Termite Trouble in Southern Florida: What We Look for During Home Inspections

Let’s chat about termites. Southern Florida, including Sarasota and the surrounding areas, is known as one of the most termite-active regions in the country. During home inspections, it’s common to come across signs of termite activity, whether it’s the pests themselves or evidence of their destructive work.

Today, while inspecting a home in Sarasota, I discovered something alarming in the crawl space—termite mud tubes. Now, these aren’t your typical small, pencil-thin tubes. This was a monster-sized “4-lane highway” of destruction, with bumper-to-bumper termite traffic. The damage? Tens of thousands of dollars to the home’s structure.

Why Termite Inspections Matter

Termites are a silent threat, often working undetected for years, chewing through wood and compromising the structural integrity of homes. The mud tubes I found are a telltale sign of subterranean termites, which thrive in Florida’s warm, humid climate. These tubes provide moisture and protection for termites as they travel between their colony and food source—your home’s wood framing and other cellulose materials.

Regular home inspections are your first line of defense against these costly pests. Spending just $100 a year on a termite inspection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the line.

What We Look for During Inspections

At Coastline Home Inspection, we’re trained to identify the early signs of termite activity, including:

• Mud tubes on walls, crawl spaces, and foundations.
• Discarded termite wings near windows and doors.
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Visible damage to wooden structures.

Our comprehensive inspections in Sarasota and the surrounding areas include a thorough check for termite issues, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools to protect your home.