skip to main content

Questions about termites

10 years ago

So we live in key west, Fl it is know for it's many tropical insects, one thing that bothers me is that we have a huge balcony door and whenever I turn the light on all kinds of bugs get attracted to the light, a couple of days ago what looked like a swarm of mating termites decided to hang around our balcony, luckily I had the whole floor and doors sprayed with Hot Shot 9 month prevention insecticide,minutes after the termites arrived I noticed they were lying on the balcony floor, wings shed but they're still so I figured they're dead, I made sure the doors are closed tightly and I turned off the light, the next morning I decided to sweep the floor and I did I got all the wings and dead termites, then I mopped the inside of the house, a day after that I noticed 2 or 3 wings on the floor on the inside of the balcony door, now I don't know much about termites but these are my questions :
1) can one or two termites infest a house solely?
2) if it's true what's the damage I'm looking at?
3) could it be that wings from outside got stuck in our shoes or clothes then went in the house with us?
4) ac is always on and it's not humid inside, will termites survive on dry wood?
5)how can I tell or make sure there's termites inside? What to look for and where to look?
6) if so, will they reproduce? And if they do will I be having ant problems in my house what I mean is do termites have smaller crawlers like a queen ant and her soldiers? Or do they stay hidden? (I hate bugs especially ants, I have a baby and they seem to like her formula!!)
7) if I find out its termites inside what are my options?
8) if this is not the right place to post I'm sorry I don't know I joined just to post this and I need your help any advice you can give me would be gold!

This post was edited by KWMama on Tue, Mar 4, 14 at 7:42

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

larry_gene
10 years ago
You are probably OK, and some termite parts could have been tracked inside. You have spent a lot of time on your posting and have a lot of detailed questions.

This is not a real active forum, yet someone with expertise on termites might respond, it could take many days, though.

You are more likely to find timely advice on websites such as:
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef604.asp
tropicbreezent
10 years ago
A lot would depend on which species of termite they are. The majority of species are grass eaters. Although they can leave trails/grooves in timber where they build their nest. But there are wood eaters so it pays to be vigilant.

After the mating flight the young queens are fertilised for life. They find a secure dark place and lay eggs. When the young mature they take on all the duties of collecting food, tending the queen and new brood, defense and expansion of the nest. Of all the termites that go on the mating flight and then are attracted to lights very few if any manage to establish a new colony. They are an important food source for a lot of creatures. Any survivors are usually only those that get back to the original nest. But, there can be exceptions.

Because termites construct their own controlled climate nests and tunnel system it doesn't matter if the outside environment is dry. They prefer high humidity and get it in the nest and tunnels.

To stop them coming to your lights you can use yellow fluorescent tubes. You only need to use them on the few nights a year when the mating flights are on.

When living in a termite area it's a good idea to get a professional to check the house from time to time. Houses should be built to make it difficult for termites to infest. Of course, that doesn't always happen. Good luck with it.
Related Discussions
Termites/Financing Question
Q
Comments (4)
"The seller already said he's not lowering his selling price, nor will he pay to repair the damage(the house was listed in poor condition)." What was in the purchase contract? The 'standard contract' n many areas REQUIRES sellers to make ALL repairs for termite damage. Without a clean termite report (or treatment and repair) the lender cannot sell the mortgage into the secondary market. No one wants to be stuck with a termite damaged property and having to pay for repairs, either you or the bank. I would actually tell this seller to make the property viable by fumigating and repairing all the damage, or walk away. Sill replacement may go smoothly, or could result in heavy wall damage from cracking when the house is jacked to insert new sills. The ends of the joists may be damaged (they rest on the sills) or even the bottom plates of walls and the bottom of studs. The only way to find out exactly how much damage is present is to tear open walls and check.
...See More
Another termite inspection question
Q
Comments (10)
When I sold the home in Calif last year, it was seller's obligation to inspect & treat and repair damage. As the seller, I did have to sign an agreement to pay this money (I guess in case, the deal fell through, the realtor & repair company would have recouse & get their money. I'm under contract now for a home & I watch the contract language very closely. I would require your agent to show you where she received the authority to order anything that you would be expected to pay. That would be a signed and dated statement and it usually isn't part of the purchase agreement. My agent now is very diligent, even though I'm in another state, he gives me names and telephone numbers of specialists, but he does not order any services that he would expect me to pay for. Good luck susan
...See More
Foundation Question - RE Termites
Q
Comments (5)
Yes your area does have termites but that shouldnt be your primary concern. I would make sure that any wood touching concrete is pressure treated to avoid rot. Concrete wicks up water. Or they can use a sill gasket to keep non pressure treated lumber from touching the concrete. DIY_Mike
...See More
Is this a sign of termites or something else I should be worried about
Q
Comments (1)
Appears to be a "slime mold." Not a problem. See this http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_problems/hgic2354.html
...See More
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
Are you sure that they are even termites? Ants swarm just like termites and when the mating rituals are over, they leave little piles of wings and carcasses all over.

If you get a positive identification (take some to your local extension office) of termites, you'll need to call a qualified extermination company (bonded and insured) to investigate. They will be able to take care of the problem far more efficiently AND safer than you with your household sprays.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

EXTERIORS Curb Appeal Feeling a Little Off? Some Questions to Consider

By Becky Harris

Color, scale, proportion, trim ... 14 things to think about if your exterior is bugging you

GREEN DECORATING 8 Questions to Help You See Through Green Hype

By Laura Gaskill

With the ecofriendly bandwagon picking up some dubious passengers, here's how to tell truly green products and services from the imposters

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

Sponsored

Rodriguez Construction Company

1 Review

Industry Leading Home Builders in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Can anyone confirm these are mealybugs?

4

Need help identifying this beetle

2

Need help IDing this moth

3

What mosquitoe is this?

1