Termites. You've probably heard of them before. You likely know they are very destructive and invasive, but you might underestimate how common, and complex they are if they get into your house. Unfortunately, termites are a widespread pest concern, and once they invade, they can damage wooden structures throughout your home. Over time, this damage adds up, and you could spend thousands of dollars fixing the things they ruin.
It's helpful to be proactive about Jacksonville termite control. Our team at Mission Pest Solutions has the information you need on how to prevent and remove termites. All you have to do is keep reading.
The Life Cycle Of Common Termites
Knowing more about a termite life cycle helps you see why these pests are so destructive and how to deal with them.
There are multiple kinds of termites within the termite colony. Each caste of termites plays a different role. The worker termites build tunnels and care for larvae while the soldier termites defend the nest. Then, there are the termite swarmers who leave the nest to reproduce. When termites swarm, they leave their colonies in groups and fly around to expand into new areas. You're more likely to see these swarmers than the other colony members. Termites usually swarm sometime between spring and fall.
How And Why Termites Damage Wood
There are many wood-destroying insects in Jacksonville, but what sets termites apart is how they damage the wood. Unlike most other pests that get into wooden structures, termites consume wood. They eat through it bit by bit as they digest the cellulose fibers.
Termites will eat constantly, and while the damage starts small, it can grow exponentially. You'll begin seeing visual signs of termite activity in about a year. In as little as eight years, termites can destroy buildings.
Some signs of termites include seeing discarded wings or their droppings. Their fecal waste is called frass and looks like sawdust.
Natural Ways To Make Your Home Less Appealing To Termites
Termites are one of the most challenging pests to deter, but there are still steps you can take to make your property less appealing to them. You can remove the factors that help them thrive. The Jacksonville pest control team at Mission Pest Solutions suggests following these measures:
- Storing lumber and firewood 30 feet away from your home's exterior.
- Installing a barrier between the soil and the foundation of your house.
- Lowering humidity levels by fixing leaky plumbing and getting rid of standing water around the property.
- Throwing out damaged or decaying wood inside your home or around your yard.
- Seeking termite control services for prevention and removal.
While prevention is helpful, you might be dealing with termites already. The easiest way to remove these invasive pests is with assistance from experts.
The Secret To Total Termite Control For Your Jacksonville Home
Termites are nearly impossible to remove on your own once they invade. Because they live in the soil and tunnel into wooden items, they're tough to access. Most store-bought products aren't going to remove the entire infestation.
The other issue with Jacksonville termites is that visual signs of their presence don't show up until the damage is already happening behind the scenes. It's best to have a termite inspection regularly to prevent this damage. Our trained technicians can assess your property for damage and work with you to devise a treatment plan.
Contact Mission Pest Solutions to get termite removal or exclusion services. You can also request a quote or book an inspection.