Florida is home to an extraordinary variety of termites, and understanding exactly which termite is threatening a structure is one of the most important steps in determining how that property should be protected.
In Part 1 of the Pestguard Florida Termite Education Series, we explained why proper termite identification must come before treatment selection. In Part 2, we examined Drywood termites—termites capable of establishing colonies entirely within the wood they infest without maintaining contact with the soil.
Part 3 takes us underground.
Native subterranean termites present an entirely different challenge. Their colonies are generally associated with the soil or other dependable sources of moisture. Workers forage through hidden underground pathways searching for cellulose and can enter structures through remarkably small construction gaps. When they must travel across exposed surfaces, they often construct protective shelter tubes—commonly called mud tubes—that help maintain the humid environment these soft-bodied insects require.
By the time a homeowner discovers a mud tube, encounters a swarm, or opens damaged wood, termites may have already been foraging within or around the structure for a considerable period.
But there is another lesson that is even more important for Florida property owners:
Subterranean termite protection should not begin only after termites are found.
Preventive treatment, professional inspection, monitoring, and maintaining ongoing termite protection can dramatically change the way termite risk is managed.
And in Florida, prevention becomes even more important because not every subterranean termite presents the same level of risk.
Native subterranean termites share our state with two highly destructive invasive species: Formosan subterranean termites and Asian subterranean termites. Identifying which termite is present can influence not only the treatment method but also the intensity and scope of the management strategy.
That brings us back to the principle that guides this entire series:
Identify first. Then match the treatment and level of protection to the species, structure, and risk.
What Are Native Subterranean Termites?
The term native subterranean termite generally refers to termites belonging to the genus Reticulitermes.
Florida is home to several Reticulitermes species, including:
Eastern subterranean termite — Reticulitermes flavipes
One of the most widely distributed subterranean termite species in eastern North America and an important structural pest throughout Florida.
Dark southern subterranean termite — Reticulitermes virginicus
Another native subterranean termite found throughout much of Florida and capable of causing structural infestations.
Light southern subterranean termite — Reticulitermes hageni
Also present in Florida, although it is encountered infesting structures less frequently than the other two.
UF/IFAS identifies R. flavipes and R. virginicus as widely distributed in Florida, while records for R. hageni are more scattered. UF/IFAS — Native Subterranean Termites
These termites are naturally part of Florida’s ecosystem.
In forests and other natural environments, subterranean termites perform an important ecological function by breaking down dead wood and returning organic material to the soil.
The problem begins when the cellulose resource they discover happens to be part of a house, condominium, apartment building, commercial structure, or other property.
Subterranean Termites Are Already Part of Florida’s Environment
It is important to understand that subterranean termites are not simply insects that suddenly “appear” because something is wrong with a house.
They naturally live in the environment surrounding Florida structures.
Colonies may be associated with:
- Dead trees
- Tree roots
- Fallen branches
- Stumps
- Buried lumber
- Landscape timbers
- Construction debris
- Wood beneath or near structures
- Other cellulose-containing material in contact with or near the soil
A well-maintained home can still experience termite pressure.
The objective of professional termite management is therefore not to eliminate termites from Florida’s environment. That would be neither realistic nor ecologically appropriate.
The objective is to reduce the opportunity for termites to reach the structure, detect activity as early as possible, and control colonies that threaten the property.
Why Soil and Moisture Matter
Native subterranean termites are soft-bodied insects that require sufficient moisture to avoid desiccation.
That biological requirement influences almost everything about the way they live.
Unlike Drywood termites, which can establish a complete colony inside comparatively dry structural wood, native subterranean termites normally maintain an association with soil or another dependable source of moisture.
Their underground environment provides:
- Moisture
- Protection from sunlight
- Protection from drying air
- Relatively stable environmental conditions
- Concealed pathways between food resources
This is one of the fundamental biological differences between the termites discussed in Part 2 and the termites discussed here.
A Drywood termite colony may exist entirely inside an attic truss.
