Florida is the worst state in America for termites. Subterranean and Formosan termites cause an estimated $500 million in damage to Florida homes per year. By the time you see signs, structural damage is usually already underway. Here’s how to identify, treat, and prevent termite infestations in 2026.
The Three Termite Types in Florida
| Type | Damage Speed | Identification |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Subterranean | Moderate | Mud tubes on foundation, pin holes in wood |
| Formosan (“Super Termite”) | Very fast | Massive colonies (millions of individuals), can damage homes within months |
| Drywood | Slow but persistent | Small piles of pellets (“frass”) below wood, no mud tubes |
Signs You Have Termites
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, crawlspaces, or interior pipes (subterranean species)
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Tiny holes in wood with frass piles below (drywood)
- Discarded wings near windowsills (swarmers after mating)
- Bubbling/peeling paint that resembles water damage
- Sagging floors or warping doors that don’t close properly
Treatment Options
1. Liquid Soil Treatment (DIY for Subterranean)
Trench around the foundation, apply termiticide. Creates a treated zone that kills termites entering or leaving the soil.
Best product: Taurus SC (fipronil) — non-repellent, undetectable to termites, kills colonies. Mix per label and apply to a 6-inch wide trench against foundation.
Cost: ~$200 for product, vs $1,500-3,000 for professional treatment. Effective for 8-10 years per application.
2. Termite Bait Stations (DIY for Subterranean)
In-ground bait stations placed every 10-15 feet around the home. Termites find the bait, share with the colony, eliminate it within 60-90 days.
Best product: Advance Termite Bait System — professional-grade bait stations homeowners can install. Lower upfront cost than chemical trenching but requires monitoring.
3. Drywood Termite Treatment
Drywood termites don’t touch soil — they live entirely in wood. Soil treatments don’t reach them.
Localized: Drill into infested wood, inject Bifen liquid or termiticide foam. Effective for small isolated infestations.
Whole-structure: Tent fumigation. Required for widespread drywood infestation. Professional service only — $1,500-4,000 depending on home size.
4. Annual Inspection & Treatment Renewal
Florida homes should have annual termite inspections regardless of treatment status. Subterranean termites can return; drywood swarmers can establish new colonies.
DIY vs Professional Treatment
DIY works for:
- Localized drywood infestations (small areas)
- Preventive subterranean treatment (no current infestation)
- Bait station installation around foundation
Hire a professional for:
- Active widespread subterranean infestation
- Formosan termite suspicion (these multiply too fast for DIY)
- Drywood whole-house infestation (requires tent fumigation)
- Damage repair (structural reinforcement)
Cost Comparison
| Treatment | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Treatment | ~$200 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Bait Stations | ~$300-400 | $1,200-2,000 + $300/yr monitoring |
| Drywood (localized) | ~$50 | $500-1,000 |
| Tent Fumigation | N/A (professional only) | $1,500-4,000 |
Prevention
- Keep wood off the ground. No mulch directly against foundation. No firewood stacked against the house.
- Fix moisture issues. Termites need moisture. Repair plumbing leaks, fix gutter overflow, regrade soil so water flows away from the foundation.
- Annual inspections. Florida humidity makes this non-negotiable. $50-150 inspection saves thousands later.
- Treat soil during construction or addition projects. Easier and cheaper than retrofitting.
FAQ
How fast can Formosan termites damage a home?
A mature Formosan colony can consume 13 ounces of wood per day. Severe damage in 6-12 months is documented in Florida case studies.
Are termites covered by homeowners insurance?
Almost never. Termite damage is considered preventable through maintenance.
Where can I find related pest guides?
See our Florida termite inspection guide.
A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on the products linked above through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates. Picks reflect our hands-on testing in Florida conditions, not commission rates.