ORLANDO, Fla. — A termite infestation may be moving through downtown Orlando. WFTV saw exterminator tents going up on buildings on Church Street Wednesday and started asking questions.
Fumigation crews are seeing a problem with dry wood termites in the downtown Orlando area. The train station on Church Street was fumigated for termites after crews found damage throughout the building.
Boston-based Tremont took control of the Church Street Station complex as part of a foreclosure action against downtown developer Cameron Kuhn. The new owners plan to restore and lease the commercial property.
"I work down here and I'm glad it will bring new businesses," said downtown employee Joanne Feeney. "They need to take care of it and make sure the termites don't get on customers."
Subterranean and dry wood termites are a problem throughout the downtown area. The city of Orlando hired crews to treat city hall. The CNL building next door was also treated for termites.
Termite companies say dry wood termites are difficult to treat. They tend to move from building to building, so if they are in an established area, then it's difficult to eradicate them completely from that area.
"Lots of old trees in downtown Orlando and because they are drying up and then the termites get blown around, they'll eventually get throughout the entire area," said Rob Sikkenga, Fumigation Services.
Inspectors say the termites leave droppings behind and cause severe damage.
Business owners and the city they say they will be monitoring the termite problem and crews will be checking for any new activity.
Orange County government is also dealing with a termite issue. One of its administration buildings on South Street will be tented at the end of the month.