Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise for termites—and a nightmare for homeowners. These destructive pests cause millions of dollars in damage each year, silently eating away at the wooden structures of homes and businesses. Unlike other pests, termites don’t just invade a space; they destroy it from the inside out, often going unnoticed until the damage is severe.
But how long does it actually take to get rid of termites?
The answer depends on the type of treatment used, the severity of the infestation, and the species involved.
Bait stations, liquid soil treatments, and fumigation all have different timelines and use cases. You need to know what to expect so you can take the right steps toward long-term protection.
Florida is home to several species of termites, each requiring a different approach for effective elimination.
Types of Termites in Florida
Florida is home to several species of termites, each requiring a different approach for effective elimination.
Subterranean Termites
Photo Source -> Ohio State University BYGL
Subterranean termites are the most destructive termite species in Florida. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. These termites are notorious for their ability to cause severe structural damage, feeding on wood 24/7.
How long it takes to get rid of them
Bait Stations: 15–90 days to start working, with full colony elimination taking up to 6 months.
Liquid Soil Treatments: Works much faster, with termites eliminated within a few weeks to three months.
Best Strategy
Subterranean termites live underground and use mud tubes to reach their food source, making them particularly difficult to control without professional treatment. The two most effective treatments are:
Liquid Soil Treatments (e.g., Termidor) – This method creates a chemical barrier that termites cannot detect, eliminating them as they travel through the treated soil. It works within a few weeks and offers long-lasting protection (up to five years).
Baiting Systems (e.g., Sentricon) – Bait stations attract termites, which then carry the poison back to their colony. This method can take longer but ensures complete colony elimination.
💡 Quick Tip: Subterranean termites can reinfest homes even after treatment. Consider annual treatments to prevent this from happening
Drywood Termites
Photo Source -> UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need contact with soil to survive. They infest dry, solid wood—often in attics, furniture, and wooden structures. These termites are harder to detect because they create small colonies and leave behind minimal external damage until the infestation becomes extensive.
How long it takes to get rid of them
Fumigation: Eliminates all drywood termites within 3–7 days.
Spot Treatments: Takes longer, from a few weeks to months, depending on the extent of the infestation.
Best Strategy
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need soil contact. They burrow into exposed wood, making them harder to detect and treat. The most effective methods are:
Fumigation (Tenting) – This method is the fastest and most reliable, filling the structure with gas that penetrates deep into the wood and kills all termites, including hidden colonies.
Spot Treatments (Foams & Injections) – This is an option for small, localized infestations, using termiticide injections into wood cavities to eliminate active colonies.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’ve had a drywood termite infestation, consider sealing cracks in wood and repainting exposed surfaces to prevent re-infestation.
Formosan Termites
Photo Source -> Mississippi State University Extension Service
Considered the most aggressive termite species, Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite with massive colonies that can contain millions of members. They are known for their ability to quickly consume large amounts of wood, making them one of the most destructive termite species in the world.
How long it takes to get rid of them
Bait Stations: 3–6 months for complete colony elimination.
Liquid Treatments: Starts working in weeks, with most colonies gone within 3 months.
Best Strategy
Formosan termites are the most aggressive species, forming massive colonies capable of severe destruction in a short time. They require a combination approach for effective control:
Liquid Soil Treatments (Termidor or other non-repellent termiticides) – Kills termites as they pass through the treated soil.
Baiting Systems (Sentricon) – Helpful for larger colonies, bait stations target the queen, ensuring the entire colony collapses over time.
Foam and Wood Treatments – In areas where Formosan termites have already infested structural wood, injecting foams or borate-based treatments can help eliminate lingering activity.
💡 Quick Tip: Formosan termites are highly adaptable and can build aerial colonies inside walls. Regular monitoring is necessary to prevent reinfestation.
Factors Affecting Termite Treatment Speed
The time it takes to fully eliminate termites varies based on several key factors. While some treatments begin working immediately, others take weeks or even months to fully eradicate a colony. Here’s what influences treatment speed and effectiveness:
1. Severity of the Infestation
The larger the infestation, the longer it takes to eliminate termites. If termites have been active for years, they may have built multiple colonies, spread through different parts of a structure, and caused significant damage.
