Termites Species You'll See in Jacksonville, NC and the Role They Play in the Ecosystem

If you have abundant wood materials on your property, you may be the next target for termites. Fortunately, B&T Pest Control will strategize an optimal treatment plan to eliminate a termite infestation, salvaging your property and your peace of mind. Read on to learn more about these wood-loving insects and how experienced professionals with Jacksonville, NC, pest control can get rid of them quickly.

The Role Termites Play In Our Ecosystem

In case you didn't know, termites perform a beneficial function in the environment that contributes to the regeneration of our forests. Their primary role in the ecosystem is breaking down plant fibers and recycling decomposed and rotted trees to help create new, fresh, and fertile soil. The underground mazes they construct can enrich and aerate the dirt that stimulates growth for healthy greenery. However, termites aren't as beneficial when eating away at your valuable wooden fixtures and structures. So, if you suspect you have a termite problem, give B&T Pest Control a call right away.

The Types Of Termites That Infest Jacksonville, NC, Homes

North Carolina is home to several different kinds of termites. The three termites that you are most likely to see around your Jacksonville, North Carolina home include:

• Formosan termites: This species can cause a lot of damage to your wooden structures in a short amount of time. If you had a wooden 2x4 that was one foot long, a colony of Formosan termites would be able to consume the entire stick in just one week. 
• Subterranean termites: The subterranean termite is, by far, the most destructive type of termite that is found in Jacksonville, NC. This species lives underground in large colonies that are divided into three castes, which include the soldier, worker, and reproductive termites.
• Drywood termites: Unlike the subterranean and the Formosan termite, the drywood termite does not like moist or damp wood. Instead, they enjoy consuming dry wood that you would usually find inside homes.

Because termites are so small, they are commonly mistaken for ants. However, if you take a closer look, you will see that these two insects look very different from each other. For instance, an ant's body is separated into three parts, and a termite is separated into two sections. Also, an ant may have two sets of wings, but the top wings will be a different size than the bottom wing. Termites also have two sets of wings, but both sets are the same size. 

Why And How Termites Infest And Destroy Homes

Termites in Jacksonville, NC, typically live in the soil underneath or around your property and infiltrate wood that touches the ground. They can also enter wooden structures by creating mud tubes that act as a jetway to transport them into the wood from the ground. Cracks and crevices also make perfect points of entry for these pests.

The reason termites are attracted to wood is due to an organic fibrous material called cellulose. This substance gives these critters all the nutrition they need to survive and keep their species going. A large colony can devour one pound of wood in 24 hours. That's why significant termite damage can occur the longer the problem goes unnoticed.

Therefore, if you suspect any insect activity, err on the side of caution, and get in touch with a reputable termite and pest control company to schedule a home evaluation.

Handy Tips To Prevent Termites Around Your Property

It's always better to prevent a problem from happening than to deal with its aftermath. And when it comes to termites, you don't want the damage to become so extensive that you must spend a fortune on unforeseen repairs and restorations. Looking around your residence, you'll likely discover several factors that attract termites. So, to avoid an infestation, review our simple tips below:

• Brush an oil-based polish or varnish onto any exposed wood to discourage insect activity.
• Pile your wood materials, like logs and lumber, far from the exterior of your home.
• Reduce the amount of mulch on your property or remove it completely.
• Elevate you are wooden materials and supplies off the ground, making sure they don't come into contact with soil.
• Stop moisture from accumulating around the perimeter of your property.

If you need more information about preventative techniques and effective termite treatments, or to schedule a property inspection, contact your local pest control company.

Are DIY Termite Control Methods Effective?

Many retail stores will sell you chemicals, traps, and baits that promise to get rid of your termite problem for good. However, these DIY solutions rarely work. 

One of the main reasons why store-bought pest control solutions don't work is that they fail to address an entire infestation. In addition, in order to treat an infestation, you need to know what kind of termites you have and find the appropriate treatment for that type of termite as well as deploy the treatment correctly. A professional pest control company will have access to a wide range of products and methods that are more effective and not available in stores, and pest control professionals know how to use these treatments properly and safely.

Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Termites In Your Home

Peeling paint, hollow-sounding wood, droopy or discolored drywall, and buckling wooden floorboards. All of these issues are signs of termites in your home. If you've noticed them, don't waste time experimenting with unproven methods, like do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) tricks or home remedies. Instead, enlist the services of experienced pest specialists who've acquired the knowledge, skills, and training to eliminate a termite infestation fast. Professionals use industry best practices and the latest resources to get the job done right the first time.

Since 1982, B&T Pest Control has provided superior pest management services to keep our Jacksonville, NC, residents' homes free of different kinds of termites and other nuisance pests. Our experienced termite exterminators use modern technology coupled with a high degree of skill to resolve pest issues, restoring your good quality of living. Let us craft an effective termite treatment strategy for you that meets your needs. Reach out to us today, so we can get started with your estimate.