Miami-Dade County has some of the highest termite pressure of any metropolitan area in the United States. The two species of greatest concern — drywood termites (Cryptotermes brevis and other species) and subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus) — require completely different treatments. They also leave different signs.
Here is what to look for in a Miami home.
Subterranean termites build earthen mud tubes — roughly pencil-width tunnels of soil, wood particles, and saliva — to travel between their underground colony and food sources while avoiding open air and light. Mud tubes are most commonly found on foundation walls, in crawl spaces, along sill plates, and on piers. Active tubes may contain live termites when broken open. Abandoned tubes are dry and brittle. The presence of a mud tube — even an inactive one — indicates subterranean termite activity.
Drywood termites push their fecal pellets out of kick-out holes in the wood, creating small piles of frass — tiny, elongated hexagonal pellets that resemble fine sawdust or coffee grounds but with more uniform shape. Frass appears on horizontal surfaces below infested wood: window sills, countertops, floors below picture rails, and in corners. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not use their frass in construction — they eject it from the colony. Fresh frass is the same color as the wood being eaten.
Both drywood and subterranean termites produce winged reproductives (alates) that swarm to start new colonies. Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants — the key difference is that termite swarmers have equal-length wings, a straight waist, and straight antennae (ants have a pinched waist and bent antennae). Swarmers shed their wings after landing, so finding piles of equal-length wings near windows and doors is a reliable indicator of termite activity even if you did not witness the swarm. Subterranean termites in Miami typically swarm spring through summer; drywood termite swarms can occur throughout the year.
Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of paint or wood on the surface while hollowing out the interior. Tapping on infested wood produces a hollow sound. In advanced infestations, you may push a screwdriver into what appears to be solid wood and find it offers little resistance. Bubbling or blistering paint that looks like water damage — but with no water source — can indicate drywood termite activity just below the surface.
Subterranean termites attacking floor joists and subflooring can cause floors to warp, buckle, or feel spongy underfoot — similar to water damage. If floors feel soft in areas without a plumbing explanation, have a termite inspection before any remediation work.
Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST): The most destructive termite species in the United States, well established in Miami-Dade County. FST colonies can number in the millions and consume wood 3–5 times faster than native subterranean species. Requires liquid soil treatment or bait station programs for control.
Drywood Termites: Live entirely within wood without soil contact. Common in Miami's older wood-frame structures, furniture, and any exposed wood. Treatment ranges from localized injection to whole-structure fumigation depending on the extent of infestation.
Because both drywood and subterranean termites are active year-round in Miami's climate, FDACS recommends annual termite inspections for South Florida homes — especially those not under an active termite bond or prevention program. Most damage found in Miami is discovered only after it has progressed significantly, because early signs are easy to miss without a trained inspection.
FDACS-licensed termite inspections for Miami-Dade County homes. Both drywood and subterranean termite assessment. Free estimate on treatment.
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