In Tallahassee, termites are a fact of homeownership. The city's warm, wet climate, red clay soil and abundant oak and pine trees support large colonies of subterranean termites, and a swarm drifting through a window on a spring evening is a familiar sight. Because termites eat wood from the inside out, serious damage can build before a homeowner sees a sign. A licensed provider can inspect and recommend a plan; call (844) 725-1661 to be connected. PestMinistry is a referral service, and independent professionals do the work.
Which termites live in the Big Bend
Eastern subterranean termites are the most common and responsible for most structural damage in Leon County. They nest in soil, build mud tubes and can forage hundreds of feet underground.
Formosan subterranean termites are an aggressive invasive species that have established in parts of the Florida Panhandle. Their colonies are larger and cause damage faster, and they sometimes nest above ground in wall voids. A provider can tell the two apart.
Drywood termites occur in Florida too, living entirely inside dry wood and leaving small pellets. They are generally more common in coastal and southern parts of the state, but they can occur in inland homes.
Why Tallahassee homes are exposed
- Humidity and rainfall that keep soil moist for most of the year.
- Slab-on-grade houses where expansion joints and plumbing penetrations offer hidden entry.
- Crawlspace and pier homes in older neighborhoods like Midtown and Betton Hills, where wood framing sits close to soil.
- Heavy tree cover, with stumps, roots and fallen limbs feeding colonies near houses.
- Mulch and pine straw piled against siding and slab edges.
- Wood fences, decks and sheds that act as bridges to the main structure.
Early signs to watch for
- Swarmers inside, or discarded wings on windowsills and in spider webs.
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers or inside the crawlspace.
- Doors and windows that begin to stick.
- Bubbled or uneven paint, or floors that feel soft.
- Small, hard pellets that look like coarse sand, which may signal drywood termites.
How treatment is typically done
A licensed inspector looks at the slab perimeter, crawlspace, attic, garage and exterior wood. The plan may include a liquid soil treatment that creates a continuous barrier, bait stations around the property, direct wood treatment for localized spots, or fumigation or heat for widespread drywood infestations. Moisture correction is also part of a good plan, including fixing leaks, improving drainage and venting crawlspaces. Florida law requires specific documentation for certain termite services, so ask what paperwork you will receive, and how often renewal inspections occur.
Protecting your home
- Keep mulch and pine straw several inches below the siding and visible slab edge.
- Direct sprinklers away from the foundation.
- Remove stumps and buried wood within the yard.
- Clear gutters and extend downspouts.
- Store firewood off the ground, away from walls.
- Schedule annual inspections.
Tallahassee termite questions
When is swarm season?
Subterranean swarms commonly appear in spring on warm days after rain. Formosan swarms often happen on warm evenings later in spring and early summer.
How do I know if a swarm is termites or ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and unequal wings.
Does a pretreatment on a new home last forever?
No. Soil treatments break down over time, and disturbances like landscaping can create gaps.
How do I schedule an inspection?
Call (844) 725-1661 and we will connect you with a licensed Tallahassee termite provider.