Effective Strategies on How to Control Termites in Wood in Boca Raton, Florida

South Florida’s warm, humid weather keeps termite pressure high year-round, so termite control in Palm Beach County has to address both subterranean (including Formosan/Asian) and drywood species.

Subterranean termites nest in soil and move into structural lumber to feed, while drywood termites live inside the wood, and that difference shapes how to control termites in wood: soil/bait systems for subs, and targeted wood treatments or fumigation for drywood.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the species first, so the treatment must match the termite.

  
  

• Pair targeted control with prevention: fix moisture, seal entry points, and consider soil zones or bait systems (Sentricon) to stop colonies from returning.

  
  

• Call a licensed pro when you see indoor swarmers, mud tubes, or widespread frass—accurate inspection and follow-ups save more wood (and money) than guesswork.

  
  

First Step: ID What’s in Your Wood

Not all termite infestations look the same, and knowing which type you’re dealing with determines how effective the treatment will be.

Subterranean termites leave clear clues, like mud tubes on foundation walls, garages, or crawl spaces; soft or hollow-sounding wood where it touches soil; and damaged areas near moisture or wood debris. These structural pests live in the soil and enter through cracks in the concrete foundation or around plumbing and utility lines.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, live completely inside the wood. Look for tiny “kick-out” holes, small piles of pellets (called frass), blistered paint, or swarmers and discarded wings in attics, trim, or furniture. They don’t rely on soil contact, so common chemical treatments meant for subterranean species won’t reach them.

That’s why accurate identification matters. A licensed pest control professional can inspect, determine the species, and design the right termite treatments, from localized wood injections to soil systems or fumigation, so you eliminate the colony instead of just treating the surface.

Control in Wood: Drywood Termites

Localized injections (foam/liquid into galleries)

When activity is confined to a few boards or trim areas, a licensed pest control company can drill tiny access points and inject foam or liquid directly into the termite galleries. It’s precise, low-disruption, and protects surrounding common building materials. 

The catch: success depends on finding every active pocket, so follow-up inspections are critical to confirm the effectiveness.

Whole-structure fumigation (when it’s widespread or hidden)

If drywood termites are scattered across rooms, or buried in rooflines, fascia, and furniture, fumigation is the reliable, full-coverage option. 

The tented house is sealed so the fumigant penetrates deep inside the wood where the spray can’t go, eliminating colonies you can’t see. You’ll need to vacate temporarily and prep per instructions, but it reaches places spot treatments can’t.

Why sprays/home remedies fall short

Over-the-counter sprays only wet the surface. Drywood termites live in interior tunnels, so contact insecticide on the outside won’t reach the colony. Oils, dusts, or “natural” mixes may kill what’s exposed and still leave the inner galleries active, leading to continued termite damage.

Extra notes for Florida homes

Pressure-treated wood helps deter termites in new construction, decks, and exposed elements, but it’s not a cure-all; drywood termites can still infest untreated trim, cabinets, and furniture.

Fix moisture problems (leaks, clogged gutters, poorly sealed roof penetrations). Drier wood is harder for drywood termites to colonize and easier to protect.

After treatment, keep up simple maintenance: seal cracks, paint or finish bare wood, and schedule periodic checks, especially near the coast where swarm seasons can be long.

If you’re unsure how extensive the infestation is, bring in pest control professionals to scope the structure, confirm drywood vs. subterranean termites, and choose the right method, which is localized injections when limited and fumigation when widespread.

Control Around Wood: Subterranean Termites

Soil termiticide treatments (create a treated zone)

A licensed applicator trenches and treats soil along foundations, drill-injects through slabs where needed, and targets plumbing entry points to build a continuous, non-repellent zone. Termites can’t detect these products, so they pass through, transfer them within the colony, and stop feeding, which leads to termite damage.

It’s one of the fastest ways to deter termites from reaching structural wood around decks, patios, and additions. Note: pressure-treated lumber helps in new work, but it’s not a substitute for a complete soil treatment.

Bait systems (share control through the colony)

In-ground termite baits are placed around the home and checked on a schedule. Foraging termites feed, carry bait back, and spread it through the colony. Baits shine in areas where continuous soil treatments are hard to maintain (irrigated beds, tree-lined perimeters, complex slabs) and provide long-term monitoring for homeowners who want ongoing protection.

Why combine methods (and follow up)

Termites don’t move uniformly in soil; moisture lines, roots, and tiny voids can let foragers skirt “hot spots.” That’s why pairing a non-repellent soil zone with baits and then re-inspecting raises the odds you intercept stragglers and new swarmers. Follow-ups also catch moisture problems (leaky irrigation, downspouts) that can undermine any treatment.

Aftercare checklist to keep access closed

• Fix grading and gutters so water drains away from the foundation; keep mulch/wood at least a few inches off walls.

