Termite Identification & Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions About Termites
Use the following guide to learn about termites, termite control, and helpful termite prevention tips.
What are termites?
Termites are wood-eating pests responsible for causing five billion dollars in damages to structures across the United States every year. The subterranean termite is the most prevalent kind of termite in Jacksonville, Florida, and across the country.
Subterranean termites are social insects; they live and work together in large groups. These termites have high moisture needs and prefer to attack and feed on wet or decaying trees or wooden structures. As their name tells us, these termites nest underground, and the worker termites leave the nest each day to collect food to bring back to the nest.
The Formosan termite is a type of subterranean termite that is very successful in Florida. Like other subterranean termites, they nest under the soil and attack buildings from the ground. However, Formosan termites pose more significant threats to properties in Jacksonville.
These termites live together in huge colonies with up to ten million members. Formosan termites are hearty and resilient, making them difficult to control and eliminate. Furthermore, Formosan termites can maintain multiple nesting sites. They build nests in the ground and within the structures of buildings.
Partnering with a professional for accurate termite identification is crucial in removing termites from any Jacksonville property.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are dangerous, but the best word to describe them is destructive. The damage termites cause to wooden structures can become extensive and costly to repair. Termites are a year-round threat to properties in Florida. The best way to ensure they don't find their way into your yard and home is to be proactive. Professional termite control is essential when you call the Jacksonville area home. Subterranean termites are a silent threat to our homes; they spend their lives under the ground, inside pieces of wood, or hidden within our houses. Their ability to stay out of our sight makes it difficult for homeowners to realize there is a termite infestation present.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Warmth and moisture allow termites to thrive; we have plenty of both in Jacksonville. Things like damp soil, wood mulch, fallen trees, tree stumps, and yard or construction debris are found in most of our yards and provide nesting and food sources for termites.
When termites are nesting and foraging for food near a home, it is only a matter of time before they find their way indoors and feed on structural wood. A small leak, poor ventilation in crawl spaces, or a dripping pipe can damage structural wood in your home and provide subterranean termites with a reliable food source.
Where will I find termites?
Subterranean termites live outside in the underground nests and travel back and forth from the nest to food sources daily. Formosan termites also create nests on roofs or behind wall voids of homes and other structures.
It is important to note that older homes are more at risk of a termite infestation. Older houses have more cracks and crevices that provide entry points and likely have more rotted wood because of the structure's age. However, any home, including new builds, should have protection against termites. The small size and tenacity of termites allow them to move into any structure that provides potential food and shelter.
How do I get rid of termites?
The most successful way to eliminate termites and keep them away from your Jacksonville home in the future is to partner with a local professional. At Wildlife and Pest Control Experts, we offer termite control in Jacksonville that is effective and that you can trust. Our termite control service provides our customers with a thorough inspection of their property, an initial service visit, the installation of a baiting system, a one-year warranty, and peace of mind.
To learn more about eliminating a current termite problem or implementing a proactive protection plan, please call today!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
We want to help you prevent issues with termites by providing you with exceptional termite control and the following termite prevention tips:
- Create a crushed stone barrier between mulch or soil and your home's foundation.
- Regularly inspect your foundation, roof, and exterior walls for cracks and crevices and repair any you discover.
- Ensure your yard has good drainage and that gutters direct rainwater away from your house.
- Reduce excess moisture in your home using air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and ventilation systems.
- Remove decaying or wet structural wood from your home.
Partner with Wildlife and Pest Control Experts for top-notch home pest control and termite control!
