Termites are pests that no one wants to encounter in their home or business, but there are different kinds of termites in Jacksonville that you need to be aware of. When people imagine termites, they often imagine the subterranean types known for tunneling through the soil and needing humid environments. However, there is another termite that many people don’t know much about. Formosan termites are actually just a different kind of subterranean termite, but they have some unique characteristics that set them apart. Read on to learn more about Formosan termites and termite control in Jacksonville.
What To Know About Formosan Termites
The main difference between Formosan termites and other subterranean termites is that they can create nests in the ground or above the ground. They are sometimes known as “super termites” because they are aggressive and have huge appetites. These termites are actually native to Southern China, but they have spread throughout the world.
You can identify Formosan termites by their yellowish bodies and darker-colored heads. The worker and soldier termites do not have wings, but the termite swarmers, which leave the nest to reproduce, do have wings and are sometimes mistaken for flying ants.
How Much Damage Do Formosan Termites Cause?
All termites can cause a significant amount of property damage, especially over time, but Formosan termites are usually the worst. They are voracious and known to destroy everything from furniture and flooring to drywall and wallpaper.
The other issue with these termites is that they often go undetected for long periods of time. While they are extremely invasive and can spread throughout a structure, they will tunnel into wooden items, so you won’t even see them at first. It’s generally pretty rare to see the actual termites themselves until the infestation has spread and a lot of damage has already occurred.
Formosan Termite Prevention Tips
Formosan termites aren’t an easy pest to eradicate, but you can take some steps to prevent them. Termite control isn’t simple, even if you do take steps to keep them out, but you can at least reduce your likelihood of an infestation.
Here are some ways to discourage Formosan termites:
- Keep firewood stored at least 30 feet away from buildings.
- Regularly trim shrubs, bushes, and trees and keep branches away from the exterior of the structure.
- Seal up entry points into the building by plugging up holes and cracks in the walls and exterior with foam or caulking. Repair or replace broken screens in doors and windows.
- Reduce moisture problems by removing standing water in the yard and fixing leaky plumbing. You can also use dehumidifiers in particularly humid rooms.
- Reach out to commercial and residential pest control experts in the area.
How To Protect Your Property From Termites
Termites are extremely difficult to eradicate and prevent without assistance, but the residential pest control team at Trad’s Pest Control is here to help. We offer comprehensive termite services that can remove infestations. We also offer annual inspections that are the best way to catch termite activity early on and protect your property from damage.
Give us a call today to learn more or to request an inspection.