  
  

• Separate plant and tree irrigation from the foundation line; avoid constant wet soil that attracts foragers.

  
  

• Seal cracks at utility penetrations; consider physical barriers (stainless-steel mesh or specialized plastic/metal products) in renovation zones.

  
  

• Don’t store wood, cardboard, or landscape plants right against the house; keep clearance for inspections.

  
  

Used together (non-repellent soil zones, termite baits, and simple moisture fixes), these services block the path from nest to wood and keep colonies from re-establishing around your home.

Wood-First Prevention for Boca Homes

Keep wood dry and sealed

Moisture is the fastest way to make wood attractive to termites and wood-decay fungi. Fix leaks, improve attic/soffit ventilation, and seal roof and fascia gaps. Keep sprinklers off siding, and don’t stack firewood, cardboard, or mulch against the house. Leave a visible gap along the foundation for easy inspection.

Close entry points during repairs and remodels

Seal cracks at slab joints, utility penetrations, and around exterior doors/windows. During renovations, add physical barriers, like stainless-steel mesh or specialized termite flashing, at vulnerable spots (bath traps, slab edges, additions). These details don’t rely on chemicals and enhance long-term protection.

Build smart in our climate

Where new work is planned, specify properly treated or naturally durable lumber in contact or near contact with soil, and avoid wood-to-soil bridges (planters, buried posts without hardware). Maintain positive grading so water moves away from the site, and extend downspouts well beyond the drip line.

Inspect on a schedule, especially in swarm season

Book an annual inspection, plus a quick check in spring–summer when swarmers are common. A pro will look for mud tubes, frass, discarded wings, moisture issues, and small structural changes before they become expensive repairs. Regular monitoring is the minimum effort that delivers maximum benefit in Boca’s year-round termite pressure.

DIY vs. Pro in Boca Raton (When to Call)

Some home maintenance can be done yourself, but termite control isn’t usually one of them. Spot sprays and online “termite killer” kits can hide signs briefly, yet they don’t reach hidden colonies in the soil or deep inside wood. In Boca Raton’s warm, humid climate, termites stay active all year, which means small mistakes can quickly turn into large repairs.

Call a professional if you notice:

• Indoor swarmers (especially near lights or windows) — this often means termites are already inside the structure.

  
  

• Mud tubes on interior walls, piers, or garage foundations — clear proof of subterranean activity.

  
  

• Frass (pellets) or hollow, blistered wood — typical of drywood termites feeding inside walls or trim.

  
  

• Uncertain damage — when you’re not sure if it’s old or active.

  
  

A licensed pest control professional also inspects. Expect a detailed check that includes:

• Moisture readings to find damp zones that termites prefer.

  
  

• Tapping or probing wood for hollow spots or hidden galleries.

  
  

• A boroscope is used to see inside voids and beams without demolition.

  
  

• Attic and crawl assessments to detect spread in hidden areas.

  
  

For homeowners, the advantage is simple: trained experts can identify the exact termite species, recommend safe, targeted treatments, and back the work with a service guarantee. In a climate where termites never rest, calling a pro early is the most cost-effective way to protect your home.

DIY or Pro? The Smart Call for Boca Raton Termite Control

If you’re weighing a DIY fix against bringing in help, remember our climate keeps termites active year-round—small mistakes can snowball fast. At Terminate Termite, we handle full termite programs and general pest services, so your home isn’t just treated but also protected on all fronts.

If you’re in Boca Raton and noticed pellets, wings, or mud tubes or just want a wood-focused inspection, our licensed team can ID the species and map a safe plan (localized injections, bait systems, soil work, or fumigation) that fits your home and schedule.

Contact us for a FREE quote.

Conclusion

Termites are active year-round in Boca Raton, but a clear plan—correct ID, the right method for the job, and consistent prevention—stops damage and keeps it from coming back. If you want a straightforward inspection and a safe, effective plan, our Terminate Termite team is ready to help with termite control and full-service general pest protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chemical treatments safe to use inside my home?

Used correctly by a licensed pro, targeted liquid or foam applications are placed inside galleries or wall voids, so exposure is limited while still reaching termites.

Which termite treatments work best for wood in Boca Raton?

Drywood activity in wood is handled with localized injections or whole-structure fumigation; subterranean issues are handled outside the wood with non-repellent soil zones and follow-up monitoring.

Do termite baits really eliminate colonies?

Yes, ingested bait is shared through the colony and can collapse it over time; baits also provide ongoing monitoring so new foragers are caught before they cause damage.

What’s the difference between wood treatment and using pressure-treated lumber?

“Wood treatment” usually means applying a product to existing wood (surface or injected) to control active termites; “pressure-treated” lumber is infused at the mill to resist decay and pests, but doesn’t make a home termite-proof—soil access and moisture still need to be managed to prevent termite damage.