When Is Drywood Termite Season in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
If you live in Fort Lauderdale, you’ve likely heard about drywood termites and the damage they can cause to homes and businesses. With Florida drywood termite control in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you can keep infestations from spreading inside your home.
Homeowners in this area often deal with termite issues year-round due to the warm climate. These pests do not need soil, which makes them harder to spot than other termites.
Knowing when drywood termite season starts in Fort Lauderdale helps you act before an infestation grows. This termite swarming season is when you’re most likely to notice winged termites searching for new wood to invade. During swarming season, you might see termites gathering near lights or windowsills. Swarmers, or alates, are winged termites that leave a mature colony to start new colonies elsewhere.
Fort Lauderdale’s warm, humid weather is ideal for swarming. Knowing when and why they swarm helps you prevent termite problems before they grow.
This guide explains when drywood termites are most active in Fort Lauderdale, how they differ from other termites, and what signs to watch for. You’ll also learn simple, effective control options for long-term protection.
Key Takeaways
- Drywood termite season in Fort Lauderdale runs from late spring through early fall.
- Swarmers are the main sign of termite activity and often appear near light sources.
- Knowing the differences between termite species helps identify the proper treatment.
- Regular termite inspections and prevention from Native Pest Management protect your home year-round.
When Does Drywood Termite Season Begin in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale, drywood termite season runs from May to October, with swarming peaking in the warmest months. Swarming often happens in the early evening, especially after rain, when the air is humid and still. These swarms mean established termite colonies are reproducing and sending swarmers to form new nests.
Unlike subterranean termites that live in soil and build mud tubes, drywood termites live inside the wood they eat, using it as both shelter and a food source. Because of this, they can stay hidden for months or even years. By the time you see droppings, tiny holes, or termite swarmers, the infestation may already be well-established.
Since swarming in Fort Lauderdale occurs during the rainy months, it’s the best time to schedule a professional termite inspection with a pest control service.
Signs of Termite Activity During Swarming Season
Swarming termites are one of the clearest signs of active termites. You may see them flying near lights, window frames, or doors as they search for nesting spots. After a swarm, discarded wings may pile up on windowsills or floors.
Other signs include small piles of dry pellets called frass and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Over time, termites weaken wood and can damage the structural integrity of your home. Drywood termites in South Florida can hide in wood for long periods, so early detection is essential.
If you see frass, winged termites, bubbling paint, or cracked wood, contact our team for an inspection. Our technicians use precise tools and offer spot treatments or fumigation when needed.
Differences Between Drywood, Subterranean, and Dampwood Termites
Understanding the different species of termites found in South Florida can help you choose the right pest control strategy.
Drywood termites prefer dry wood and often infest furniture, attic beams, or window frames. Subterranean termites, including Formosan and Asian subterranean termites, require soil contact and moisture and build mud tubes along walls and foundations. Dampwood termites, although less common in Fort Lauderdale, thrive in damp or decaying wood found near leaks or crawl spaces.
Each termite species behaves differently. Subterranean termites build large colonies underground and can cause fast damage, while drywood termites often start small and spread by winged swarmers.
Homeowners often ask, “Can termite damage be fixed?” The answer depends on how early you find the problem. Correct identification helps choose the proper treatment method for that termite species.
At Native Pest Management, our trained team identifies the species and provides tailored solutions that protect your property long-term.
How Drywood Termites Damage Homes in South Florida
Once drywood termites have settled in, they feed on cellulose, the main component of wood. Over time, they tunnel through beams, floors, and furniture, leaving a thin outer shell. Because they live inside the wood, they do not build mud tubes, which makes early detection difficult.
One clear sign of drywood termite damage is frass, also known as termite droppings, which often collects under wooden furniture or baseboards. Termites push these tiny pellets out through small exit holes. You may find them near baseboards, windowsills, or wooden furniture.
Homes in Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas, such as West Palm Beach, face a higher risk from prolonged heat and humidity. We provide thorough inspections and prevention plans for South Florida homes to stop termite damage early.
Effective Termite Treatment and Prevention Options
The best control method depends on the size and severity of the infestation.
For small infestations, spot treatments or termiticides may help get rid of drywood termites without fumigation. If an infestation spreads through walls or large areas, professionals may use fumigation to reach all colonies.
Prevention also matters in Fort Lauderdale, where termites are active year-round. Schedule inspections, seal cracks, and keep wood dry to lower risk. Reduce moisture around wood to deter subterranean and dampwood termites.
Working with a pest control company gives you full protection. At Native Pest Management, we use eco-friendly treatments and prevention plans tailored to South Florida for reliable year-round protection.
Making the Right Termite Control Choice for Your Fort Lauderdale Home
Termites are active in Fort Lauderdale year-round, so prevention is just as important as treatment. Acting early keeps damage small and repairs affordable.
At Native Pest Management, we provide year-round protection plans designed for South Florida homes. From inspections to long-term prevention, our team helps you stay termite-free with safe, effective treatments.
Noticed wings, frass, or soft wood around your home? Contact us today to schedule an inspection and protect your property before termites spread.
FAQs
When do drywood termites swarm in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Drywood termite swarming usually happens between May and October, especially on warm, humid evenings after rain. Swarming tends to peak during the summer months.
How can I tell if I have drywood or subterranean termites?
Drywood termites leave behind piles of dry frass pellets and do not create mud tubes, while subterranean termites rely on mud tubes for moisture. A professional inspection can confirm which species is active in your home.
What’s the best way to treat drywood termite infestations?
Small infestations can often be managed with spot treatment, while severe infestations may need fumigation. For long-term protection, schedule routine termite prevention and inspection services with Native Pest Management.