Formosan termites aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a serious threat to your home and your finances. Known for their massive colonies and aggressive feeding habits, these invasive termites can silently destroy structural wood, drywall, flooring, and even trees in your yard. The worst part? By the time you notice the damage, it may already be extensive.

At Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how fast these pests can do damage. But the good news is, there are proactive steps every homeowner can take to reduce the risk of infestation. Here are 10 practical ways to protect your home from Formosan termites.

1. Know Your Enemy

Understanding what you’re up against is the first step. Formosan termites are subterranean, which means they build underground nests and move through soil and mud tubes to access wood and other cellulose-based materials. Their colonies can contain over 1 million termites, and their queens can lay up to 3,000 eggs a day. Compared to native termite species, these pests are more aggressive and cause damage at a much faster rate.

2. Watch for Swarming Season

Formosan termites swarm from April through July, with activity peaking around Mother’s Day. These winged termites, called alates, emerge from their nests at dusk on warm, humid evenings—often after a rainstorm. If you notice swarming termites near your lights or windows, it may be a sign of a nearby colony. Don’t brush it off; call a professional for an inspection immediately.

3. Eliminate Moisture Around Your Home

Moisture is essential to Formosan termite survival. They’re drawn to damp environments, and Florida’s humidity already gives them a head start. Take the following steps to reduce moisture:

• Repair leaking faucets, spigots, and A/C condensation lines.
• Extend downspouts and gutters at least one foot away from the foundation.
• Avoid watering too close to your home’s exterior.
• Make sure crawl spaces are properly ventilated.

A dry perimeter is a hostile environment for Formosan termites—make yours as inhospitable as possible.

4. Keep Landscaping Trimmed and Clean

Formosan termites thrive in environments with abundant cellulose. That includes not just your home’s structure, but also tree roots, mulch, firewood, and landscaping. To reduce temptation:

• Keep bushes, shrubs, and mulch at least 12 inches from your foundation.
• Trim back overhanging tree branches.
• Remove dead stumps and wood piles from your yard.
• Store firewood far from your house and off the ground.

These simple changes help create a termite-resistant zone around your home.

5. Eliminate Wood-to-Soil Contact

Formosan termites use soil-to-wood contact points to gain direct access into your home. Check for these common problems:

• Wood siding or stucco that touches the ground.
• Deck posts or steps buried in soil.
• Wood lattice, garden borders, or trellises anchored directly in the earth.

Keep all exposed wood at least six inches above the soil line. This makes it much harder for termites to find a way in.

6. Seal Foundation Cracks and Openings

Formosan termites can fit through openings as small as 1/64th of an inch. That’s about the width of a credit card edge. Inspect your foundation and exterior walls regularly for cracks, holes, or gaps around pipes and wires, and seal them with waterproof caulk or appropriate filler.

7. Maintain Treated Soil and Barriers

If your home has had a chemical termite treatment in the past, it’s important not to disturb that protective barrier:

• Avoid digging or planting close to the foundation.
• Do not remove treated soil or disrupt bait stations.
• If you’re remodeling or adding landscaping, consult a pest professional first.

Disturbing the soil could open the door to a new infestation.

8. Consider Preventative Treatments

There are several highly effective ways to protect your home before termites become a problem:

• Bait Systems: Installed around the home’s perimeter and monitored regularly.
• Borate Wood Treatments: Applied during or after construction, borates soak into the wood to make it unappealing to termites.
• Chemical Barrier Treatments: Applied in the soil around your foundation to repel or kill termites before they reach your home.

Discuss these options with a licensed pest control provider like Evergreen.

9. Understand Your Termite Coverage

Not all termite contracts are the same, and not all cover Formosan termites. Before you assume you’re protected, check your warranty to see if it includes:

• Retreat and/or repair coverage
• Aerial infestations (nests in walls or attics)
• Formosan-specific clauses

Make sure the contract is transferable if you sell your home.

10. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

The most effective strategy of all? Regular inspections by a licensed professional. At Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control, we offer free, no-obligation termite inspections to give you peace of mind and help detect early warning signs before major damage occurs.

Protect What Matters Most

Formosan termites are active, aggressive, and quietly destructive—but with the right strategy, you can stop them in their tracks. Prevention is always more affordable and effective than repair. Take the time now to implement these tips and work with a trusted pest control partner to safeguard your home for years to come.

📞 Call Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control today or visit EvergreenPC.com to book your complimentary termite inspection.

Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control

Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control offers full-service solutions for your lawn, pest, termite, and insulation needs, making us your one-stop shop for a healthy and pest-free environment. We serve Central and South Florida including Apopka, Oakland Park and surrounding Florida homes.