Yes, and Bithlo has plenty of both. Older homes often have wood-to-ground contact from original construction standards that didn’t account for termite prevention, aged wood that’s more attractive to termites, possible foundation cracks from settling, and decades-old mulch beds creating ideal foraging zones. Rural properties face additional challenges—outbuildings and sheds with wood touching soil, firewood stored near the house, livestock structures providing termite habitat, and natural wooded areas keeping termite populations high. Both situations require professional inspection to identify specific vulnerabilities and appropriate treatment strategies for your property’s unique circumstances.

Professional termite protection typically runs a few hundred dollars annually depending on your home’s size, construction, and treatment method. Compare that to termite damage repairs commonly costing $3,000 to $8,000 for moderate damage, and frequently reaching $15,000 to $40,000+ for severe infestations requiring extensive structural repairs. We’ve seen Bithlo homeowners discover termite damage during renovations or sales that required replacing floor joists, wall studs, roof trusses, and more. Homeowner’s insurance rarely covers termite damage since it’s considered preventable. Professional protection costs a fraction of potential repair bills.

Most termite activity happens completely out of sight inside walls, under floors, and within structural timbers. You’re most likely to see evidence rather than actual termites—mud tubes (pencil-width dirt tunnels) running up foundation walls or along beams, discarded wings near windows or doors after swarmers emerge, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or visible damage to exposed wood. Occasionally you’ll see swarming termites (winged reproductives) typically in spring or after rain, which is often the first sign homeowners notice. By that point, the colony has been established for years. Professional inspections find problems before visible signs appear.

Fumigation requires more preparation than standard treatments since your entire home gets tented and treated with gas. You’ll need to vacate for typically 24-48 hours, remove all people, pets, and plants, bag or remove food items and medications per instructions, turn off gas lines, and provide access to all interior spaces. It sounds involved, but we provide detailed checklists and guidance through the entire process. Many Bithlo homeowners treat it as a mini-vacation—stay with family or in a hotel while we handle everything. We coordinate timing around your schedule and ensure your home is completely safe before you return. For most termite situations, fumigation isn’t necessary—we only recommend it when the infestation severity truly requires it.

Your neighbor’s termite problem is definitely a signal to get inspected, but doesn’t guarantee you have termites. Termites don’t respect property lines—if there’s colony activity nearby, they’re foraging across multiple properties. However, your specific risk depends on many factors: your home’s construction and age, moisture levels around your foundation, wood-to-ground contact, previous treatments, and more. Think of your neighbor’s situation as a wake-up call to verify your property’s status, not proof you have termites. Better to inspect now and confirm you’re clear (or catch problems early) than wait and wonder.

We serve Bithlo and surrounding Central Florida communities with termite protection customized for all property types—from standard homes to larger rural properties with outbuildings. Beyond termite control, we provide complete property protection including general pest management, lawn and landscape services, and integrated outdoor pest control. Call (407) 447-9004 to schedule your inspection and we’ll evaluate your specific situation, explain exactly what we find, and provide honest recommendations with transparent pricing. No surprise fees, no pressure tactics—just professional assessment and effective protection you can trust.