Why Florida homes are termite targets
Central Florida has all three things subterranean termites need: warm soil, moisture, and wood. They live underground in colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands, and they tunnel up into homes through tiny cracks in foundations. The damage happens quietly — most homeowners don't notice until it's serious.
The signs, in order of how often we see them
Mud tubes. Thin brown tunnels, about pencil-width, running up foundation walls, piers, or along baseboards. Termites build these to travel between soil and wood while staying moist. If you see them, break a small section open — if termites are active inside, you'll see tiny cream-colored workers.
Discarded wings. After a swarm, termites shed their wings. You'll find piles of small translucent wings on windowsills, near doors, or on patios. Wings with no bodies nearby are a classic sign.
Hollow-sounding wood. Tap baseboards, door frames, and windowsills. Wood that sounds hollow or papery, or that crumbles under light pressure, may be eaten from the inside out.
Tight doors and windows. Termite damage and the moisture they bring can warp wood frames, making doors stick for no obvious reason.
Frass (drywood termite pellets). Drywood termites — common in Florida — push tiny hexagonal pellets out of their tunnels. Look for small piles that look like sawdust or coffee grounds under wooden furniture, beams, or attic wood.
What to do when you spot a sign
Don't panic, but don't wait. Termites work 24/7, and a colony eats more every day it's undisturbed. Don't spray them with household insecticide — that scatters the colony and makes professional treatment harder. Send us the form with a photo, and we'll inspect and confirm what's going on.
Want to know when swarms happen? Read our Florida termite swarm season guide.