How much do you know about termites?
It’s easy to feel safe from termites, but just because you haven’t seen them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. That’s why every year the third week of March is dedicated to building awareness about the devastating effects termites can have on your home and your life.
Here are the top 5 things you need to know about termites and termite control in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the surrounding Southwest Florida areas.
1. Termite Season is Year-Round
Termites are busy foraging for food and multiplying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So why is spring commonly referred to as termite season?
Well, it’s the only time of year when you might actually SEE these elusive creatures for yourself! Between February and April in Southwest Florida, when the temperature and humidity are just right, swarms of reproductive (winged) termites leave their colonies in search of new territory.
2. Not All Termites are Created Equal
The two most common types of termites found in Florida are subterranean and drywood.
From behavior to treatment methods, differences between these two species vary greatly, but the main thing you need to know is that subterranean termites, especially the Formosan kind, are by far the most destructive.
Subterranean colonies can grow to contain upwards of 1 million termites and, in the case of Formosan termites, can extend up to 3,000 feet.
3. Termites Cause More Damage than Floods, Fires and Hurricanes Combined
That seems like an unbelievable statistic, but when you think about the fact that here in Florida we have an average of 3-5 termite colonies per acre of land, it’s not surprising really.
Due to the fact that it’s very hard to detect termites within your walls until the damage has been done, many infestations go unnoticed until it’s too late. It’s estimated that termites cause over $5 billion in damage to homes annually… damage that insurance companies won’t cover in Florida.
4. Concrete Block (CBS) Homes Can Get Termites Just as Easily as Wood Framed Homes
It’s a common myth that, just because many of the homes in our area are built out of concrete, they don’t need to worry about termites. Unfortunately, that’s a false sense of security. Termites can enter the home through an opening as small as 1/32 of an inch. If there’s a settlement crack, loose mortar joint, a small space around a drain pipe, or a crack in your foundation, they’re in! And what are the walls and rafters of most homes made out of? That’s right, WOOD! Termites will eat through walls, moldings, windows and door frames.
5. Subterranean Termite Infestations are Preventable
After years of helping people, we’ve learned that the best way to deal with a subterranean termite infestation is to avoid one in the first place. Guarding your investment from subterranean termites not only increases your home’s value but also delivers peace of mind, knowing your family’s home is safe.
You can follow some basic recommendations for preventing termites from attacking your home, or you can go worry-free and get our Subterranean Termite Control program!
The Sentricon Colony Elimination System® with Always Active™ technology is a unique, highly-effective baiting system that offers continuous 24/7 protection for your home.
We care about your family’s well-being, so it’s important to us that you understand that the system we use is environmentally safe and responsible. It’s the only termite control product ever to win the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, a top federal environmental honor. Contact us today to learn more about how it works, and to get started with termite control in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas.
