Termite species active in Tampa
Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes, R. virginicus and R. hageni) are established
statewide, and swarm on warm, windless days between January and May depending on the species, often in early
afternoon after rain (UF/IFAS EENY-212). Formosan
subterranean termites are also established statewide and swarm shortly after sunset from April through June,
peaking in May, drawn to porch and streetlights (UF/IFAS
Featured Creatures IN278).
A newer subterranean species is now established in Tampa. UF/IFAS confirmed Asian subterranean termites in South
Tampa in March 2023. The original infestation is thought to date back seven to ten years before that
confirmation. (UF/IFAS
News, March 2023). A 2026 UF study places the species in Hillsborough County already and expects it across
Florida’s 24 southernmost counties before 2040 (UF News,
February 2026). It swarms in March, visible around sunset.
The other category active here is drywood termites. An older UF sheet named St. Petersburg and Tampa among
cities with heavy populations. A later revision dropped that reference and no longer names specific cities
(UF/IFAS EENY-79). Their swarms
run April through June, mostly between dusk and dawn.
Which one you have changes what a company should offer you. Eastern, Formosan and Asian subterranean termites
alike live in the soil and are treated with a liquid termiticide barrier or a bait system. Tenting doesn’t
reach them. Drywood termites live inside the wood itself instead. A colony that’s directly reachable can
sometimes be spot treated, while an infestation that has spread through the structure needs the whole house tented
(UF/IFAS,
2022). To work out which you have, start with flying termites to tell
swarmers from flying ants. From there, Formosan termite swarmers,
drywood termites in Florida and
subterranean termites cover what each one means for your house.
What termite work costs in Tampa
We checked the websites of every company listed above for a published price on 27 Sep 2026 and found none. Most,
including Truly Nolen, Orkin, Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control and Chet’s, offer a free inspection and quote a
price after that visit. Swat Exterminating in Clearwater, FDACS JB155017, and Tampa Bay Pest Management in Land
O Lakes, FDACS JB176038, aren’t on our list, and both do post figures.
| Company | Service | Published price | Checked |
|---|
| Swat Exterminating (Clearwater, FDACS JB155017) | Termite inspection, up to 3,000 sq ft | $85, plus $10 per additional 1,000 sq ft and $10 for a crawl space | 27 Sep 2026 |
| Tampa Bay Pest Management (Land O Lakes, FDACS JB176038) | WDO inspection | From $85, priced by size and structure type | 27 Sep 2026 |
National cost-guide websites publish “Tampa” averages, but the ones we checked repeat national figures
rather than Tampa data, so we don’t quote them here. For the fuller method-by-method breakdown, see
termite treatment cost and
termite tenting in Florida.
Florida law sets a floor under whatever a company quotes you. Before you pay anything, the written contract must
state the maximum treatment price as its own figure. The exact annual renewal fee goes on its own line too, and
so does the maximum repair price
(Fla. Admin. Code r. 5E-14.105(2)(i)). If a
verbal quote hasn’t shown up in writing this way, ask the company for it before you sign.
Florida’s termite contract requirements
Florida’s termite contract rule covers more than price. The contract’s first page states whether it covers
subterranean and drywood termites, one of them, or both. The page also states if a species such as Formosan
termites is excluded (5E-14.105(2)(e)). The
contract sets reinspection intervals and fees too, along with what happens if termites come back. Report an
active infestation in writing and the company has 30 days to inspect it. Once confirmed, it has 90 days to
retreat, or 180 days for a commercial or multiunit building. A company can’t rely on an exclusion clause to deny
work unless it first gave written notice and 60 days to fix the condition it’s pointing to.
Some listed companies advertise a warranty on top of the contract. Terminix’s termite guarantee covers up to
$250,000 in damage. McCall Service and HomeTeam Pest Defense each advertise a $1 million repair and retreat
warranty on qualifying homes. Each figure is that company’s own claim, unverified by us, so read the actual
warranty terms before assuming they apply to your house. For the full rule, see
termite bond.
WDO inspections for Tampa buyers and sellers
The termite inspection in a Tampa home sale is a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection, and whether you need
one depends on your purchase contract and lender. When one is done for a fee or a written report is requested,
Florida requires a licensed pest control business to do it on a form FDACS prescribes
(Fla.
Stat. 482.226). The report lists any areas the inspector couldn’t access and any visible evidence of previous
treatment, plus the organism found, which can be a wood-decaying fungus as well as a termite. Each inspector who
performs the work has an FDACS identification card
(section
482.091(9)). Tampa Bay Pest Management’s WDO inspections start from $85, priced by home size and structure.
For the full scope, read what is a WDO inspection and
WDO inspection.
Areas around Tampa we cover
Alongside companies based in Tampa itself, the list above includes companies headquartered in Brandon, Largo,
Clearwater, Lutz, Riverview, Thonotosassa and Valrico. We don’t yet have listings based in St. Petersburg,
Sarasota or Bradenton, so we’re not claiming coverage there until that changes.
