Formosan termites are a type of subterranean species commonly identified as “super termites.” The species earns its nickname from its voracious feeding patterns and large colonies that exceed 2 million members. Formosan termites eat through a greater variety of wood at a faster rate, causing devastating damage in an infested home. You need to act quickly and call pest control in Jacksonville if you spot early warning signs of termites in your home.
What Does A Formosan Termite Infestation Look Like?
Formosan termites are arguable the vilest and most destructive pest you could ever host in your home. The bugs have three different caste levels divided into:
- Alates: These are reproductive termites that can either be winged(swarmers) or wingless.
- Soldiers: They have oblong-shaped heads, differentiating them from indigenous subterranean termites with rectangular heads.
- Worker: They are similar to other termite species with a white to off-white color. Soldiers and reproductive alates are more effective in proper termite identification.
Formosan termites are sneaky pests that will feed on your wooden beams from the inside out. Some of the common signs of termites inside your house include:
- Swarmers emerging from your property
- Discarded swarmer wings on your door and window sills
- Frass or sawdust-like droppings
- Wood damage, with hollow sounds when tapped
- Mud shelter tubs
Contact a Jacksonville pest control company immediately if you notice any of these signs within your home.
Why It Is So Hard To Get Rid Of Formosan Termites On Your Property
These tiny, invasive pests are arguably the hardest to exterminate for most Jacksonville homes. First, Formosan termite colonies are large, with a single nest hosting over a million workers and soldiers.
The termites feed on cellulose, making your home look like a delicious buffet ready to be devoured. Worse, these destructive pests are stealth, eating through your wooden beams for years before any evidence of termite damage is visible.
The release of swarmers in summer means the termites can form new satellite colonies. A single colony can produce over 70,000 swarmer termites. The pests can also survive through all seasons, making them difficult to eliminate.
What Attracts Termites To Homes?
Effective termite control begins with identifying conditions that could be supporting an infestation within your home. As the Formosan termite forages for cellulose, all wooden structures and wood piles are a perfect target for the pest. Tree stumps and yard mulch touching your home’s foundation can also lead to the termites invading your home.
All subterranean termite species require an abundant water supply to survive. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and damaged roofs can create moisture problems that make a conducive environment for the Formosan termites to thrive.
Ways To Prevent Future Formosan Termite Infestations In Jacksonville
Factoring in the level of destruction the termites can cause on your property, your best bet is to prevent an infestation from ever occurring. Here are a few tips to minimize the risk of a termite infestation in your home.
- Avoid storing woodpiles or debris against your foundation or inside your basements.
- Use mulch sparingly.
- Fix any water leaks within your home.
- Eliminate dead trees and stumps from your property.
- Place termite baits across your home to control any colonies that emerge.
- Consider hiring a pest control company in Jacksonville to treat your home with insecticide.
Continuous termite inspection and fumigation is the most effective method to prevent future infestations. At Trad’s Pest Control, our experts have the knowledge and skills to identify conditions that could attract termites to your home.
Our comprehensive termite control services involve frequent inspections, effective treatments, and monitoring protocols to guard your property against termite damage. Contact us today to discuss your termite problem and possible solutions to save your home.