The Season of The Termite

The warm, humid weather has arrived, and that also means termite swarming season is upon us. If you are a homeowner who has seen possible evidence that you have termites, you’re not alone. This time of the year the termites here in the Sunshine State make their presence known whether we like it or not!  The warm and humid environment of Florida is host to several species of termites.

Below are some signs to look for if you think you may have a termite infestation in your home.

1. Flying Termites -They can look like flying ants, and these termites are known as swarmers or reproductives. These winged termites are the males and females that depart from the nest to find a mate and establish a new colony.  Many homeowners tend to notice these swarms in the evening or after rainfall.  Many times, with the swarms, discarded wings will also be present.
    
2. White Ants – Termites can often be mistaken as white ants, as their size and shape are similar. The picture above can give you an idea of what a termite looks like. You can tell the difference from an ant and a termite from the color, termites are a cream color, almost transparent.
    
3. Droppings – If you have drywood termites, you will most likely notice their fecal droppings, also referred to as frass. They push these droppings out of little kick out holes when eating wood and tunneling. These droppings can resemble coffee grounds in texture and appearance.

If you are noticing any of the above signs, contact a termite professional for an inspection and to discuss your treatment options.  Termites will not go away on their own and can cause several thousands of dollars in damage in a short amount of time.