2025 is Predicted to Be an Aggressive Year for Termites (Story Follow Up)
In February, our Associate Certified Entomologists (ACE) issued a warning that 2025 would be an aggressive year for termites in Tampa, and now their predictions are becoming a reality. WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC are witnessing a significant surge in termite activity, with an alarming 87% increase in Subterranean Termite infestations across the board. This is a serious issue, but there’s another layer to this concerning situation: the arrival of the Formosan Termite, Coptotermes formosanus, also known as the “Super Termite.”
The Threat of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites, while not as aggressive as Formosan termites, still cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the US. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to reach their food sources. These termites feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, and can damage a building’s structure over time. A mature subterranean termite colony can consist of hundreds of thousands to millions of workers. They can enter structures through cracks as small as 1/16th of an inch.
The Destructive Power of Formosan Termites
Formosan termites, often called “super termites,” are among the most destructive termite species globally. Their aggressive nature and the sheer size of their colonies make them particularly dangerous. A single Formosan colony can house millions of termites, allowing them to consume wood at an alarming rate. They chew through wood from the inside out, often leaving behind hollowed-out sections. They can also create nests above ground if they find enough moisture. Formosan termites were introduced to the US in the 1940s and have spread across the southern states. They are known to infest not only structures but also living trees, shrubs, utility poles, and even boats.
The consequences of this termite surge between both Subterraneans and Formosans are already being felt. We’ve observed a more than doubled rise in reported termite activity across our all of our Florida territories. This includes Greater Tampa, Orlando, Southwest Florida and approximately a 61% increase! Unfortunately, in most instances, this activity is only discovered after substantial damage has already taken place.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) extension has provided an interactive map to show the historical paths of where each species have been recorded. While these may not have the data from this season, play close attention to the proximity of your multi-family residential dwellings.
Termite distribution in Florida (updated 10-1-2023) – Google My Maps
Protecting Your Multi-Family Property
Given the increasing termite threat, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect your property.
Read more about Termites and how we can help you.
