Call: (561) 833-7375

Termite Control Boca Raton | Termites | Island Environmental

Call 561-833-7375 or fill out the form below to be contacted by one of our specialists!

Name(Required)
By clicking submit, you are providing Go Island 2024 express consent to be contacted by SMS, possibly using automated technology to the number you provided. If at any time you wish to opt-out of communication, please reply “STOP” to cancel. Text “HELP” for help. Message frequency may vary. Message/data rates may apply. Submission of this form does not authorize the purchase of goods, services, or products. See the privacy policy/Terms and Conditions on the webpage.

How to Identify Termites

Hollow wood in your home? Cracked or bubbling paint? Discarded wings? Learn how to identify these destructive pests before they cause serious damage.

Is It an Ant or a Termite?

Swarming termites and ants can look similar and are often misidentified. Here’s how to tell them apart:

  1. Wings
    1. Termites: Two sets of wings of equal length.
    2. Ants: Front wings are longer than the back wings.
  2. Waist
    1. Termites: Straight waist.
    2. Ants: Narrow, pinched waist.
  3. Antennae
    1. Termites: Straight antennae.
    2. Ants: Elbowed antennae.

The key difference is their behavior: Ants are usually a nuisance, while termites can cause significant damage to your home.

Types of Termites in Florida

Florida is home to two main types of termites: Drywood and Subterranean.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites build colonies in dry wood and do not require soil moisture or other water sources. They infest structural wood such as:

  • Fence and utility posts
  • Furniture
  • Moldings
  • Door and window frames

Signs of Infestation: Fecal pellets are a key indicator of drywood termite activity.

Treatment:

  • Spot treating infected areas
  • Injecting galleries with liquid or foam termiticides
  • Tarping and gas fumigating (most effective)

Subterranean Termites

The eastern subterranean termite is highly destructive. A mature colony can have anywhere from 20,000 to over five million workers, with queens laying 5,000-10,000 eggs annually.

Colony Composition:

  1. Workers: Feed the colony and maintain the nest.
  2. Soldiers: Defend the colony with their powerful jaws.
  3. Reproductive Termites (Swarmers): Leave the parent colony to start new ones.
  4. Queen: Lays up to one egg per second and can live a decade or longer.

Habitat:
Found at or below ground level, these termites live in soil and feed on wood and cardboard.

Treatment:

  • Liquid soil barrier treatments
  • Sentricon® System with Always Active technology

The Termite Colony

Workers

Workers are the majority of the colony. They are responsible for:

  • Feeding the colony
  • Maintaining the nest
  • Tending to the queen and her brood

Soldiers

Soldiers protect the colony using their long heads and powerful jaws to fend off natural enemies like ants.

Reproductive Pairs (Swarmers)

Swarmers develop wings, leave the parent colony, mate, and establish new colonies.

The Queen

The queen is the largest and most important member of the colony. She can:

  • Lay up to one egg per second (up to a million eggs in her lifetime)
  • Grow up to 4 inches long
  • Live for a decade or longer

If the queen dies, another queen will take her place to sustain the colony.

Take Action Now

Termites leave few clues of their presence until visible damage is done. Don’t assume your home is termite-free.

Common Signs of Termites:

  • Hollow wood
  • Cracked or bubbling paint
  • Discarded wings

If you suspect termites, schedule a professional inspection to prevent costly damage.

Protect Your Home Today!

Take action now to keep termites away for good. Contact Island Environmental for professional termite inspection and control services.

Free Evaluation