soil, instead they build their nests inside the wood in which they infest. Not restricted to an underground lifestyle, drywood termites infest homes by air, require less moisture, and do not create mud tubes. Tent fumigation is therefore a commonly used method of drywood termite treatment, but it is highly toxic and puts our loved ones, pets, environment, and homes at risk. 

Disadvantages of tent fumigation include:

• Toxic gas requires vacating a home for 3 days.
• Places humans, animals, and our environment at risk — preparation can be an exhausting process.
• Homes are not meant to be tented and are at risk for damage.
• Tenting relies on a gas, which means no residual effects and therefore, no long-lasting protection.

Our Eco- & Family-Friendly Methods

At Paul’s Termite and Pest Control, we do not believe in methods that put you, your family, or our environment in grave danger. Instead, we rely on no-tent alternatives which means you can stay comfortably in your home, continue tackling those busy schedules, and receive peace of mind that you are safe from termites and toxicity. 

We utilize the Sentricon Colony Elimination System, the leading, most effective solution for complete eradication of both Eastern

Subterranean and Formosan termites. When you choose to partner with Paul’s Termite and Pest Control, you’re choosing the most advanced termite treatment technology to solve your scariest situation.