A subterranean termite colony can forage through the soil beneath the property and reach structural wood through hidden pathways originating below or adjacent to the building.
That difference changes how the property must be inspected—and how it should be protected.
The Colony Beneath the Surface
A subterranean termite colony is a highly organized social system.
Different members of the colony perform specialized functions involving reproduction, feeding, colony maintenance, defense, and expansion.
Workers
Workers perform much of the labor necessary for colony survival.
They forage for food, feed other colony members, maintain galleries and shelter tubes, care for developing termites, and consume cellulose.
The pale termites most encountered inside infested structural wood are generally workers.
Soldiers
Soldiers defend the colony, particularly against ants and other predators.
Their head and mandible characteristics can also provide valuable information during professional identification.
Reproductives
The colony contains reproductives responsible for producing new members and eventually creating new colonies.
Seasonally, mature colonies may produce winged reproductives known as alates, which leave the colony during swarm events.
UF/IFAS notes that soldiers typically represent only a relatively small percentage of native Reticulitermes colonies, which is one of several biological characteristics that can help distinguish them from invasive Coptotermes termites. UF/IFAS — Native Subterranean Termites
How Do Subterranean Termites Find a House?
A common misconception is that termites somehow detect a house from a distance underground and deliberately travel directly toward it.
Their behavior is more complicated.
Workers continuously forage through the soil. As their underground foraging network expands, they encounter cellulose resources.
A house simply represents another potential source of cellulose within that environment.
This helps explain why seemingly insignificant construction details can become extremely important.
Potential termite access points include:
- Foundation cracks
- Plumbing penetrations
- Utility penetrations
- Expansion joints
- Construction joints
- Bath traps
- Porch and patio interfaces
- Garage slabs
- Hollow masonry
- Wood-to-soil contact
- Stucco extending below grade
- Additions where separate foundations meet
- Areas concealed by landscaping
- Other openings associated with construction
The opening does not have to appear significant to a homeowner.
For a termite, it simply needs to provide access.
Mud Tubes: A Warning Sign That Should Never Be Ignored
Mud tubes are among the most recognizable indicators of subterranean termite activity.
These structures may contain soil, termite fecal material, partially digested wood, and other materials. Their purpose is not decorative or incidental.
They are part of the termites’ survival system.
When subterranean termites leave the protection of the soil and travel across concrete, masonry, foundations, piers, or other exposed surfaces, the surrounding environment may be too dry for prolonged exposure.
The shelter tube creates a protected microenvironment.
It helps protect termites from:
- Drying air
- Light
- Environmental exposure
- Some predators
Inside the tube, workers can travel between the soil and their food source while remaining within conditions better suited to their survival.
UF/IFAS considers shelter tubes important evidence when inspecting for subterranean termite activity. UF/IFAS — Termite Prevention and Control
Does Breaking a Mud Tube Eliminate the Termites?
No.
Destroying a mud tube does not eliminate the colony.
The visible tube is a travel route—not necessarily the colony itself.
Termites may:
- Repair the damaged tube
- Construct another tube nearby
- Continue using a concealed pathway
- Temporarily abandon that route
- Remain active elsewhere in the structure
Breaking a small portion of a tube may sometimes help an inspector determine whether termites return to repair it, but homeowners should generally avoid destroying evidence before an inspection.
If you discover a suspected mud tube:
Photograph it.
Leave it intact when practical.
Do not immediately spray it with an over-the-counter pesticide.
Arrange for a professional inspection.
The tube may contain workers or soldiers that can be collected for identification, and its location may provide valuable information about how termites reach the structure.
Subterranean Termite Damage Can Remain Hidden
One of the most dangerous characteristics of subterranean termite activity is that significant feeding can occur where homeowners cannot see it.
Workers may feed within:
- Wall framing
- Floor systems
- Roof-supporting components
- Door frames
- Window frames
- Cabinets
- Baseboards
- Trim
- Other cellulose-containing building materials
The surface of a piece of wood may remain relatively intact while feeding progresses internally.
