Frequently Asked Questions About Termites

Here are some questions that property owners often ask about termites. Do you know the answers to these questions?

Q: How many different species of termites have been discovered? A: More than 2600 species have been discovered by entomologists. The U.S. is home to only 55 of them. Only 2 types are of concern to home owners: subterranean termites and drywood termites.

Q: How are subterranean and drywood termites different? A: Termites live in colonies because they are social insects. One difference between subterranean termites and drywood termites is where the colony is located. Subterranean termites need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they live in underground nests. They tunnel to into nearby homes to feed. Drywood termites, however, don't need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they nest inside the structures they're feeding on.

Q: How will I know if my property has termites? And, if so, what kind? A: Subterranean termites may be detected when they swarm, typically in the spring, when some termites leave their nests to start more colonies. Subterranean termites may also be detected when their mud tubes are seen on walls or foundations. Both types of termites may leave weak, broken, or blistered wood. Drywood termites can leave wings or piles of what looks like sawdust on floors and windowsills.

Q: Is my home free of termites when none of these signs are present? A: No, because termites do their damage on the inside of the wood, which makes them very hard to detect.

Q: How do I know they're termites not ants? A: They do look very much alike at a distance. But if you look close, the ants have bent antennae and the termite's antennae are straight. Also, termites have a thick waist where the waist of ants is narrow.

Q: I've heard that older buildings are the prime target of termites. Is that correct? A: Termites don't target older buildings, they just target wood. They've been found in brand new construction. Any wooden structure will attract termites.

Q: I've heard that termites aren't much of a problem up north. Is that true? A: It is true that termites are more common in the southern two-thirds of the U.S., but many cities in the north are considered moderately to heavily infested by termites. Termites inhabit every state except Alaska. There are more termites in Florida than in most other states.

Florida Bug Inspectors offers thorough termite inspections, and effective termite control, as well as an effective termite prevention plan. FBI has been serving Tampa property owners for 25 successful years. http://www.inspection-termite.com