Unfortunately, termites are common in the Florida Keys. Commercial buildings made with wood are very susceptible to termite infestations. In residential properties, it’s actually rare to find homes without any termite damage in this area. There are three types of termites in Florida: Subterranean, Dampwood, and Drywood. Drywood termites are the most common in building in the Florida Keys. Recently though, subterranean termites were discovered in Key West.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites will spend practically their whole lives inside the dry wood upon which they feed. They don’t even ned contact with moisture from the soil to survive.The only time they leave the wood is during very brief swarming flights as young adults. This is when the young adults in the colony leave to form a new colony somewhere else. The colonies have kings, queens and soldiers.
If you happen to see a bug that is light to dark brown and about one-third to one inch long, it might be a drywood termite. you can tell them apart from ants, because these termites have a thick waistline and two pairs of wings that are the same size. We are currently in the middle of their peak swarming season. You can see them swarm between sundown and sun up. They are attracted to light.
Spotting Termites In Commercial Buildings
When you’re looking at commercial buildings, you can spot signs of termites by checking on the windowsills and by doors for discarded wings. You can also look for frass, or termite droppings. They will look like sand.
You might also notice blistered wood. You won’t always see the trails termites make through the wood, so pay attention to the blistering, because it can be a sign that there is a tunnel just beneath the surface of the wood.
Termite Reports In Florida
In order to provide a report, a Florida pest inspector has to hold a state-issued wood-destroying organism inspection card. You can’t have just anyone provide a termite report. They have to be specifically and personally licensed in the termite category or they have to be under the direct supervision of someone who is.
Avoiding Termites In The Future
One easy way to prevent termites from having easy access to your Florida commercial building should you choose to buy one, is to make sure you will all cracks and holes in the building with putty. When adding on, always use pressure-treated wood. Screen all windows and soffits and make sure to caulk everywhere needed.
RE/MAX Keys Connection
Upscale, Comfortable Commercial Real Estate Office
The RE/MAX Keys Connection office is located in the Historic Heritage House in the heart of Old Town, conveniently located immediately nearby major downtown hotels. Our unique, cafe-style real estate office offers our valued clients a welcoming, upscale, professional environment. Enjoy complimentary beverages, free wi-fi, and a private conference room or expansive front porch, depending on the level of privacy you’re most comfortable with.
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Experienced Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Company
RE/MAX Keys Connection’s owner and broker Curtis Skomp is one of South Florida’s top commercial real estate brokers. With over two decades of experience and a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation, Curtis has brokered commercial real estate including industrial properties, shopping centers, strip malls, trailer parks, bars, restaurants, hotels and multi-unit apartment buildings. Unlike many brokers, Curtis isn’t intimidated by bank foreclosures either.
RE/MAX Keys Connection offers clients international exposure with local service. Our service area includes Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Largo, and all of unincorporated Monroe County. Our office is fluent in Spanish, which is highly important when doing business in Southern Florida.
