In Broward County termites never take a season off. Fort Lauderdale's heat, humidity and salt-air coastal environment mean more than one kind of termite is eating through wood at the same time, sometimes in the same neighborhood. Call (844) 725-1661 for a referral to an independent, licensed provider. PestMinistry is a referral service; the provider performs the inspection and treatment.
Three termite types to know
South Florida is unusual because it hosts both drywood and subterranean termites, and more than one species of each.
- Drywood termites: they enter through attic vents, soffits and window frames, then live entirely inside the wood. Their colonies are smaller, but there may be several in one structure. The West Indian drywood termite is common in coastal Florida.
- Subterranean termites: live in the soil and build mud tubes to reach buildings. The Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite are both established in South Florida and form large colonies that can damage a house quickly.
Clues that your home may be affected
- Small piles of tiny pellets that look like coarse sand, usually under windowsills or on furniture.
- Swarms of winged insects, which in Fort Lauderdale can occur at dusk in spring and early summer, and sometimes attracted to porch lights.
- Mud tubes along block walls, slab edges or inside garages.
- Blistered paint, small kick-out holes in wood or doors that stick.
Why Fort Lauderdale homes are vulnerable
Concrete block construction gives a false sense of safety. Interior framing, roof trusses, cabinets and trim are still wood. Older homes in Sailboat Bend, Progresso Village and Edgewood often have original wood windows and eaves that dry-wood termites love. Newer waterfront houses with elaborate rooflines and wood decks, docks and pergolas add extra exposed lumber. Salt air and rain also deteriorate sealants and paint, opening cracks where termites can enter.
How treatment differs by termite type
- Inspection: a licensed inspector examines attics, trim, door and window frames, and the slab perimeter, using tools like moisture meters and probes.
- Localized treatment for drywood: injecting foam or liquid into infested wood is possible when the activity is limited and accessible.
- Whole-structure treatment for drywood: tent fumigation is used when infestation is widespread, and requires you to leave the home for a period of days.
- Soil treatment or baiting for subterranean termites: a continuous chemical barrier or baiting stations around the property.
- Repair guidance: a contractor may need to replace damaged wood.
Which approach fits depends on species, extent and your property. Ask the provider to explain why they recommend one over another.
Ongoing protection
- Seal gaps at soffits and attic vents with fine screening.
- Keep landscape mulch thin and away from the foundation.
- Remove stumps and buried wood.
- Fix roof and plumbing leaks that provide moisture.
- Schedule yearly inspections, which your provider may combine with a protection plan.
Fort Lauderdale termite questions
Do termites swarm year round here?
Swarming peaks in certain months, but warm weather means you can see activity outside the typical spring window.
Is tenting always necessary?
No. It is one option for extensive drywood infestations; many cases can be handled with spot treatment.
Can I stay home during a spot treatment?
Often yes, but follow the provider's instructions for the specific product used.
Are Formosan termites in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, they are established in South Florida, which is why a professional identification matters.