Termite Control in St. Johns & St. Augustine, FL
Termites are termed social insects along with ants and some bees and wasps. Similar to ants, their bodies are wider than ants. Additionally they have shorter, smaller legs and move much slower than an ant does. Termites primarily feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, soil, or animal manure. Though their recycling of wood and other plant matter is of considerable ecological importance, termites can cause serious structural damage to buildings and also damage crops and plantation forests.
When a termite colony has reached maturity, swarming termites (flying) can be seen. These winged termites are highly attracted to light and are most active in the springtime. Swarming termites mate and locate a new breeding site to create another colony, spreading infestations.
Common St. Johns County & St. Augustine Termites:
Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termites, Formosa Termites (most destructive)
Facts To Know:
Eliminate Moisture Problems: Fix leaky faucets and divert water away from the building structure. Also seal water and utility line entry points into your home.
Eliminate Food Sources: Move firewood or lumber of any type out of the crawl space and away from the foundation of your home (also get rid of stumps near the house). Ideally, wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil. Keep tabs on decks and/or wooden fences for any signs of damage.
Warning Signs: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Piles of wood dust. Mud tubes on exterior walls or in the crawl space. Temporary swarm of winged insects in your home and/or discarded wings from swarmers. Cracked or bubbling paint.
Lifespan: A worker/soldier termite usually lives 1-2 years while a queen can actually have a lifespan up to 50 years!