Table of Contents
- 1 Termite Control in Brevard and Indian River Counties
- 1.1 Protect Your Home from Silent Destruction
- 1.2 Termite Control; Types of Termites
- 1.3 What Attracts Termites to Homes?
- 1.4 Common Signs of Termite Infestation
- 1.5 How to Prevent Termite Damage
- 1.6 Protect Your Florida Home from Termites
- 1.7 Termite Prevention
- 1.8 Termite Control Treatment Cost
- 1.9 Identifying Your Home’s Slab Type: A Simple Guide
- 1.10 Our Service Areas:
- 1.11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: TERMITE CONTROL
- 1.11.1 General Questions About Termites
- 1.11.2 Termite Prevention
- 1.11.3 DIY vs. Professional Termite Treatment
- 1.11.4 Termite Treatment Pricing and Frequency
- 1.11.5 Signs and Urgency of Termite Issues
- 1.11.6 Termite Damage
- 1.11.7 Termite Behavior and Lifecycle
- 1.11.8 Home Buying and Termites
- 1.11.9 Maintenance After Termite Treatment
- 1.11.10 Termite Species
- 1.11.11 Conducive Conditions for Termite Infestations
- 1.11.12 Preconstruction Termite Treatments
- 1.12 Related Termite Control Links:
Termite Control in Brevard and Indian River Counties
Protect Your Home from Silent Destruction
Termites are a common problem in Florida, silently causing significant damage to homes. Don’t let these destructive pests compromise your property’s value and integrity.
We’re experts in eliminating termites. With decades of experience and thousands of homes treated, we offer:
- Expert Inspections: Our certified technicians conduct thorough inspections to identify potential termite infestations.
- Effective Treatments: We utilize advanced techniques and EPA-registered products to eliminate termites and prevent future infestations.
- Preventive Measures: Our preventative treatments create a barrier around your home to deter termites.
- Guaranteed Protection: We offer comprehensive coverage, including damage repair, to give you peace of mind.
Contact us today for a free quote.
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SCHEDULE YOUR TERMITE CONTROL SERVICE NOW:
Termite Control; Types of Termites
Subterranean Termites
- Most destructive type.
- Colonies can be massive.
- Treatment: Trenching and application of EPA-registered termiticide.
Dry-wood Termites
- Typically found in older homes.
- Smaller colonies.
- Treatment: Borate treatments to attic trusses or wall voids.
What Attracts Termites to Homes?
Termite Attractants
- Wood Contact: Direct contact between wood and soil.
- Stucco Below Grade: Moisture-trapping conditions.
- Wood Debris: Landscaping materials near the house.
- Foundation Cracks: Entry points for termites.
- Drainage Issues: Standing water or leaks attract termites.
- Mulch: Pine bark mulch can harbor termites.
- Plumbing Leaks: Moisture sources attract termites.
- Roof Leaks: Moisture sources attract termites.
- Insulation: Rigid foam insulation can create favorable conditions.
- Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture buildup.
- Firewood: Stored firewood near the house can be a source.
Common Signs of Termite Infestation
- Mud Tubes: These small, tunnel-like structures are often found on foundation walls, wood, and other surfaces.
- Winged Termites: Swarms of winged termites may be seen near windows and doors.
- Damaged Wood: Look for hollow-sounding wood, especially in wall voids and floor joists.
- Frass: Tiny pellets of wood that termites expel from their tunnels.
How to Prevent Termite Damage
Regular Inspections & Maintenance:
- Annual inspections: Detect termites early.
- Termite agreement: Protect against dry-wood and subterranean termites.
- Proper drainage: Prevent moisture buildup.
- AC drainage: Ensure water flows away from your home.
- Gutters: Redirect rainwater.
- Plumbing & roof leaks: Repair promptly to avoid moisture.
- Mulch choice: Avoid wood mulch near your home. Use rubber, cedar, or melaleuca alternatives.
- Eaves & soffits: Keep them in good condition to deter termites.
Protect Your Florida Home from Termites
Termites are a silent threat, causing significant damage to homes in Florida. Don’t wait for an infestation.
Preventative termite treatment can safeguard your home and save you money on repairs.
Termite Prevention
Don’t let termites damage your most valuable asset. Our expert termite treatments can:
- Prevent costly repairs
- Maintain your home’s value
- Avoid the hassle and expense of an infestation
- Provide peace of mind
Contact us today for a free inspection and quote.
