The Formosan factor
Coastal Georgia isn’t ordinary termite country. Formosan subterranean termites — the most aggressive species in America — are established here, building colonies that can number in the millions and forage farther than native species. Swarm season hits on warm, humid evenings in late spring, when thousands of winged reproductives boil out at dusk and head for the lights. If you’ve seen that swarm, the colony is already mature and nearby. The Historic District post covers what that means for older homes specifically.
Why Savannah construction invites them
Raised crawlspaces hold moisture. Old heart-pine framing is dense but not immune. Slab edges crack. Mulch beds sit against siding, and decades of additions create hidden wood-to-soil contact a homeowner can’t see. Every one of those is an invitation — and none of them means the house is doomed. They mean the inspection has to actually happen: moisture meter, probe, and eyes in the crawlspace, not a clipboard walk around the yard.
Barrier, bait, or both
A liquid treatment zones the soil around and under the structure — fast, proven, and the standard for active infestations. Bait systems intercept foraging colonies and eliminate them over time, with monitoring built in. Active infestation plus heavy neighborhood pressure often earns the combination. The recommendation follows what the inspection finds — and the written quote shows exactly what you’re paying for.