Termites and pests
Termites and pests in Palm Beach County
South Florida never really gets a pest off-season. The expensive one is termites. Here's how to tell which kind you have, when tenting is worth it, and what Florida law says your termite contract has to show.
By Jack Bates ยท Updated November 5, 2026
First, which termite?
The treatment depends on the termite, and homeowners often mistake flying ants for termites. UF/IFAS says to identify the species before choosing a treatment, and the University of Florida runs a termite identification service.
- Drywood termites live inside the wood itself: furniture, trim, attic framing. You'll see small piles of pellets.
- Subterranean termites, including the Asian and Formosan kinds, live in the soil and come up into the house through mud tubes. They swarm on warm, humid evenings in spring and fly toward lights.
Tent or spot treat?
For drywood termites, UF/IFAS puts it simply: a spot treatment can work when the colony is small, easy to reach and found by a careful inspection. Fumigation (tenting) is the recommendation when the infestation is widespread, in places nobody can reach, or when there's more than one colony. UF/IFAS Termite Prevention and Control.
- Spot treatment's weak point: it only treats the colony someone found. A second one in another wall keeps going.
- Tenting's weak point: it kills what's inside on the day, but it leaves nothing behind to stop new swarmers next spring.
- Subterranean termites aren't tented. They're treated in the soil or with bait stations around the house.
- Townhouses and attached homes often have to tent the whole building. Read your HOA's documents and talk to the board before you book anything.
What your termite contract has to show
Florida law is specific here. The first page of any termite contract has to say, in bold, whether it covers repair and retreatment, retreatment only, or no warranty at all. It also has to say in bold whether there are any limits or exclusions, and if there are, the company can't call it a “full” or “unlimited” guarantee. Section 482.227, Florida Statutes.
So the question to ask about any termite “bond” is simple: if termites come back, will you only treat again, or will you also pay to fix the damage? Then read the bold print on page one.
The license fine print
Florida licenses pest work in separate categories: general household pests and rodents, termites and other wood-destroying organisms, lawn and ornamental, and fumigation. A company licensed for one can't legally do the others. FDACS pest control licensing.
pest companies on our Jupiter list aren't licensed to treat termites. See which ones.
Look up any company's license and categories on the state license search.
What pest control costs
Most companies here won't publish a price. One that does, Palm Coast Pest Control, lists $42.50 a month for a bi-monthly plan on homes up to 2,000 square feet (November 5, 2026). Termite work, rodents, mosquitoes and lawn care are almost always priced separately from a general plan. Tenting is priced by the size of the house, so get a written quote after an inspection.
The year here, pest by pest
| Months | What shows up | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Roof rats move into attics and palms when nights cool off. | Trim palm fronds and branches back from the roof. Have the attic checked for droppings and entry points. |
| March to June | Subterranean termite swarms. Chinch bugs on St. Augustine lawns as it gets hot and dry. | Swarmers or piles of wings inside are a reason to call a licensed termite company. |
| June to October | Rainy season. Mosquitoes, and palmetto bugs that come inside after heavy rain. | Tip out standing water every week. Seal gaps under doors and around pipes. |
Questions to ask every pest company
- What is your state license number, and which categories does it cover? Termites and fumigation are separate.
- For termites: is this contract repair and retreatment, or retreatment only? Show me page one.
- Who does the tenting: your crew or a subcontractor?
- What does the regular plan cover, and what costs extra?
- If the bugs come back between visits, do you come back free?
- Is there a contract term, and how do I cancel?
Red flags
- A door knocker with a free “termite inspection” who finds a problem on the spot and wants a signature today.
- A termite bond called “full” or “unlimited” with exclusions in the fine print. Florida law doesn't allow that.
- A company quoting termite work without the termite category on its license.
Verified pest control companies
Every company on our lists holds an active state license we looked up by hand, has a real record with customers, and has an office in north county. We list everyone who passes. Nobody pays to be listed.
Jupiter and Tequesta
- Hulett Environmental Services 5.0 from 1,599 reviews
- Nozzle Nolen Pest Solutions 5.0 from 878 reviews
- Pest Control Pro 5.0 from 178 reviews
- Hagen Environmental Services 5.0 from 136 reviews
- Jupiterpest.com 5.0 from 124 reviews
Palm Beach Gardens
- Hulett Environmental Services 5.0 from 1,599 reviews
- Nozzle Nolen Pest Solutions 5.0 from 878 reviews
- Hagen Environmental Services 5.0 from 136 reviews
- Jupiterpest.com 5.0 from 124 reviews
- Seaside Pest Control 5.0 from 96 reviews
Your questions, answered
Do I need to tent my house, or will a spot treatment work?
For drywood termites, UF/IFAS says spot treatment can work on a small colony that's easy to reach and has been found by a careful inspection. Tenting is recommended when the infestation is widespread, hard to reach, or there's more than one colony. Subterranean termites are treated in the soil or with baits, not by tenting.
How do I know if I have termites, and what kind?
Drywood termites leave small piles of pellets near wood. Subterranean termites build mud tubes up from the soil and swarm in spring, often leaving piles of wings by windows. Flying ants are easy to confuse with termites, so the University of Florida offers a termite identification service.
Is a termite bond worth it?
It depends on what it covers. Florida law requires the first page of every termite contract to say in bold whether it covers repair and retreatment, retreatment only, or no warranty. A repair and retreatment contract is worth far more than retreatment only.
Will termites come back after tenting?
Tenting kills the drywood termites inside on the day, but it leaves nothing behind to stop new swarmers later. That's why many homeowners pair it with a contract that covers retreatment.
How much does pest control cost in Palm Beach County?
Few companies publish prices. One north county company lists $42.50 a month for a bi-monthly plan on homes up to 2,000 square feet. Termites, rodents, mosquitoes and lawn care are usually priced separately.
How do I check a pest control company's license in Florida?
Pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Look up the company and check its categories. Termite work and fumigation are separate categories from general pest control.
Sources
- UF/IFAS: termite species in Florida and UF termite identification
- UF/IFAS Termite Prevention and Control
- Section 482.227, Florida Statutes
- FDACS pest control licensing
- FDACS company license search
- Palm Coast Pest Control homepage (published price)
Rules and prices checked November 5, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with your city and your insurer before you sign anything.