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Cape Coral Termite and Pest Calendar: Formosan Termites, Humidity and Storms

A free seasonal checklist for homeowners in Cape Coral and the rest of Lee County, from Get Exterminator Pros.

A year-round pest season

Cape Coral's climate gives pests no winter break. Fort Myers averages about 3,353 hours a year with the wet-bulb temperature above 73°F, and termites, roaches and ants stay active all year. Termites are the biggest concern: a University of Florida study published in February 2026 found that the invasive Formosan subterranean termite is now established in most of Florida's coastal counties and major urban centers, and that it and the Asian subterranean termite are still spreading. This calendar sets out year-round prevention.

Spring (March through June): swarm season

  • Watch for termite swarms around lights in the evening. Save a few winged insects for identification.
  • Inspect the foundation and garage for mud tubes.
  • Check wood around the lanai, pool cage and docks for soft spots.
  • Turn off unneeded outdoor lights during swarm season.

Summer (June through September): moisture and roaches

  • Fix leaks and clear standing water.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts flowing away from the house.
  • Seal gaps around pipes, AC lines and doors.
  • Store food sealed and take out trash often.

Hurricane season (June through November)

During Hurricane Ian, the National Hurricane Center found maximum storm surge inundation of 6 to 9 feet above ground level in Cape Coral and nearby areas. Floods and storms push pests indoors and leave damp, damaged wood that termites like.

  • After a storm, remove wet debris and wood from around the house quickly.
  • Dry out the house to discourage mold and moisture pests.
  • Inspect for termites in the months after major water damage.

Winter (December through February)

  • Schedule an annual termite inspection.
  • Check the attic for rodents and droppings.
  • Review your termite contract before renewal.

Choosing a pest company

Ask a pest control company for its Florida pest control license number and look it up with the state, and ask what treatment method is proposed. For any repair work on damaged wood, the contractor should hold the right Florida license; Florida contractors either hold a certificate (license number beginning with C) or a registration (beginning with R), which limits where they may work. Check the number before signing.

Termite contracts

Ask whether the warranty covers retreatment only or also repairs, how often inspections occur and what you must do to keep the warranty valid.

Keep records

Keep termite contracts, inspection reports and treatment dates together. Buyers and insurers will ask for them.

Lanai, pool cage and dock checks

Screened lanais and pool cages are part of daily life in Cape Coral, and they are pest entry points. Check the screen panels and the kick plates at the bottom for gaps, and keep plants trimmed back from the cage frame. On docks and wooden walkways, probe posts and boards near the waterline with a screwdriver each season; soft wood can mean rot, termites or both.

Sources for this guide

  • A University of Florida study published in February 2026 found that the invasive Formosan subterranean termite is now established in most of Florida's coastal counties and major urban centers, and that it and the Asian subterranean termite are still spreading. Source: University of Florida News, February 2026
  • In an average year at Fort Myers, NOAA counts about 3,353 hours with the wet-bulb temperature above 73°F and about 5,545 hours above 67°F, the measure engineers use to flag a humid climate. Source: NOAA NCEI Engineering Weather Data (Fort Myers, FL)
  • The National Hurricane Center found maximum storm surge inundation of 6 to 9 feet above ground level in Pine Island, Cape Coral and other communities along the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River during Hurricane Ian; USGS water level sensors in Matlacha and Cape Coral were lost or destroyed. Source: National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian
  • Florida contractors either hold a state certificate of competency, shown by a license number beginning with C, which lets them contract anywhere in the state, or a registration, beginning with R, which lets them contract only in the local jurisdictions where they met competency requirements. Source: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board

Sources checked 2026-10-26. Every cost figure on this page comes from a source named above; fees and rules change, so confirm current amounts with the office that sets them before you budget.

More for Cape Coral homeowners: Pest Control in Cape Coral, FL.

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