How to identify it
Look-alikes
| Look-alike | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Eastern subterranean termite | Most eastern subterranean termites excavate galleries in wood; this one grazes the surface under black-lined tunnels.[1] |
Where it lives
It has a spotty range in west central Florida, bounded by Tarpon Springs, Punta Gorda and Sebring, and is most abundant in urban Pinellas County.[1]
Biology and life cycle
Nymphs molt into swarmers that leave the colony in a series of flights over the summer, launching from free-standing 'swarm tubes'.[1]
Like other subterranean termites, colonies connect soil nests to feeding sites with foraging galleries.[1]
Damage and signs
- Attacked wood is often partly decayed and in direct contact with the soil.[1]
Health risk
Termites don't bite or sting people; UF/IFAS mentions no health risk.[1]
Control
Prevention
Avoid wood-to-ground contact.[1]
When to call a professional
Spot treatments with chemical barriers where termites emerge from the soil are usually enough; extensive barriers aren't warranted because colonies forage over a small area.[1]
It enters and feeds in bait stations, but bait effectiveness against this species is unknown.[1]
Common questions
- What termite leaves black tunnels on wood in Pinellas County?
- Possibly the Florida darkwinged subterranean termite, whose tunnels are lined with black fecal material.[1]
- Does the Florida darkwinged subterranean termite need a whole-house treatment?
- Usually not; spot treatments where it emerges are typically enough because it forages over a small area.[1]
Sources
- University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Florida Darkwinged Subterranean Termite, Amitermes floridensis (EENY-112).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN269 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- iNaturalist, “Amitermes floridensis taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1158739 (accessed 2026-10-06)