Termites are silent for the most part, and they do their work underground or inside wood. So, if you notice you have a problem, there is a good chance that it is a big one. At Nozzle Nolen, we recognize that the best method of pest management is limiting the possibility of infestations in the first place. So, we’ve gathered some preventative termite treatment options for South Florida homes and businesses so that you can reduce your risk.
Termite Basics in South Florida
There are three major species of termites that affect South Florida structures which are subterranean termites, Drywood termites, and Dampwood termites. Subterranean termites are the most common and cause the most damage—billions of dollars in damages come from termites throughout the United States each year. Drywood termites are less common but more of a “silent” menace. They don’t leave much of a path in terms of entering a home and prefer to hide in wood paneling and other areas where they’re hard to notice. Finally, as their name implies, Dampwood termites require high moisture levels to survive. They are typically associated with pieces of wood that are exposed to frequent moisture. This can include exposed roofing or siding where rainwater has found a way in, wood exposed to sprinkler irrigation, or wood that touches soil.
In South Florida, Subterranean termites, including the formidable Formosan variant, live in soil and wet wood but will tunnel to wherever workers can find a viable food source. Unfortunately, that can mean tunneling through wood, foam insulation, some types of metal and plastic, and even asphalt. This is why they can become so destructive.
Maintaining a Barrier: The #1 Preventative Termite Treatment
Termites aren’t necessarily smart, but they are remarkably persistent. When colonies are looking to move, swarmers will fly around and look for places with food and enough space to start a colony. Creating a gap between your yard and your home is crucial to building a boundary they are unlikely to cross. Steps to ensure this preventative termite treatment works include:
- Maintaining a 12 to 18-inch gap between shrubs, branches, and other foliage from your home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and remove dead and rotting wood.
- Ensure drains and gutters are clear and draining water at least one foot away from your home.
- Eliminate direct contact between wooden and stucco exterior features and soil.
- Repair cracks in your foundation and woodwork to eliminate points of entry.
Create an Inhospitable Environment for Termites
There are two key ways to make your home less attractive to pests: limiting food sources and resources to build a colony inside your home or by making more attractive options available outside. In the case of the former, you can further ensure that termites do not want to make their way into your house by:
- Inspecting any used wooden furniture and other wood pieces before bringing them inside.
- Performing routine maintenance on interior woodwork and keeping things trimmed, stained, or painted.
- Avoid using roach and other pest sprays when possible. Termites like to travel on routes set by fellow workers, and sprays can make them more likely to seek out new paths, including into your home.
The second step is to create more attractive options that are not your home’s foundation and structural components. For example, termite bait stations are available for homeowners to use. They create food opportunities and serve as a great preventative termite treatment option before they get to your home. However, knowing where to place them for maximum benefit is not always easy to do. It should be guided by where colonies are active and where they are likely to swarm based on the season.
An expert can provide tips on your home or property’s specific needs, perform an inspection that may turn up existing colonies, as well as provide a treatment plan that will keep your home termite-free year-round.
Homeowners: Get Professional Preventative Termite Treatment with 365 Complete
Expert care leads to expert results. Nozzle Nolen’s 365 Complete Plan represents the culmination of 70 years of integrated pest management expertise. With just four visits each year, you can get preventative termite treatment for Drywood and Subterranean varieties, along with 19 other types of pests. And if something does show up, we’ll be there within 24-48 hours to handle the problem so you can continue enjoying your South Florida home.
Businesses: Get a Custom Quote for Your Termite Treatment Needs
It’s hard enough to try and run your business—don’t let pests become yet another headache. Nozzle Nolen’s commercial preventative termite treatment plans have protective options based on your property’s location and specific risk factors.
Nozzle Nolen has provided preventative termite treatment services for homeowners and businesses in South Florida for seven decades. Whether you need treatment for an existing infestation or ongoing preventative treatment, call us at 800.226.6536 or Contact Us so we can get started protecting your property.