When damaged wood is opened, subterranean termite galleries may contain:
- Irregular feeding areas
- Soil or mud-like material
- Workers
- Soldiers
- Moist debris
- Thin remaining layers of wood
This can look considerably different from the cleaner galleries and characteristic fecal pellets associated with Drywood termites.
Damage characteristics can provide clues.
But clues are not substitutes for identification.
Swarmers: When a Mature Colony Reproduces
Like Drywood termites, mature subterranean termite colonies can produce winged reproductive termites known as alates.
These termites represent the future kings and queens of new colonies.
Under appropriate environmental conditions, large numbers may leave established colonies during coordinated reproductive flights.
After landing, successful males and females shed their wings, pair, and attempt to establish new colonies.
Florida’s native Reticulitermes species do not all swarm at exactly the same time. Seasonal flight patterns can therefore provide useful information when combined with specimen characteristics and other evidence.
But swarm timing alone should never determine identification.
Weather varies.
Local environmental conditions vary.
Species flight periods can overlap.
Actual specimens provide far more reliable information.
Save the Termites—and the Wings
If a termite swarm occurs, do not immediately dispose of every insect.
The specimens may provide extremely valuable identification evidence.
Termite wings contain characteristics that trained professionals can use to help distinguish groups and species.
If swarmers appear:
- Collect several insects if possible.
- Preserve intact wings.
- Place specimens in a small, sealed container.
- Record exactly where they were found.
- Photograph of the location.
- Avoid crushing every specimen.
Those small wings can provide more diagnostic information than a photograph of damaged wood.
Native Does Not Mean Harmless
The word native can unintentionally make Reticulitermes termites sound less serious than invasive Formosan or Asian subterranean termites.
That would be a mistake.
Native subterranean termites are significant structural pests.
They are capable of entering buildings, establishing feeding sites, remaining concealed, and causing substantial damage when activity continues undetected.
The distinction between native and invasive describes biological and geographic history.
It does not mean:
Harmless versus dangerous.
Native subterranean termites deserve professional attention.
However, invasive Coptotermes species can present an additional level of concern because of differences in colony size, foraging behavior, biology, and destructive potential.
That distinction becomes extremely important when choosing a treatment strategy.
Not All Subterranean Termites Are the Same
Florida contains more than one type of subterranean termite.
In addition to native Reticulitermes, Florida is home to two major invasive subterranean termites:
Formosan Subterranean Termite
Coptotermes formosanus
Asian Subterranean Termite
Coptotermes gestroi
These are not simply different names for the same pest.
They belong to the genus Coptotermes, and their biology can create a substantially different management challenge.
Formosan subterranean termites are particularly well known for their ability to establish large colonies and extensive foraging systems.
Asian subterranean termites are also highly destructive invasive termites and have become an increasingly important concern in Florida.
UF/IFAS maintains distribution information for Florida termite species and emphasizes the importance of accurate identification as invasive termite populations continue to change and expand. UF/IFAS — Florida Termite Distribution and Identification
This is precisely why a professional should resist stopping at:
“You have subterranean termites.”
The next question should be:
Which subterranean termite?
Why Identification Can Change the Level of Response
Identifying termites as native Reticulitermes versus invasive Coptotermes can influence how aggressively a property should be evaluated and protected.
A native subterranean termite infestation is serious and requires an appropriate professional response.
But when Formosan or Asian subterranean termites are identified, the property may warrant a more aggressive, comprehensive, and closely monitored strategy.
Why?
Because the problem may involve:
- Larger colony populations
- Extensive foraging networks
- Greater termite pressure
- Multiple potential access points
- More aggressive exploitation of structural resources
- Greater potential for hidden activity
- Increased importance of long-term monitoring
This does not mean that every Formosan or Asian termite infestation automatically requires exactly the same treatment.
It means the treatment strategy should reflect the biology and risk associated with the species.
That distinction is fundamental to responsible termite management.
