Jacksonville Property Owner's Complete Guide To Effective Termite Control

Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year in the United States. These silent invaders can chew halfway through your home before you even notice them, leaving you with structural damage that can cost thousands to repair.

While termites are beneficial to the environment and are even considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, they are a nightmare for Jacksonville property owners. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about termites, including the best (and worst) methods of controlling them.

What Everyone Ought To Know About Termites

Termites are small insects that live in colonies and eat wood, both in nature and in your home. While they are destructive to property, termites are actually a vital part of the ecosystem. Termites help decompose dead trees, create fertile nitrogen-rich soil, and aerate the ground, which reduces erosion. Some scientists hypothesize that termites even help to prevent forest fires, as they break down dead trees that would otherwise be fuel for fire and improve oxygen flow.

While they no doubt play an important role in nature, termites are detrimental to man-made structures. Just as termites will devour a dead log, they will chew through your home’s wooden elements, such as decks, flooring, siding, and roofing. Unfortunately, termites often go unnoticed until severe damage has been done. Keeping an eye out for termite damage and scheduling annual inspections with a professional will help ensure that your home stays safe from these destructive pests.

Types Of Termites Found In Jacksonville

Several different termite species are found in the Jacksonville area, and each can cause extensive property damage. Here are the most common termites in Northern Florida:

Subterranean termites - Considered the most destructive termite in the United States, Subterranean termites live in colonies underground and are known for building and traveling through mud tubes.

Drywood termites - Hence the name, these termites eat dry wood and don’t rely on contact with the soil. They tend to infest roofing and wooden wall supports.

Formosan termites - Formosan termites are highly aggressive and difficult to control. They live in large colonies and create elaborate mud nests inside the walls of structures.

Conehead termites - Conehead termites were introduced to the U.S. from the Caribbean in the early 2000s and have been wreaking havoc on American homes ever since. Unlike other species, conehead termites travel aboveground, allowing them to spread even more quickly.

Any type of termite is bad news for Jacksonville property owners; be sure to call a professional pest service at the first sign of termite damage.

Six Signs Of Termite Infestation

Diagnosing a termite problem can be difficult for the average homeowner, but there are some telltale signs you should be on the lookout for. Here are the most common indications of a termite infestation:

• Softwood in your home that has a hollow sound when you tap it.

• Wood that has become darker or has blistered.

• Mud tubes on the outside of your home.

• Small piles that look like sawdust (this may be termite feces.)

• Insect wings on window sills or near doorways could indicate termite swarmers have entered your home.

• Paint that appears bubbling or uneven.

Staying vigilant for signs of termites will help to mitigate the damage before it gets too extensive, but be sure to call a pest control company for a professional inspection.

How To Get Rid Of Termites

Termites are a common problem in Jacksonville, and many property owners attempt to treat the infestation with do-it-yourself methods. There are several products such as termite baits, barriers, and liquid termiticides that you can purchase, but the effectiveness of these DIY solutions is limited and short-lived. Without professional intervention, the termites are unlikely to be completely eradicated and will continue to damage your home.

Professional Termite Control In Jacksonville, FL

Termites are a serious threat to your property, and their eradication is best left to the professionals. For termite control you can count on in Jacksonville, look no further than Lindsey Pest Services.

Since 1957, Lindsey Pest Services has provided the Jacksonville area with quality termite control solutions. We offer both preventative and curative termite services and create customized treatment plans to fit each property’s unique situation.

Our termite services start with a thorough inspection to identify the termite nests and any underlying issues. We then use cutting-edge technology to pinpoint the location of nests and apply precision treatment. We also install a Sentricon system to protect your property from future infestations and schedule follow-up visits every three months to ensure that your home stays termite-free.

Don’t let termites destroy your home and leave you with the bill. Whether your home has an existing termite infestation or you want to take preventative measures to protect it, Lindsey Pest Services has got you covered. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation inspection.