Learning Center
Termites
What Are Termites?
Termites are social insects that live in large colonies and consume cellulose — the material found in wood, paper, and plant fibers. In South Florida, the two most damaging species are the native subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) and the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus), an aggressive invasive species. Workers are pale, soft-bodied, and rarely seen in the open.
Native Subterranean Termite
Formosan Subterranean Termite
Cryptotermes brevis · Drywood
In Palm Beach and Treasure Coast communities, these insects thrive year-round in the warm, humid conditions that define South Florida's climate. Subterranean species build colonies in the soil and travel through mud tubes to reach wood. Drywood species infest wood directly, requiring no soil contact and no moisture source.
For a typical suburban homeowner here, the real danger is invisibility. Structural damage often accumulates for months or years before any visible sign appears. Framing lumber, floor joists, door frames, and wall studs are all at risk. Formosan colonies can number in the millions and destroy wood faster than nearly any other pest in the region.
When Are Termites Most Active in Florida?
Florida's subtropical climate gives termites no off-season. Every month carries active structural damage risk — swarm pressure simply shifts as the year progresses.
January
Active
Colonies remain active; mild coastal winters never slow foraging.
February
Peak Swarms
Swarm season begins; Formosan and subterranean swarmers start emerging.
March
Peak Swarms
Peak early swarming as temperatures and humidity rise steadily.
April
Peak Swarms
Colony expansion and satellite colony establishment accelerates rapidly.
May
Peak Swarms
Late swarming continues; wet season onset drives subterranean forager movement.
June
Active
Wet season rainfall saturates soils, increasing subterranean foraging range.
July
Active
Heat and humidity sustain maximum colony feeding and wood destruction rates.
August
Active
Drywood termites active inside structures regardless of outdoor conditions.
September
Active
Wet season moisture keeps subterranean termite foraging pressure elevated.
October
Active
Activity remains strong; colonies building food reserves for drier months.
November
Active
Dry season begins but warm temps keep all species fully active.
December
Active
No killing frost halts colonies; year-round structural damage risk persists.
Active year-round
Peak swarm months (Feb – May)
DIY Treatment Methods
Homeowners in Florida have several practical steps worth taking before calling a professional — especially for early or limited problems. These steps won't eliminate an established colony, but they reduce conditions that attract termites and cut off common access points.
1
Reduce Moisture Around the Foundation
Subterranean termites depend on consistent moisture to survive. South Florida's wet season — May through October — keeps soil saturated near foundations for months at a time. Fix leaky irrigation heads, improve drainage away from the structure, and clear gutters regularly to limit the damp soil conditions that make a property a target.
2
Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact Points
Subterranean termites move from soil into wood through direct contact or mud tubes. Stacked firewood, buried scrap lumber, and wood mulch piled against a foundation all serve as easy entry pathways. Keep mulch at least six inches from the home's perimeter and eliminate any direct wood ground contact to remove common bridging points.
3
Eliminate Cardboard and Cellulose Debris
Florida's humidity rarely drops low enough to dry out organic debris. Cardboard boxes, wood scraps, and dead stumps left in or around the home remain attractive feeding sites year-round. Clear these materials from crawl spaces, garages, and yards consistently to reduce available food sources near the structure.
4
Apply Borate-Based Wood Treatments
These treatments penetrate wood and make it toxic to termites upon ingestion. They work best on bare, unfinished, or newly installed wood before a colony establishes. Coverage is limited to accessible surfaces — this method won't protect wood already enclosed inside walls or under flooring.
These steps work best on early or limited infestations. If you're already seeing mud tubes, shed wings, frass, or hollow-sounding wood, a larger problem typically needs professional treatment rather than DIY measures alone.
Do Termites Pose Any Health Risks?
Termites do not bite, sting, or transmit disease to humans. The primary concern is indirect: termite frass, shed wings, and colony debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Dust and particulate matter from active infestations inside wall voids or attic spaces can also reduce indoor air quality over time.
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, dust allergies, or asthma may notice worsened symptoms in a home with a long-standing infestation. This risk becomes more relevant when termites have been active inside wall cavities or crawl spaces for an extended period without detection.
Your Questions About Termites Answered
Do termites ever go dormant in Florida during winter?
No. Florida's mild winters mean termite colonies stay active year-round. There is no cold season that slows them down the way it would in northern states. Subterranean and drywood species both remain active through December, January, and February in South Florida without interruption.
How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
Look at the wings and waist. Termite swarmers have equal-length wings and a thick, straight waist. Flying ants have unequal wings and a pinched waist. Discarded wings near windowsills or doorframes are a strong sign of termite swarmers, not ants.
Why are termite swarms so common in South Florida between February and May?
Warming temperatures and increased humidity trigger swarming behavior in both subterranean and drywood species. South Florida's wet season onset accelerates this activity, and the region's sandy flatwoods soils — common across the Treasure Coast — create ideal conditions for subterranean colonies to expand and release swarmers earlier than in cooler climates.
Can termites damage a home that was just built?
Yes, and new construction is especially vulnerable. Soil disturbance during building exposes fresh wood and disrupts natural barriers, drawing subterranean colonies toward the structure. Rapidly growing communities like Port St. Lucie and western Palm Beach County see elevated first-year termite pressure for exactly this reason.
Is a termite infestation covered by homeowner's insurance?
In most cases, no. Standard homeowner's insurance policies treat termite damage as a preventable maintenance issue, not a sudden loss event. This makes early detection and consistent monitoring especially important for Florida homeowners, where year-round activity means damage can accumulate faster than in seasonal climates.
Are termite treatments safe for children and pets?
Treatment safety depends on the method used. A licensed pest control professional can explain re-entry intervals and any precautions specific to the treatment applied. Always ask before treatment begins, and follow all instructions about keeping children and pets away from treated areas during the application window.
If I treated for termites before, can they come back?
Re-infestation is a real risk in Florida because termite pressure never fully disappears between seasons. Soil treatments and bait systems require maintenance and monitoring over time. A one-time treatment is rarely a permanent solution in a climate where colonies remain active and can re-enter from neighboring soil year-round.
Why Professional Treatment?
Termites are difficult to eliminate without professional help because colonies live almost entirely out of sight. Subterranean termites travel through soil and mud tubes, while drywood termites seal themselves inside wood galleries. Treating only what is visible leaves hidden populations untouched — and those populations continue feeding and reproducing uninterrupted.
Professional treatment accounts for the full scope of an infestation, not just surface signs. In South Florida, where subterranean termites remain active year-round and swarming peaks from February through May, timing and placement of treatment matter significantly. Professionals have access to methods that address soil, wood, and structural voids in combination — something store-bought products cannot replicate in coverage or depth.
Hulett Environmental Services serves homeowners across Florida, including Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Brevard counties. Scheduling an inspection is the most direct way to understand what is happening inside and around your home before damage compounds further.
Are You Having Issues With Termites?
Schedule a free inspection and find out exactly what's going on inside and around your home.