Prevention Should Begin Before Termites Are Found
One of the most important messages in this entire article is simple:
Do not wait until termites are visible to start thinking about termite protection.
Waiting for a swarm, mud tube, damaged door frame, weakened wall, or exposed gallery means termites have already reached the structure.
A preventive termite program changes the objective.
Instead of asking:
“How do we eliminate the termites that have already entered?”
we begin asking:
“How do we reduce the likelihood of termites reaching the structure—and how do we detect them as early as possible if they do?”
That is a fundamentally different approach.
For Florida properties, preventive termite management should be viewed as an important component of long-term property maintenance.
Why Preventive Treatment Is So Important in Florida
Subterranean termites spend most of their lives where homeowners cannot see them.
They forage underground.
They can travel beneath slabs.
They exploit construction openings.
They move through protected shelter tubes.
They can feed behind finished walls.
And they may remain active long before obvious evidence appears.
By the time the termites become visible, the infestation may no longer be new.
That is why preventive treatment, and professional monitoring can be more valuable than simply waiting for evidence to appear.
A comprehensive preventive program may include:
- Professional inspections
- Non-repellent soil treatment where appropriate
- In-ground termite baiting and monitoring systems
- Maintenance of previously treated areas
- Correction of moisture problems
- Reduction of wood-to-soil contact
- Improved foundation visibility
- Monitoring of previously affected areas
- Documentation of structural changes
- Renewable termite protection
The purpose is not simply to react to termites.
The objective is to establish a long-term system designed to reduce risk, detect activity early, and respond appropriately when termite pressure is discovered.
Preventive Treatment Is an Investment in the Structure
The most successful termite program may be the one that prevents the dramatic event from ever occurring.
No unexpected swarm inside the house.
No newly discovered mud tube.
No wall opened to reveal concealed damage.
No emergency treatment triggered by an infestation that has already become established.
Preventive treatment moves termite management from reaction to risk reduction.
That distinction is particularly important in Florida because termite pressure is not temporary.
It is environmental.
Native termites are already widespread.
Invasive termite populations add another level of concern.
Properties remain surrounded by soil, landscaping, roots, moisture, trees, cellulose materials, and other potential termite resources.
The question for a Florida property owner should therefore not simply be:
“Do I have termites today?”
A better question is:
“What protection do I have in place if termites attempt to reach my property tomorrow?”
Non-Repellent Liquid Termiticide Treatments
One important component of subterranean termite prevention and treatment is the professional application of a non-repellent termiticide.
Modern non-repellent products operate differently from older repellent barriers.
Rather than relying primarily on termites recognizing and avoiding a treated area, non-repellent technology allows termites to encounter properly treated soil without necessarily detecting it immediately.
One example is Termidor®, which contains the active ingredient fipronil.
Depending upon the construction and treatment plan, a professional application may involve:
- Trenching adjacent to foundations
- Treating appropriate soil areas
- Treating around plumbing penetrations
- Addressing expansion joints
- Treating beneath appropriate slab areas
- Drilling where necessary and permitted by the label
- Treating adjoining construction elements
- Addressing potential soil-to-structure access areas
However, the product itself is only part of the equation.
A premium termiticide cannot compensate for:
- Poor inspection
- Incorrect identification
- Missed construction details
- Improper application
- Untreated gaps
- Failure to understand how the structure was built
Effective termite treatment requires understanding both termite biology and building construction.
Termite Baiting and Monitoring Systems
Termite baiting systems approach subterranean termite management differently.
Instead of establishing a treated zone immediately adjacent to the foundation, in-ground stations are strategically installed around the property where foraging termites may encounter them.
Professional baiting systems such as Trelona® ATBS are designed to take advantage of natural termite foraging and social behavior.
The value of a professional bait program is not simply the plastic station placed in the ground.
It is the complete system:
Placement + Inspection + Bait + Termite Activity + Maintenance + Documentation + Continued Monitoring
Stations must be properly located.
They must be inspected.
