Sponsored by St. Johns Pest Control
Not everyone moving to Northeast Florida is welcome.
Two invasive termite species once associated with South Florida are now spreading across the state, including — right here in St. Johns County, according to a new University of Florida study.
“For homeowners in coastal and inland communities across St. Johns County, this is not just something happening somewhere else,” said Ed Gardner, co-owner of St. Johns Pest Control. “The termites don’t care what ZIP code you’re in — if they can find moisture and wood, they can set up shop.”
Researchers reviewing records from 1990 to 2025 found the Formosan subterranean termite present in most coastal counties and urban centers, while the Asian variety continues moving north.
The spread may be accelerating, potentially placing all of the Sunshine State at greater risk in the coming decades, according to the study.
Decades of monitoring from pest control experts, the study notes, have helped improve maps showing where these invasive termites are headed.
St. Johns Pest Control, a local company serving communities throughout the county, says termite activity is a growing concern in both older properties and rapidly developing neighborhoods.
The company, which Gardner co-owns with his longtime friend Robert Furman, provides pest control, animal control, and wildlife rescue services, helping protect properties from termites, rodents, mosquitoes, roaches, ants, bed bugs, and other pests.
Pest control experts s are sounding the alarm because subterranean termites often remain hidden for long periods, munching behind walls, under floors, and in concealed areas before the damage becomes visible.
Gardner says termite damage can be difficult for homeowners to spot early. Warning signs may include mud tubes, damaged trim, sticking doors, soft wood, or unexplained moisture-related issues.
By the time termites are obvious, repair costs can balloon.
“People often wait until there’s visible damage or a major infestation,” said Gardner, a Florida native with an intimate knowledge of the region’s critters. “The best approach is early detection and a treatment plan tailored to the property.”
With Florida’s growth and constant movement of materials and equipment, Gardner said homeowners should treat inspections as routine, not a one-time event tied only to real-estate transactions.
“The best time to find termites is before they’ve had months or years to feed,” he said.
St. Johns Pest Control suggests that residents who are concerned about termite threats, especially in older homes or properties with persistent moisture, should call a licensed pest control company for an inspection and a plan based on the home’s specific risk factors.