Light infestations: Localized treatments such as foams, spot treatments, or bait stations can work in weeks.
Moderate infestations: Liquid soil treatments or fumigation may take weeks to a few months to fully eliminate termites.
Severe infestations: Large, well-established colonies—especially Formosan termites—can take 3–6 months for complete eradication, even with professional treatments.
💡 Quick Tip: The earlier termites are detected, the faster and easier they are to eliminate. Annual inspections can prevent severe infestations.
2. Type of Termite
Different termite species require different treatments, which affects how quickly they can be controlled.
Drywood termites: Can be eliminated in 3–7 days with fumigation, but spot treatments may take weeks to months for complete eradication.
Subterranean termites: Bait stations take 3–6 months for full colony elimination, while liquid treatments work in weeks to three months.
Formosan termites: These aggressive termites often require a combination of baiting and liquid treatments, with elimination taking months due to the size of their colonies.
💡 Quick Tip: Knowing which termite species you’re dealing with helps determine the fastest and most effective treatment plan.
3. Size of the Property
The larger the structure, the longer it takes to apply and complete treatment.
Smaller homes (under 1,500 sq. ft.): Treatments like fumigation, liquid applications, or baiting systems can be completed relatively quickly and take effect within a few weeks.
Larger homes (2,500+ sq. ft.): Full fumigation, trenching, or baiting may take longer to apply, and monitoring bait stations may be needed for several months to ensure full eradication.
Multi-unit properties or commercial buildings: Require extended treatment times due to the complexity of the structure and the need for comprehensive monitoring.
💡 Quick Tip: Even for large properties, localized spot treatments may be an option if the infestation is limited to one area.
4. Environmental Conditions
Florida’s warm, humid climate accelerates termite activity, but it can also influence treatment effectiveness.
Rain & moisture: Heavy rainfall can wash away liquid soil treatments, reducing their effectiveness. Pest control companies may wait for drier conditions before applying certain treatments.
Temperature: Termites are most active in warm weather. While this increases infestation risks, it also makes bait stations and liquid treatments work more effectively since termites are actively foraging.
Surrounding landscape: Properties with heavy vegetation, mulch, or woodpiles may require additional treatments or ongoing prevention to keep termites from returning.
💡 Quick Tip: To maximize treatment effectiveness, homeowners should work with pest control professionals to time treatments appropriately and implement preventative measures like moisture control and wood debris removal.
Choosing the Right Pest Control Company
When dealing with termites, choosing the right pest control company is just as important as selecting the right treatment. Not all providers offer the same level of service, and your choice can determine how effectively and efficiently termites are eliminated.
What to Look for in a Pest Control Provider
Experience & Specialization: Choose a company with a proven track record in termite control, especially in Florida’s unique climate.
Treatment Options: A good provider offers multiple treatment solutions—baiting systems, liquid treatments, and fumigation—customized to your infestation.
Licensed & Insured: Make sure the company is licensed and follows industry standards for safety and effectiveness.
Questions to Ask About Treatment Effectiveness
Before committing to a pest control provider, ask these key questions:
✅ How long will the treatment take to fully eliminate termites?
✅ What type of termites do I have, and what treatment is best for my situation?
✅ Will my home need follow-up treatments or monitoring?
✅ How does this treatment compare to other options in terms of speed and long-term effectiveness?
Act Fast to Protect Your Home
Termites are relentless, but with the right treatment and quick action, they can be eliminated before causing severe damage. Here’s a recap of what to expect from different treatment timelines:
Fumigation (for drywood termites) works in 3–7 days for total colony eradication.
Liquid Soil Treatments (for subterranean and Formosan termites) start working in weeks, with full elimination in 3 months.
Bait Stations take 3–6 months to completely collapse a termite colony but provide long-term control.
The key to effective termite control is early detection and professional intervention. Annual inspections, preventative treatments, and choosing a trusted pest control provider can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.
💡 Don’t wait until termites cause irreversible damage. If you suspect termite activity, contact Hoffer Pest Solutions today for a professional inspection and customized treatment plan. Protect your home before it’s too late!