Bronson Warns Homeowners That Termite Swarming Season Is Here
For Information, Contact:
Steve Dwinell
(850) 488-3731
March 2, 2010
TALLAHASSEE – Termite season gets underway when swarming begins in late February and early March as temperatures begin to warm. Swarming means the termites are leaving their colonies to search for new nesting sites. So, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is once again warning Floridians to take steps to protect their home. Termites cause about $750,000,000 dollars in property damage in the U.S. annually.
Termites are most abundant in the Southwest and South, with the Gulf coast commonly known as “the termite belt”. Since termites try to avoid light and open air spaces, the insects do their damage behind walls. Many homeowners don’t realize they have a termite problem until swarming season when they see them flying around their homes. The swarmers are winged, black inspects about ¼ inch long and look a lot like flying ants.
Termites can be categorized into two groups by their nesting sites. The earth-dwelling termites that make tunnels in the ground or build tubes above the earth are called subterranean termites. The second group, the wood-dwelling termites that have no contact with the earth, are called drywood termites.
Florida’s climate makes it especially vulnerable to termites and they are found throughout the state. Despite this, many homes in this state have no termite protection.
“Prevention is critical in avoiding termite destruction,” Bronson says. “The insects can go undetected for long periods of time while they feed on the wood in a home. ”
The department regulates and licenses pest control companies and conducts regular inspections to ensure the businesses are adhering to the rules and regulations governing pesticides and pest control. Consumers can contact the department’s Division of Agricultural Environmental Services to find out whether a pest control company is properly licensed, to find out how many consumer complaints have been filed against a particular business and to learn about the various types of termite control contracts. Licensed pest management professionals have the expertise to inspect buildings and treat them to prevent an infestation or provide treatment when the insects are found. Termite companies are now required to clearly tell customers if their contract covers both subterranean and drywood termites.
Most pest control operations in Florida are licensed and have the proper training. But there are unlicensed companies in operation, and it is important to check out any businesses before signing a contract.
Steps that consumers can take to protect their homes from this destructive pest are:
- Remove wood piles and other cellulose sources from under and next to their homes
- Have an annual inspection of their homes by a licensed professional pest control company.
- Direct water sources, such as air conditioner drip lines and roof downspouts, away from the structure foundation.
- When purchasing homes, carefully check the termite protection history of the home.
- Obtain a termite protection contract and renew it annually.
Bronson says consumers should read a termite protection contract before signing it. Some contracts only require that the company re-treat a home if termites are found. Bronson says it is better to have a re-treat and repair contract which requires the pest control business to repair any damage caused by termites after a home has been inspected and treated.
Information is available from the Department's website www.FloridaTermiteHelp.org or by calling (800) HELP - FLA (800-435-7352).
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