Subterranean termites live in the soil and enter through mud tubes along the foundation, feeding on structural wood out of sight. Damage averages several thousand dollars to repair and is rarely covered by homeowners insurance. Florida's swarm season runs late winter into spring, which is when most homeowners first notice a problem — often too late.
Signs to look for
Mud tubes running up the foundation, a pier, or an exterior wall
Wood that sounds hollow or feels soft when tapped, especially near a bathroom or exterior wall
Discarded wings scattered on windowsills or in spiderwebs after a warm, humid day
Paint that looks bubbled or wood that appears water-damaged with no plumbing leak nearby
How [Your Business] treats it
A full WDO inspection of the structure — no treatment quote before we've actually seen it
Recommend a liquid soil barrier, a baiting system, or both, based on construction type and where activity is concentrated
Apply the treatment along the foundation and known entry points
Enroll the property under a termite bond with an annual renewal inspection so activity stays monitored going forward
Why they’re here
Wood-to-soil contact — fence posts, deck supports, or siding touching the ground
Excess moisture near the foundation from irrigation, poor drainage, or AC condensate
Mulch piled high against the foundation
Firewood or scrap lumber stored against the house
Prevention tips
Keep soil, mulch, and wood at least several inches below siding and framing
Redirect downspouts and irrigation away from the foundation
Store firewood off the ground and away from the structure
Schedule an annual WDO inspection even without visible signs
Keep exploring
See the services we run for this pest, and where we cover it.
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Questions people ask about this pest.
How do you know which pest is actually causing the problem?
Every visit starts with an inspection, so treatment is matched to what's actually active on your property, not a guess based on the page you're reading.
Is one visit enough to get rid of it?
Are your treatments safe for pets and kids?
What if it comes back?