Termite Control Treatment Cost
Subterranean Termite Treatment Costs
- Monolithic Slab: $0.79/sq ft
- Supported Slab: $2.35/sq ft
Estimate Your Cost:
- Multiply your home’s square footage by the appropriate rate.
Example: A 1,500 sq ft home:
- Monolithic slab: $1,185
- Supported slab: $3,525
Note: Prices are estimates. Actual costs may vary.
Dry-Wood Termite Protection
Add dry-wood termite protection to your existing subterranean termite warranty. We’ll treat your attic and eaves with a borate solution.
Pricing:
- 1st 1,500 sq. ft.: $300
- Additional 500 sq. ft.: $50
Note: Prices may vary based on location and specific home conditions.
Identifying Your Home’s Slab Type: A Simple Guide
Is your Florida home built on a monolithic slab? This type of concrete foundation is common in the state and can be susceptible to termites.
Need help identifying your slab type? Call us today at 321-704-0434 for a free estimate and expert termite control advice.
Monolithic slab
Florida’s sandy soil makes monolithic slabs the most common foundation choice.
These single-piece concrete slabs, are usually 4-6 inches thick and reinforced with steel.
Supported slab
Supported slabs, often found in areas with poor soil or heavy structures, require special termite treatment due to their pier and beam design.
This treatment can be more costly than monolithic slabs, as both sides of the foundation must be protected.
Floating Foundation
Floating slabs, often used in areas with unstable soil, are more susceptible to termite infestations due to their separation from the home’s foundation. We specialize in treating both sides of these slabs, ensuring comprehensive protection against termites.
Ideal for:
- Homes on unstable or uneven ground
- Large or heavy structures
- Oceanfront properties
Why are monolithic concrete slabs the most common foundation type for homes in Florida?
Florida’s sandy soil makes monolithic slabs the preferred foundation choice. These slabs are strong, durable, and resistant to Florida’s harsh climate. They’re also cost-effective, making them a popular option for homeowners and builders.
Identifying Your Home’s Slab Foundation
There are a few ways to tell what kind of slab your home has. One way is to look at the foundation of your home. If you see a concrete wall around the perimeter of your house, then you have a stem wall foundation. If you do not see a foundation wall, then you have a monolithic slab foundation.
Another way to tell what kind of slab your home has is to look at the slab itself. If the slab is poured directly onto the ground, then it is a monolithic slab. If the slab is supported by piers or beams, then it is a supported slab or floating slab.
Our Service Areas:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: TERMITE CONTROL
General Questions About Termites
Yes, and the issue is growing due to the introduction of Formosan termites. Areas like Palm Bay, Suntree, and Viera, once swampland, now experience rising termite activity because of drying conditions and the prevalence of slash pines, a favorite food for subterranean termites.
Look for mud tubes, discarded wings in windows, and swarmers (flying termites).
Eastern subterranean termite nests are usually underground and hard to spot.
Formosan termites can also build above-ground nests called “cartons,” found in wall voids, attics, and hidden spaces. Formosan termite cartons are hard, ovoid structures made from a mixture of wood fragments, soil, saliva, and feces that resembles cardboard or a papier-mâché basketball.
No. We use EPA-approved termiticides for effective control. Dry-wood borate treatments use processed boron-based minerals, while products like Premise are synthetic insecticides.
An increase in mud tubes may signal a large colony targeting your home. Swarmers could indicate an undetected infestation or termites attracted by lights entering through open doors or windows.
Most of the time, yes. Swarming termites may enter from outside, but it often signals a termite issue.
Signs include mud tubes, frass (termite droppings), swarmers, or visible termites.
Look for mud streaks on drywall. Breaking a mud tube may reveal live termites repairing the breach.
You’ll see streaks or spots of mud and dirt.
Fire ants sometimes build mud tubes resembling termite activity, often near nests or areas affected by flooding.
Their favorite is slash pine but will feed on oak, maple, and other woods.
Eastern subterranean, Formosan, dry-wood, southern dry-wood, and damp-wood termites.
Rarely. They need continuously wet wood, which typically occurs only with severe moisture issues like roof leaks.
Yes, excessive moisture from irrigation can attract termites.
Yes. Too much moisture eliminates the need for termites to seek water and attracts other pests. Install a rain sensor to prevent overwatering.
