Termites are a worry for homeowners across the United States, but the most common varieties tend to be localized in the southeast portion of the country. For homeowners in Central Florida, conditions are just right for termites to be an active threat not only in the spring and summer, but all year long. For that reason, it’s very important to do everything in your power to prevent a termite infestation. The first step is to learn all you need to know about termites to begin with. The termite exterminators at Heron Home & Outdoor are here to help inform our customers about the dangers of termites—read on to learn more!

Top Termite Facts

Termites are one of the most dreaded pests and for good reason. Here’s what you need to know:

• Termites don’t discriminate. Don’t be fooled into thinking your home is immune to termites; it isn’t. Termites feed on cellulose, an organic material found in wood, so every standard home construction type is at risk.
• Termites thrive in warm, dark places. Why do termites covet the American Southeast? It’s the region with the highest combination of heat and humidity year-round, and Central Florida is at the heart of it. Wood and compost piles, and ground-level garden beds where the dirt touches your foundation are the most attractive places for termites to gain entry inside.
• Termite colonies infest fast and grow fast. Termites create colonies in which some members with wings, called “swarmers” migrate to start a new colony each year. This means that during the warmer season termites could enter your home without any sign of early contact, and before you know it, they’re jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home. Some species can lay up around 1 million eggs in a single year!
• Termites can eat through a standard 2″ x 4″ in months. The average-sized termite population can eat through one foot of a 2″ by 4″ board in about six months. Formosan termites, one of the most common and aggressive subterranean termite varieties, can eat at a much faster rate.
• Termites cost homeowners in the U.S. an estimated 5 billion a year. A standard home with termite damage takes an average of 3,300 dollars annually to repair. That’s not pocket change.

How to Keep Termites Away in Florida

To avoid termites ravaging your home without your knowledge and costing you thousands, it’s usually a good idea to get a termite inspection every year. Working with a professional termite exterminator on a regular basis will ensure no new termite activity pops up without you knowing. In between visits with your professional technician, you can learn how to prevent termites by making your home less attractive to them in the first place.

Need Professional Termite Control?

Heron offers the premier termite control service in Central Florida, and all of our termite inspection technicians are fully licensed and insured. We even have certified entomologists on staff to help identify problems before they force you to break the bank. To learn how our termite control experts can help keep you safe from the dangers of termites, contact us today!