Florida is the Sunshine State. It provides great living and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The sun and warmth, coupled with a reasonable amount of rainfall, also make Florida the home to termites.

Termites eat wood. These stealthy creatures are real pests that can literally eat you out of your house or home. If you are suspecting that you may have a termite problem, it’s time to call pest control Cape Coral.

Termite Species Living in Florida

Florida is home to many species of termites. In fact, the University of Florida has recognized 21 species living in the state. Some of the more important ones are :

• Subterranean Termites. These include six different species, the Eastern Subterranean Termite, the Cuban Termite, the Formosan Subterranean Termite, the Asian Subterranean Termite, and the West Indian Subterranean Termite. The last three are invasive species.
• Drywood Termites. There are three of these: the Florida Drywood Termite and the two invasive species, the West Indian Drywood Termite and the Western Drywood Termite.
• Dampwood Termites. One species, the Florida Dampwood Termite, inhabits Florida.
• Higher Termites. Two species are included here: the Florida Dark-winged Subterranean Termite and the Cone-headed Termite (also known as the Tree Termite).
• Hybrid Termites. The University of Florida has also documented a hybrid termite variety between the Formosan and Asian invasive termites.

Signs That You May Have a Termite Problem

If you are besieged by swarms of flying termite, you definitely know that you have an infestation. In other cases, however, the indicators of a termite problem may be more subtle. These are some signs to look out for:

• Pencil-sized mud tubes at the foundation at ground level.
• Termite droppings, which resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
• Hollow or damaged wood, particularly close to the ground.
• Uneven or blistering of pained wood.
• Piles of discarded wings, which is evidence of recent swarming activity