Dampwood Termites
There are a few different species of dampwood termites in Florida; these mainly occur in South Florida. Dampwood termites are the largest in size of all the termite species found in the state. These termites typically live in damaged trees. When termites are found in trees, an arborist should be consulted to determine the viability of the tree. Dampwood termites can cause damage in structures that contain wet wood, but they are considered a secondary pest.
Dampwood Termite Treatments
Treatments for dampwood termites are typically done by removing the infested wet/damp wood from the structure, thereby eliminating the environment that the termites need to survive. Homeowners should also correct any conditions conducive to termite infestation. Examples include but are not limited to: leaky gutters, lack of gutters, leaky faucets, sprinklers hitting the home, roof leaks, unsealed wood, and improper water drainage. In very rare cases, a tent fumigation could be used.
Drywood Termites
There are many different species of drywood termites in Florida, and these are located throughout the state. Drywood termites live and forage in dry wood. They enter structures through swarming from infested trees, stored wood or other structures near your home. These termites can also enter structures when you bring in infested furniture, cabinets, wood items or hardwood floors. When you bring anything into your home that contains wood, such as antique furniture, bookcases, new cabinets or hardwood floors, it is important that you inspect the item for any sign of drywood termites or termite damage.
Drywood termites start their colonies with a mating flight called a swarm, which consists of alates (reproductive kings and queens) leaving the colony. The alates are not very good flyers and are reliant on wind currents. On landing, they break off their wings, then search for a place to enter nearby wood, such as a crack, knothole or joint between two boards. The roof is a common entryway for a newly mated pair. They don’t go directly into the shingles because of excessive heating. Instead, the termites crawl under the eaves and enter the wood through joints between the roof sheathing and the rafters or through junctures between rafters and ridge poles or studding and plates. Other typical points of entry include attics, crawl spaces, cracks around window and doorframes, facia boards, soffits, or cracks and knots in wood siding.
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies grow slowly. The first alates may occur between year four and seven. If you observe flying insects in the evening during the late spring to early summer, they may be drywood termite alates. Sometimes you may just find wings on a windowsill. Either way, you should contact a pest management professional for an inspection and an identification.
Drywood Termite Treatments
Treatments for drywood termites vary greatly. For extensive infestations, pest management professionals typically use structural tent fumigation and other treatments, including structural heat treatments and localized treatments with labeled termiticides and essential oils that are registered for use in Florida. Removal of the infested wood can also be effective. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends any pesticide application be conducted by a licensed pest management company.