Consumed or deteriorated materials must be addressed.
Activity must be documented.
The system must be maintained.
That ongoing monitoring capability is one reason baiting systems can be particularly valuable as part of a long-term termite protection program.
Why Formosan and Asian Termites May Require a More Aggressive Strategy
This is where accurate identification becomes particularly important.
Native subterranean termites are serious pests, and either an appropriately designed non-repellent treatment, professional baiting program, or another labeled strategy may provide an effective solution depending upon the property.
When Formosan or Asian subterranean termites are identified, Pestguard believes the property should be evaluated for a more comprehensive management strategy.
These invasive termites can create circumstances where simply addressing one visible point of activity may not provide the level of protection appropriate to the risk.
Depending upon the inspection findings, construction, termite distribution, site conditions, product labels, and other factors, a comprehensive program may incorporate:
Termidor® non-repellent treatment
and/or
Trelona® or another professional termite baiting and monitoring system
and, where appropriate,
an integrated strategy incorporating both technologies.
The objective is not to use more pesticide simply because one species has a more alarming reputation.
The objective is to match the scope and intensity of the management program to biology, colony characteristics, property conditions, and risk presented by the termites that have actually been identified.
Why Combining Technologies Can Be Valuable
Liquid termiticides and baiting systems approach termite management differently.
A properly designed non-repellent liquid treatment can address critical soil-to-structure access areas.
A professionally maintained baiting system can provide another means of interacting with foraging termites in the area surrounding the structure while also creating an ongoing monitoring network.
For certain high-risk properties—and particularly where invasive Coptotermes termites are involved, complementary technologies may provide a more comprehensive management strategy.
The key word is:
appropriate.
Not every structure is identical.
Not every infestation is identical.
Not every species presents the same risk.
The treatment should be designed after the inspection—not selected before it.
Native vs. Formosan vs. Asian: The Important Distinction
Native Subterranean Termites — Reticulitermes
Serious structural pests that are widespread in Florida.
Management may involve:
- Preventive treatment
- Non-repellent liquid treatment
- Professional baiting
- Monitoring
- Ongoing inspections
- Renewable termite protection
Formosan Subterranean Termites — Coptotermes formosanus
Highly destructive invasive subterranean termites capable of establishing large colonies and extensive foraging networks.
Their identification may justify:
- More intensive inspection
- More comprehensive treatment planning
- Non-repellent treatment such as Termidor® where appropriate
- Professional baiting and monitoring
- Integrated treatment strategies
- Closer follow-up
- Long-term protection
Asian Subterranean Termites — Coptotermes gestroi
Another highly destructive invasive Coptotermes species of increasing importance in Florida.
When Asian subterranean termites are confirmed, the property may similarly warrant:
- Intensive inspection
- Comprehensive treatment planning
- Non-repellent liquid treatment where appropriate
- Professional baiting and monitoring
- Integrated management where justified
- Continued surveillance
- Long-term protection
The takeaway is not complicated:
Different species can present different risks—and different risks may justify different levels of response.
The Inspection Matters as Much as the Product
Subterranean termite management begins with understanding the property.
A professional inspection should look beyond the visible mud tube.
Important questions include:
Where is moisture present?
Is there wood-to-soil contact?
How was the foundation constructed?
Are there additions?
Where are the plumbing penetrations?
Are patios or porches attached?
Does stucco extend below grade?
Are foundation walls concealed?
Are there inaccessible areas?
Has the property previously been treated?
What treatment was performed?
Has treated soil subsequently been disturbed?
Are bait stations present?
Are they being maintained?
Is there evidence of more than one termite species?
Is the activity localized—or are there indicators elsewhere?
A termite treatment designed without understanding the structure can leave critical areas unaddressed.
Professional termite management therefore requires more than knowledge of pesticides.
It requires an understanding of:
Termite biology.
Construction.
Moisture.
Foraging behavior.
Treatment technology.
And long-term risk.
