The Destructive Formosan Termites in Jacksonville

The Destructive Formosan Termites in Jacksonville. Formosan termites are a new threat to the Jacksonville area. Destructive, venomous and highly destructive termites have made the River City their permanent home. These termites cause more damage in the U.S. than any other termite species. Formosan termites are generally drawn to homes near a water source. They also prefer older homes because the potential rotted wood is more appealing. An annual termite inspection can significantly reduce the likelihood of missed weaknesses in your home that could encourage a termite infestation.

Formosan termites consume a tree.

Do you remember when Jacksonville, FL had no Formosan termites? You may if you are over the age of ten. This venomous termite is a new threat to the Jacksonville area. In fact, the first documented sighting of Formosan termites in Jacksonville was in 2005, and our team was the first to document them.

Formosan termites in Jacksonville homes are nothing new. These destructive termites have made the River City their permanent home. That is why it is critical for all Jacksonville residents to understand how dangerous these termites are.

What exactly is a Formosan Termite?

Subterranean termites are Formosan termites. As a result, they, like other subterranean termite species, attack your property from the soil. They're particularly resilient, with as many as 10 million members per colony—compared to the one million average in other termite colonies—and have a much higher potential for devastation.

Formosan termites, unlike other termite species, can build nests inside the structure of a house. They do this by coating the interior of their nests with feces, which seals in moisture and keeps the temperature stable for a longer stay. Because Formosan termites have so many members in their colonies and such a high capacity for structure habitation, these termites cause more damage in the United States than any other termite species.

Are Formosan Termites a Problem?

Despite their architectural prowess, Formosan termites are simple organisms. They do not need to sleep in unison and do not hibernate. As a result, a colony may consume wood nonstop all year, destroying the structural integrity of a structure.

Formosan termites are generally drawn to homes near a water source because they prefer moist soil. They also prefer older homes because the potential rotted wood is more appealing and easier to work with. Furthermore, most months of the year, the temperatures in Jacksonville are ideal for these termites to reproduce quickly.

How to Keep Formosan Termites at Bay

Fortunately, you have some control over Formosan termite activity in your home. Termites are attracted to moisture, so using an air conditioner or dehumidifiers may deter them from finding your home appealing.

You can also keep termites at bay by keeping your gutters clear and functioning properly to prevent standing water, sealing any crevices in your home's foundation or exterior walls, and replacing wood that has been water damaged.

Of course, the best preventative is an annual termite inspection, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of any missed weaknesses in your home that could encourage a termite infestation.