Termite treatment in Windermere, FL

Which termite is it?

Native subterranean termites (Reticulitermes) are found statewide in Florida. UF/IFAS records their flights from early January into spring, on warm, sunny, still early afternoons, usually after rain.

Formosan subterranean termites were first found in Florida in the early 1980s and are now distributed throughout the state, mainly in densely populated urban areas, including some large cities in central Florida. In Florida they typically swarm from early April to late June, shortly after sunset, peaking in May, and the swarmers are attracted to lights. Inside walls they build carton nests — a mix of soil, chewed wood and saliva.

The clue is the clock: a daytime swarm in February points to natives; a cloud around the porch light on a May evening points to Formosans. Swarm at dusk

How treatment works

Both are treated where they live — the soil — with either a liquid termiticide applied along the foundation or a bait system installed around the house. On a Florida slab, that means attention to plumbing penetrations, expansion joints and the slab edge. A Formosan carton nest inside a wall may need its own work.

Damaged wood stays damaged. Treatment stops termites; repairs are separate.

What the contract has to say

Florida rules require the termite treatment contract to be handed to the owner before any work is done and before any payment. It has to state how long it runs and any renewal option, whether it covers subterranean termites, drywood termites or both, whether reinspections are included, and the conditions for retreatment. Its first page must say whether it is for repair and retreatment or retreatment only — that difference matters if termites come back.

After treatment, a notice must be posted next to the attic or crawl-space access, and the contract must say where.

Common questions

Is a swarm inside the house serious? UF/IFAS notes Formosan swarms can happen indoors when the structure is infested. Indoor swarmers are a reason to have the house inspected soon.

Our house is new. Wasn't it treated? Florida requires termite protection on new construction. Whether that protection is still backed by a contract is a separate question — see termite inspection.

Liquid or bait? Both are used in Florida. Ask the provider why they recommend one for your house.

Who to call

Say what you saw — swarmers, mud tubes, damaged wood — when and where, and whether the house has an existing termite contract.