Conditions That Can Increase Termite Risk
Certain conditions around a property can make termite activity easier to establish or more difficult to detect.
These include:
- Wood touching soil
- Excessive mulch against foundations
- Persistent irrigation near the building
- Plumbing leaks
- Roof leaks
- Poor drainage
- Dead roots
- Buried wood
- Construction debris
- Foundation cracks
- Dense landscaping concealing the foundation
- Stucco extending below grade
- Uncorrected moisture conditions
Correcting these conditions does not eliminate an active termite infestation.
It does, however, reduce conditions that may contribute to termite pressure and can make future inspection easier.
FDACS recommends measures such as correcting moisture problems, reducing wood-to-soil contact, maintaining drainage, and obtaining regular professional inspections as part of subterranean termite prevention. Florida Department of Agriculture — Subterranean Termites
A One-Time Treatment Is Not a Long-Term Strategy
Even an excellent termite treatment should not be viewed as permanent protection without continued inspection and maintenance.
Properties change.
Landscape beds are rebuilt.
Irrigation systems are modified.
Patios are installed.
Plumbing is repaired.
Soil is excavated.
Pools are constructed.
Driveways are changed.
Additions are built.
Owners change.
Construction can disturb previously treated soil or create new termite access opportunities.
That is why long-term termite protection should include:
- Scheduled professional inspections
- Maintenance of baiting systems where installed
- Evaluation of treatment zones
- Documentation of changes to the property
- Prompt investigation of new termite evidence
- Continued attention to moisture conditions
- Renewable termite protection where available
Prevention works best when it is treated as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time event.
FACT:
Myth vs. Fact
MYTH: Concrete block homes cannot have subterranean termites.
Termites do not need to eat concrete.
They only need to travel through, beneath, around, or across masonry until they reach cellulose-containing materials.
That can include:
- Roof framing
- Interior wall components
- Cabinets
- Trim
- Doors
- Wood flooring
- Paper-faced materials
- Other cellulose-containing components
Concrete construction is not termite-proof construction.
Another Common Misconception: “My House Was Treated When It Was Built”
Preconstruction termite treatment can be an extremely important part of termite protection.
But it should not be interpreted as a lifetime guarantee that termites can never enter the structure.
After construction:
- Soil can be disturbed.
- Landscaping can be added.
- Plumbing repairs can penetrate slabs.
- Patios can be installed.
- Additions can alter the original perimeter.
- Pools and driveways can change surrounding soil.
- Irrigation can alter moisture conditions.
- Product performance changes over time.
Termite pressure continues.
That is why ongoing inspection remains important even when a structure received termite protection during construction.
What Should You Do If You Find Subterranean Termites?
Preserve the evidence.
Do not immediately spray everything you can see with an over-the-counter insecticide.
Killing a handful of visible workers does not eliminate the colony responsible for the infestation.
Instead:
- Photograph the activity.
- Save termite specimens.
- Preserve wings from swarmers.
- Leave mud tubes intact when practical.
- Record exactly where the evidence was discovered.
- Avoid unnecessarily disturbing the surrounding area.
- Arrange for professional identification and inspection.
The termites you see may represent only a tiny fraction of the colony.
The Most Important Difference to Remember
If there is one lesson we want Florida property owners to remember from Part 3, it is this:
All subterranean termites deserve attention—but they do not necessarily deserve the exact same response.
Native subterranean termites are serious structural pests.
Formosan and Asian subterranean termites introduce an additional level of concern because of their invasive biology, potentially large colonies, extensive foraging networks, and destructive capabilities.
That is why the Pestguard approach can be summarized this way:
For Native Subterranean Termites:
Identify → Inspect → Treat or Prevent → Monitor → Maintain Protection
For Formosan or Asian Subterranean Termites:
Identify → Intensively Inspect → Evaluate the Entire Property → Develop a Comprehensive Strategy → Consider Non-Repellent Treatment + Professional Baiting/Monitoring Where Appropriate → Closely Monitor → Maintain Long-Term Protection
The more challenging the termite, the more important it becomes to address the property as a system rather than simply treating the location where termites happened to become visible.
