Termites

In Florida, termites cause more damage to structures than fires, floods and storms combined. It is very important to protect your home from these very destructive insects. Good construction and proper maintenance of your home is the first step. Since your homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by termites, hiring a licensed pest control company to inspect and treat your home is the next recommended step.

There are many species of termites in Florida, and new species introductions can occur at any time. Florida’s climate and environmental conditions are highly favorable for termites to thrive. Currently, Florida has four known types of termites, commonly referred to as dampwood, drywood, subterranean, and conehead termites. Subterranean termites are the most destructive type, causing billions of dollars of damage to structures annually. The second most destructive would be drywood termites. The conehead termite is a new invasive type of termite that also causes damage to structures. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has been working to eradicate the conehead termite because of its localized infestation in the Dania Beach and Pompano Beach areas of Florida.

It is very important to properly identify the type of termite that could possibly be infesting your home so that proper treatments can be conducted. Treatments will vary depending on the type of termite identified. Your local Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) county extension office is very helpful in identifying termites, their damage and evidence.

FDACS regulates and licenses Florida’s pest control industry. FDACS is authorized by law to conduct investigations to determine if any documented violations of the Florida Structural Pest Control Act (Chapter 482, Florida Statutes) or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) have occurred. Documented violations are subject to administrative actions. FDACS does not have authority to arbitrate any claims for personal or property damage or to adjudicate settlements.

For information specific to the different types of termites found in Florida, browse through the following FDACS webpages:

• Dampwood/Drywood Termites
• Subterranean Termites (Including Native, Formosan and Asian Termites)
• Conehead Termites

File a Complaint Against a Pest Control Company

If you have a complaint about a pest control company and would like to initiate an investigation, please complete and return a complaint form[ ].