The Truth About Termites in Florida Homes – What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Florida is known for its sunshine, sandy beaches, and vibrant coastal communities, but with the beauty of Gulf Coast living comes a few hidden challenges. One of the most common (and often misunderstood) issues we see in homeownership is termite activity.

In this week’s vlog, I’m breaking down a question I get from both buyers and sellers all the time:
“Are a few termite wings something to worry about?”

Let’s get into what that means, how to identify potential infestations, and the proactive steps we recommend to protect your investment.

You Found a Few Wings… Should You Be Worried?

The short answer: not always.

If you’ve found 10 to 12 wings in a windowsill and haven’t seen any since, it’s usually nothing to stress over. These may be left over from a past swarming event, and it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an active termite issue.

But here’s the key detail:
“If you clean them up and they return within a few days—especially more than once—that's when you should take it seriously,” says Troy.

This repeated appearance could indicate that termite swarming is happening inside the home, not just outside. At that point, a spot treatment or standard inspection may not be enough.

Spot Treatments vs. Tenting

We often hear homeowners talk about signing up for annual spot treatments or monthly pest plans. While these can help with minor issues, they’re not always effective for termites.

In fact, one of our trusted pest control experts put it best:
“Don’t waste your money on small treatments. Just tent your home every 7 years and you’ll be protected.”

That advice has stuck with me and shaped how we guide our clients. In termite-prone areas like St. Pete, Seminole, and Clearwater, tenting every 7 to 10 years is a smart move to stay ahead of serious damage and keep your home’s value intact.

Subterranean Termites – A Hidden Threat

Another form of infestation to look out for: subterranean termites.

These pests don’t just swarm—they build mud tubes from the ground up the side of your house and into the wood framing. These small, pencil-sized tunnels are a red flag that needs immediate professional attention.

Unlike drywood termites (which can be handled with tenting), subterranean termites may require trench treatments, bait stations, or other specialized approaches.

Why This Matters in Real Estate

At Lockhart & Walseth Real Estate, we believe buying or selling a home should never come with surprises—especially expensive ones like unseen termite damage.

Here’s how this plays out in the real estate process:

Buyers: Always request a WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) inspection during your due diligence period. It could save you thousands.

Sellers: If you suspect termite activity or haven't had an inspection in years, getting ahead of it before listing can prevent negotiations from falling apart or unexpected repair costs.

We make sure our clients go into every transaction informed and protected.

Our Trusted Vendors

We’ve built long-term relationships with vendors who go above and beyond for our clients. If you’re seeing signs of termites, need outdoor repairs, or just want to be proactive — here are some of our go-to professionals:

Pest Control and Termite Services

Bingham’s Professional Pest Management – 727-323-8866

Geiger Pest Control – 727-323-9595

Insectech Inspector – 727-542-3365
Email: insectech@gmail.com

These companies are reliable, thorough, and used regularly by our clients for both preventative care and active treatments.

Final Thoughts from Troy

Whether you’re settling into your forever home or preparing to list, termite awareness is essential. Don’t panic over every wing—but don’t ignore repeated signs either.

And remember, termite damage doesn’t just affect the condition of the home—it can directly impact the value, safety, and salability of your property.

At Lockhart & Walseth, we take every detail seriously so you can buy and sell with confidence. From inspections to closing, we walk with you every step of the way—and that includes connecting you with vendors we’d trust with our own homes.

Click to watch Troy’s full video

Have questions about inspections, termite reports, or selling your home?
Contact us today—we're always happy to help.