Yes, a single colony can infest several homes simultaneously.
Yes, termites can enter through cracks and feed on baseboards, furniture, flooring, and structural wood like trusses.
Yes, they’ll feed on wood furnishings and baseboards.
Yes, termites can feed on paper currency.
Swarming occurs in spring and early summer, triggered by warm weather and rain. Eastern subterranean termites swarm from November to May, while Formosan termites swarm from March to June, usually at night.
Dry-wood termites swarm from May to September during warm, humid conditions.
Distinguishing between swarming termites and ants involves several key features. Termites have straight antennae, a wide waist, and two pairs of wings equal in size that are held flat against their bodies when at rest. In contrast, ants have elbowed antennae, a narrow waist, and two pairs of wings with the front pair being significantly larger than the hind pair. These differences in physical characteristics can help homeowners identify the presence of termites and take appropriate action to protect their property.
Gone are the days of relying solely on termite monitoring and bait stations. While they were once the primary method of termite control, advancements in technology have led to safer and more effective solutions.
Our expert termite control services utilize proven insecticides like fipronil and imidacloprid. These products create a protective barrier around your home, preventing termites from entering and causing damage.
Preparing your home for termite treatment can take some work. To ensure optimal results, please take the following steps:
- Clear the area: Remove or relocate items from around the foundation of your home, such as flower pots, hoses, outdoor furniture, and any other objects that may be in the way of treatment application.
- Trim back vegetation: Trim back any overhanging branches or shrubs that may touch the house. This will allow for better access to the foundation and prevent interference with the treatment process.
- Prepare for potential drilling: If the treatment involves drilling holes in the foundation, you may need to move items away from the walls where drilling will occur.
We understand that preparing for treatment can be time-consuming. We are happy to assist you with moving some lighter items if needed. Please let us know if you require any assistance.
During the termite treatment process, there’s usually minimal disruption to your daily routine.
- Interior Treatment First: To minimize the tracking of dirt into your home, we will typically begin with any interior treatments first.
- Attic Treatment Priority: We’ll prioritize treating the attic early in the day to avoid excessive heat buildup.
- Pet Supervision:
- Please be mindful of your pets during the treatment process.
- Occasionally, we may need to bring a hose inside or access areas that might require you to supervise your pets to ensure their safety.
- Please be prepared to assist in keeping your pets away from treatment areas.
Most importantly, please feel free to ask any questions you may have throughout the treatment process. We want to ensure your comfort and understanding during this time.
After the treatment is complete, there’s very little you need to do.
- Allow Drying Time: Allow approximately 30 minutes for any treated areas to dry completely before allowing pets back into those areas.
- Replace Items: You can begin replacing items such as knick-knacks and decorative objects.
- Relax: That’s it! You can now relax and enjoy your termite-free home.
We will do our best to return all items to their original positions, including flower pots and outdoor decorations. If you need assistance moving any heavier items back into place, please don’t hesitate to ask.
It’s important to note that occasional swarming after a termite treatment can occur, especially if there was a significant infestation prior to treatment.
- Swarming After Treatment: Swarming after treatment is often a natural response from a dying termite colony. When termites sense their colony is under threat (like after a treatment), they may engage in a final effort to reproduce.
- Treatment Impact: If we used Termidor, you should expect swarming to subside within 2 weeks. If Premise was used, swarming should cease within approximately 1 month.
- Potential Causes: Continued swarming after this timeframe might indicate:
- Untreated Areas: There could be untreated areas, such as hidden cracks in the slab, under a wall, under tile or laminate, or beneath a shower pan.
- Moisture Sources: Termites require moisture to survive. Persistent swarming could suggest a moisture source, such as a leaking roof, a leaking shower drain, or an improperly draining A/C unit. Termites can even maintain a colony within wet insulation, avoiding contact with the treated soil.
- Don’t Worry: If you notice continued swarming after the expected timeframe, please don’t hesitate to contact us. I have over 20 years of experience in termite control and have encountered many various termite scenarios. I will thoroughly investigate the situation and determine the cause of the continued swarming activity.
Those green discs are likely bait stations used for termite monitoring and control. They typically contain a small piece of wood that termites may feed on.
