Termite Inspections In Florida

About Termite Inspections

Florida is a great place for termites to flourish, so it is important to perform a termite inspection regularly. A termite inspection, or as it called by the State of Florida, Termite and Other Wood Destroying Organism Report (WDO Report), is required and strongly recommended when purchasing a home. To provide a termite inspection, the inspector must have an ID card issued from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). A unit of the Florida DACS is the Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control.  The Bureau’s Pest Control Section regulates the activities and issues licenses to the pest management industry. Their authority is given through the Structural Pest Control Act, Chapter 482, Chapter 5E-14, Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes and the Associated Rules of the Department. Termite inspection ID cards are issued to State Certified Operators that are licensed in the category of Termite and Other Wood Destroying Organisms, or licensed applicators / inspectors working under the State Certified Operators direction. These licensed applicators / inspectors must have additional training and sign an affidavit stating as much. Card holders are allowed to perform WDO inspections in Florida. Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. is properly licensed to perform a termite inspection in Florida (WDO reports).

Having a reliable inspection company perform your termite inspection is best. Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. has been performing termite inspection services since 1991. With a strong reputation as the leading Termite Company in Florida, your termite inspection will be reliable. Certified termite inspectors at Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. are capable of identifying all signs of termites during an inspection, as well as identifying the location or source of termites. So what does a termite inspection, and other Wood Destroying Organism consist of? First of all, consumers need to identify the major types of termites and other wood destroying organisms. There are three different types of termites in Florida, and within those types are different species.  A termite inspector will be looking for evidence of following three types:

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are by far the most common termite found in Florida. Most subterranean termites live in the ground because they need an additional source of moisture. They build mud tubes from the colony into structures to find wood for consumption. Since subterranean termites usually have a large colony when they invade a structure, they can cause damage pretty rapidly. Termite inspectors look for mud tubes, damaged wood, and wings from swarmers to determine if you have a subterranean termite infestation. The good news is that this type of termite damage can be prevented!

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites obtain all the moisture they need from the wood itself and, therefore, prevention is difficult at best. Drywood termites are primarily found along coastal areas and typically swarm in the spring and summer months, where they pair off and find a suitable wood source to start their colony. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites start in pairs, so the damage is slower as it takes time for the colony to grow. Inspectors look for termite pellets, damaged wood, and wings from swarmers to determine if you have a drywood termite infestation. Wings are usually found on or along window sills and near other light sources, and have a prism color like effect when looking at them.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites, as their name implies, primarily live in damp wood. There are certain situations, such as homes built on wet wood pilings and need treatment, but for the most part the method of eliminating dampwood termites has been to get rid of the damp wood. Dampwood termites require a high moisture content in wood, so usually they are not a problem in structures. If they are, the damp wood situation needs to be corrected.

Other Wood-Destroying Pests

Wood-Boring Beetles
There is a variety of wood-boring beetles that may infest seasoned wood in structures, as well as furniture. These include:

• Anobiid powderpost beetle

• Bostrichid powderpost beetle

• Lyctid Powderpost Beetles

• Old House-Borer

• And other less common species

Wood Decay Fungi
Wood decay fungi are living organisms that damage wood. There are different types of wood decay fungi. The most familiar are brown rot, soft rot, and white rot (stringy, bleached color). There are other types of fungi that discolor the wood, but do not cause any damage.

Infected wood is typically also associated with some sort of condition that is causing the wood to retain moisture. Certain types of wood decay fungi, like brown rot (Serpula lacrymanss) and dry rot (Poria incrassata) can extend themselves in to areas that are not moist by creating strands, or root-like tubers, to unaffected areas of wood.

Termite Inspection Tools

Termite inspection requires several different tools, most important of which is a good flashlight. Along with that is a termite probe, such as an extra long screwdriver or similar probe, to tap wood surfaces to detect hollow areas; various ladders; knee pads for crawl spaces and attics; a hard hat; a portable microscope or magnifying glass; a moisture meter; a camera; graph paper; measuring tape and measuring  wheel; and evidence collection containers. Some Companies employ high-tech detection equipment such as boro-scopes and interior wall cameras. We like to employ many of these tools, but our favorite is the Termatrac® T3i. The Termatrac® T3i is the most advanced termite detection device in the world! With patented radar detection, a remote thermal sensor, plus a pinpoint-accurate moisture sensor, the 3-in-1 device is the ultimate tool for the professional pest management technician.

Termite inspections are very important to ensure a safe and pest-free home or office. Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. routinely inspects their termite customer’s homes and businesses to ensure a termite-free environment for them. Having a termite inspection performed annually will help prevent termites from infesting and damaging your home. A termite inspection could also save the homeowner a significant amount of money in repairs by identifying problems early! Catching a termite infestation early is key to minimizing damages and costs. Reynolds Pest Management. Inc. encourages Florida homeowners to request an inspection annually. High-quality customer relations is our highest priority when we come to your home or business, and you can have peace of mind knowing that your interests will be well-represented!