What are the types of termites in Florida?

While Florida is home to many termite species, due to its favorable humid climate, two termite types cause most of the damage and destruction to wooden structures and structures with wood framing in Florida. The most destructive termites in Florida include drywood termites and several species of subterranean termites:

• Drywood termites – the most common species in Florida but it is not as aggressive as Formosan and Asian subterranean termites with smaller populations
• Formosan subterranean termites – from Taiwan and southern China, they are aggressive and invasive, a single colony may contain several million termites
• Asian subterranean termites – from Southeast Asia, aggressive and invasive with massive colonies causing a large percentage of the damage in Florida
• Eastern subterranean termites – native to North America, less aggressive than Formosan and Asian subterranean termites with smaller populations, most likely to be found in building timber
• Dampwood termites – commonly found in tropical climates because they require higher humidity than other termites, infest structures with wood to soil contact areas where wood is constantly in contact with damp or wet soil, or areas with water from leaks/standing water. These termites are not considered a major structural pest.

If you need help identifying and treating the termites found in or around your home, contact Pestwise to schedule an inspection.