Termite Season in South Florida / Treasure Coast: What Homeowners Need to Know

Termite Season in South Florida / Treasure Coast: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Termites cause more property damage in the United States each year than fires, floods, and storms combined. And nowhere is the termite threat more serious than in South Florida / Treasure Coast. Our warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant moisture create ideal conditions for termites to thrive — and Palm Beach County homeowners are squarely in the crosshairs.

Understanding termite season, recognizing the warning signs, and taking proactive steps to protect your home can save you thousands of dollars in structural repairs.

Why South Florida / Treasure Coast Is a Termite Hotspot

South Florida / Treasure Coast sits in what entomologists call a "very heavy" termite activity zone. Several factors make our area particularly vulnerable:

Year-round warmth: Unlike northern states where freezing temperatures slow or halt termite activity during winter, Palm Beach County's mild winters allow termites to remain active and feed on wood structures 365 days a year. There is no natural break in their lifecycle here.

High humidity: South Florida / Treasure Coast's subtropical humidity provides the moisture that subterranean termites need to survive. These termites require contact with soil moisture, and our consistently humid conditions mean the soil around Palm Beach County homes stays damp enough to support large colonies year-round.

Sandy soils: The sandy soils common throughout Palm Beach County are easy for termites to tunnel through, allowing them to reach your home's foundation more quickly than they could in denser clay soils.

Abundant food sources: Between the wood framing in our homes, wooden fences, mulch in landscaping beds, tree stumps, and fallen branches, South Florida / Treasure Coast provides termites with no shortage of cellulose to feed on.

When Is Termite Swarming Season?

While termites feed on wood year-round underground, their most visible activity occurs during swarming season — typically February through May in Palm Beach County. During this period, mature termite colonies release winged reproductive termites (called alates or swarmers) that fly out to mate and establish new colonies.

Swarming events are often triggered by warm, humid conditions following rain — conditions that are extremely common in South Florida / Treasure Coast during spring. Swarms typically occur during daylight hours, often in the morning or early afternoon.

What a termite swarm looks like:

- Hundreds or thousands of small, winged insects emerging from soil, walls, or foundation cracks

- Discarded wings on windowsills, countertops, or near exterior doors

- Swarmers attracted to lights, often found near windows and light fixtures

If you see a swarm in or near your Palm Beach County home, it means a mature colony is nearby — and it has likely been feeding on wood in the area for several years already.

Types of Termites in Palm Beach County

South Florida / Treasure Coast homeowners face threats from multiple termite species:

Eastern Subterranean Termites: The most common species in Palm Beach County. These termites live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to travel between the soil and wood food sources. A single colony can contain hundreds of thousands of workers, each consuming small amounts of wood continuously.

Formosan Subterranean Termites: Sometimes called "super termites," Formosan termites build much larger colonies — often containing millions of individuals. They are more aggressive feeders than Eastern subterranean termites and can cause significant structural damage in a shorter period. Formosan termites have been established in South Florida / Treasure Coast for decades and are a serious concern.

Drywood Termites: Unlike subterranean species, drywood termites do not need soil contact. They live entirely within the wood they consume and can infest furniture, framing, and trim without any visible mud tubes. Drywood termites are common throughout South Florida / Treasure Coast and can be introduced into homes through infested lumber or furniture.

Signs of Termite Activity

Early detection is critical for minimizing termite damage. Watch for these warning signs around your Palm Beach County home:

• Mud tubes on foundation walls, in crawl spaces, on plumbing pipes, or along exterior walls — these pencil-sized tubes are highways that subterranean termites build to travel between soil and wood

• Discarded wings near windows, doors, or on the ground near your foundation — a sign that swarmers have emerged nearby

• Hollow-sounding wood when you tap on baseboards, door frames, or structural beams — termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell

• Bubbling or blistering paint on wood surfaces that may resemble water damage

• Frass (termite droppings) — small, wood-colored pellets found beneath infested wood, particularly from drywood termites

• Sagging floors, stuck doors, or crumbling drywall — signs of advanced structural damage

Prevention Tips for Palm Beach County Homeowners

While no prevention method is foolproof, these steps can significantly reduce your risk:

1. Reduce moisture around your foundation: Fix leaky faucets, repair air conditioning condensation lines, and ensure gutters direct water away from your home. Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture.

2. Keep wood away from your foundation: Store firewood, lumber, and wooden debris at least 20 feet from your home. Avoid wood-to-soil contact around your foundation.

3. Manage mulch carefully: While mulch is popular in South Florida / Treasure Coast landscaping, it retains moisture and can attract termites. Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from your foundation and consider using non-wood alternatives near the house.

4. Seal entry points: Fill cracks in your foundation, around utility pipes, and where concrete meets wood. Even small gaps can provide access for termites.

5. Trim vegetation: Keep shrubs, trees, and other plants trimmed away from your home's exterior. Dense vegetation traps moisture against the structure and provides cover for termite activity.

6. Schedule annual professional inspections: A trained termite inspector can identify signs of activity that homeowners often miss. Annual inspections are especially important in South Florida / Treasure Coast's high-risk environment.

Professional Termite Treatment Options

If termites are found in your Palm Beach County home, professional treatment is essential. DIY products are not effective against established colonies. Treatment options include:

Liquid termiticide barriers: A continuous chemical barrier is applied around your home's foundation, treating the soil where subterranean termites travel. Modern termiticides are non-repellent, meaning termites pass through the treated zone and carry the product back to their colony.

Bait station systems: Monitoring stations are installed around your home's perimeter. When termite activity is detected, bait containing a slow-acting growth regulator is added. Worker termites feed on the bait and share it with the colony, eventually eliminating the entire colony.

Fumigation (tenting): For severe drywood termite infestations, whole-structure fumigation may be necessary. The home is sealed with a tent and a fumigant gas penetrates all wood members to eliminate the infestation.

Localized wood treatment: For isolated drywood termite infestations, direct treatment of affected wood can sometimes be effective without full fumigation.

Protecting Your Investment

Your home is likely your largest financial investment. In South Florida / Treasure Coast's termite-heavy environment, proactive protection is not optional — it is responsible homeownership. At Palm Beach County Pest Control, our termite inspection and treatment programs are designed specifically for Palm Beach County's unique conditions.

We offer free termite inspections for Palm Beach County homeowners. Our licensed technicians will thoroughly examine your property, identify any signs of termite activity, and recommend a protection plan tailored to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much damage can termites really do?

A mature subterranean termite colony can consume about 15 pounds of wood per week. Over months and years, this causes serious structural damage that often costs thousands of dollars to repair. Formosan colonies can cause even more rapid damage due to their larger population size.

Do I need a termite inspection before buying a home in South Florida / Treasure Coast?

Absolutely. A professional termite inspection (often called a WDO — Wood Destroying Organism — inspection) should be part of every real estate transaction in South Florida / Treasure Coast. Many lenders require one. Even if not required, it protects you from buying a home with hidden termite damage.

Can I treat termites myself?

Over-the-counter termite products are generally not effective against established colonies. Subterranean termite colonies are located underground, often far from where damage is visible. Professional treatment with commercial-grade products and proper application techniques is necessary for effective control.

How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?

Termite swarmers have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a broad waist. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, wings of unequal length, and a pinched waist. If you are unsure, save a few specimens and call a professional for identification.

How long does termite treatment last?

Liquid soil treatments typically provide protection for 5 to 10 years, depending on the product and soil conditions. Bait station systems provide ongoing protection as long as they are maintained and monitored. Annual inspections are recommended regardless of treatment type.