Why Proper Identification Still Comes First
Part 1 established the principle that guides this series:
The right termite treatment begins with the right identification.
Part 2 demonstrated why Drywood termites require an entirely different approach from subterranean termites.
Part 3 adds another level.
Even after determining that termites are subterranean, we should still ask:
Are they native Reticulitermes?
Are they Formosan subterranean termites?
Are they Asian subterranean termites?
That distinction matters.
Professional termite management should not stop when we know they are termites.
It should continue until we understand enough about which termites are present, how the structure is built, where the activity is occurring, and what level of risk exists to make an informed treatment and prevention decision.
That is what proper identification is ultimately about.
References and Further Reading
The biological, identification, prevention, and treatment principles discussed in this article are supported by university research, Florida regulatory guidance, federal pesticide labeling, and professional termite-management literature.
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — Native Subterranean Termites
UF/IFAS provides detailed information regarding Florida’s native Reticulitermes termites, including identification, distribution, caste biology, swarm periods, and distinctions from other Florida subterranean termites.
UF/IFAS — Native Subterranean Termites
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — Termite Prevention and Control
UF/IFAS provides information regarding termite inspections, shelter tubes, damage, prevention, structural conditions, and professional management.
UF/IFAS — Termite Prevention and Control
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — Florida Termite Distribution and Identification
UF/IFAS maintains important information regarding the distribution of Florida termite species and professional specimen identification.
UF/IFAS — Florida Termite Distribution and Identification
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — Formosan Subterranean Termite
UF/IFAS provides extensive information regarding the biology, identification, colony behavior, prevention, and management of Coptotermes formosanus.
UF/IFAS — Formosan Subterranean Termite
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — Subterranean Termites
FDACS provides Florida-specific consumer information concerning subterranean termite biology, prevention, moisture management, soil treatment, baiting systems, and professional termite protection.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — Termites
FDACS provides information regarding Florida termite types, professional pest control, consumer protection, and termite treatment.
FDACS — Florida Termite Information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Professional termiticides must be applied according to their EPA-approved labeling. Product labels—not general educational information—govern permitted application methods, rates, sites, precautions, and restrictions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Pesticide Product and Label Information
BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions
Manufacturer resources provide additional information regarding professional termite technologies including Termidor® termiticide and Trelona® ATBS. Product use must always follow the current EPA-approved label.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for an on-site termite inspection, professional species identification, pesticide label, engineering evaluation, or treatment proposal for a particular property.
Termite evidence and treatment requirements can vary considerably according to species, construction, environmental conditions, previous treatments, accessibility, colony distribution, and the age and extent of an infestation.
References to Termidor®, Trelona®, fipronil, baiting systems, soil treatments, or other termite-management technologies are provided for educational purposes and do not mean that any particular product or combination of products is appropriate for every property.
Pesticides must always be applied according to their current EPA-approved labels and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Where termite damage raises questions regarding the structural integrity of framing or other building components, evaluation by an appropriately qualified building professional or licensed structural engineer may be necessary.
About Pestguard Commercial Services Inc.
Pestguard Commercial Services Inc. is a family-owned Florida pest management company serving residential, commercial, condominium, multifamily, property-management, and association clients.
Since 1991, Pestguard has approached termite management around a fundamental principle:
Proper identification must come before treatment selection.
Our termite capabilities include professional termite inspections, preventive subterranean termite protection, non-repellent liquid treatments, termite baiting and monitoring systems, localized Drywood termite treatments, whole-structure fumigation, and renewable termite protection programs.
Pestguard performs its services using its own trained personnel rather than subcontracting the work, allowing inspection, treatment, monitoring, fumigation, and warranty services to remain within one organization.
For additional information or to arrange a professional termite inspection, visit Pestguard Commercial Services Inc. or call 941-358-3863.
Identify First. Treat Right. Protect Your Investment.