- How they work: If termites are present, they will enter the station and consume the wood. During routine inspections (usually quarterly), your termite control technician will check the wood for signs of termite activity. If termites are found, the wood is replaced with a bait that the termites will consume and then carry back to the colony, effectively eliminating the infestation.
- Note: These stations were a common method of termite control before the development of more modern soil treatments like Premise and Termidore. While still sometimes used for specific situations, modern soil treatments are generally more effective and preferred for preventative termite control.
- Removal: We offer free removal of these older bait stations upon request during your service.
While termite treatments can sometimes eliminate carpenter ants, especially if the ants are nesting within the treated area, it’s not guaranteed. Carpenter ants often nest in areas outside the home, such as trees or wood piles, including the many cabbage palms common on Merritt Island. If the ants are primarily nesting in these external locations, a termite treatment may not be sufficient to eradicate them. However, if the carpenter ant infestation is within the home’s structure, particularly in areas damaged by termites, a termite treatment may help control the ant problem as well.
If you suspect you have a carpenter ant problem, let us know so we can address both issues at the same time.
Termite infestations can create an environment that is very attractive to ant species. Here’s why:
- Damaged Wood: Termite damage weakens and deteriorates wood, creating ideal nesting sites for other types of ants.
- Food Source: Termites themselves can become a food source for certain ants, particularly carpenter ants.
- Swarm Activity: Carpenter ants are known to “anticipate” termite swarms. When a termite colony is preparing to swarm, carpenter ants may appear in large numbers, waiting to feast on the emerging winged termites.
Other ant species commonly found in association with termite infestations include:
- Fire ants: These aggressive ants may be drawn to the weakened wood and the presence of other insects attracted to the termite damage.
- Ghost ants: These tiny, fast-moving ants are well-adapted to living in the crevices and tunnels created by termites.
- Argentine ants: These highly adaptable ants can thrive in a variety of environments, including those disturbed by termite activity.
No, termites do not kill living trees.
Termites only eat dead wood, with decaying wood being their preferred food source. If a tree falls and you find termites, they are consuming the dead portions of the tree. They may have even been present before the tree fell, feeding on existing dead wood within the tree. However, termites play no role in the death of a healthy, living tree.
Factors such as fungal diseases (rot), storm damage, age, nutrition deficiencies, lightning/other damage, or pest issues are responsible.
Yes, we do. While termites primarily infest dead wood, we can treat trees for damp wood termites, which can sometimes colonize living trees. This treatment can also help reduce local populations of other termite species, such as Eastern Subterranean and Formosan termites.
In addition to termite control, we also offer tree and plant spraying services to manage a variety of other insects, including scale and other pests that can attract ants. We frequently treat palm trees to control ant infestations, including common species like Carpenter ants, Argentine ants, White-footed ants, and Ghost ants.
We typically schedule these applications for mornings when wind conditions are generally calmer to ensure effective treatment.
No, termite protection is the homeowner’s responsibility.
The homeowner is responsible for paying for termite treatment.
Yes, both drywood and subterranean termites can infest manufactured homes.
We offer treatments to protect against subterranean termites. For drywood termites, maintain the vapor barrier and inspect it regularly to prevent access to the structural wood.
Yes, a proper termite treatment can provide permanent prevention.
Yes, termites are active throughout Florida.
Yes, termites are a significant concern in Florida, and a warranty is highly recommended.
Yes, termites can build mud tubes inside cinder blocks and feed on roof trusses undetected.
Termite Prevention
DIY vs. Professional Termite Treatment
Termite Treatment Pricing and Frequency
Signs and Urgency of Termite Issues
Termite Damage
Termite Behavior and Lifecycle
Home Buying and Termites
Maintenance After Termite Treatment
Termite Species
Conducive Conditions for Termite Infestations
Yes, decaying stumps provide an ideal habitat for termites. Remove or grind stumps near your home.
Yes, improper drainage creates moisture that attracts termites. Use a splash block to direct water away from your home.
Stucco below grade lets termites enter undetected. Ensure stucco ends at least six inches above soil level.
Pine bark mulch attracts termites. Choose eucalyptus or cypress mulch instead.
Sealing gaps in soffits blocks swarming termites from entering attics. Preventing dry-wood termites from entering your attic in the first place is the best dry-wood termite prevention.
Yes, leaks create damp wood that attracts termites. Repair leaks promptly.
Yes, cracks allow termites to bypass barriers. Seal cracks to prevent entry.
