Termites are more than just a nuisance—they’re silent destroyers capable of causing thousands of dollars in damage before you even realize they’re there. Jacksonville’s warm, humid climate makes it a hotspot for termites, especially during the spring and summer months. At Royal Pest Services, we’re here to help you protect your home by showing you what to look for and how to prevent a costly infestation.
Common Termite Signs to Watch For
Knowing what termite activity looks like can save your home from serious structural damage. Here are some of the most common signs of termites in Jacksonville homes:
1. Mud Tubes
Termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. These tubes are often found on foundation walls, crawl spaces, or around baseboards. If you spot them, it’s time to call a professional.
Visual Tip: Look for brown, dirt-like tunnels about the width of a straw—usually found on concrete blocks or wooden beams.
2. Discarded Wings
Swarming termites (called alates) shed their wings after finding a place to start a new colony. These tiny, transparent wings often collect around windowsills, doors, or baseboards.
Visual Tip: Discarded wings look like fish scales and are usually found in piles.
3. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on wooden surfaces like window frames, baseboards, or floorboards. If they sound hollow or papery, termites may have eaten the wood from the inside out.
Visual Tip: Check for blistered or uneven paint, especially on wood surfaces. If the wood crumbles easily or breaks apart when pressed, it may be severely damaged.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites push their droppings out of small holes near infested wood. The frass looks like tiny, sand-colored pellets and can build up in piles.
Visual Tip: Look for small mounds of gritty, six-sided pellets. They’re typically tan, brown, or cream-colored and can build up overnight if the infestation is active.
Termite Prevention Tips for Jacksonville Homeowners
Preventing a termite infestation is far easier (and cheaper) than dealing with one. Here’s how to protect your home:
1. Keep Moisture Under Control
Termites thrive in damp environments. Fix leaky pipes, make sure gutters are clear, and keep crawl spaces well-ventilated.
2. Maintain a Barrier Between Soil and Wood
Avoid direct contact between wood structures and soil. Use concrete or metal barriers, and keep mulch at least 12 inches away from your home’s foundation.
3. Schedule Annual Termite Inspections
Early detection is key. Annual inspections by a licensed Jacksonville termite control professional can catch issues before they become major.
4. Seal Entry Points
Seal cracks in your foundation, around plumbing lines, and anywhere wood meets soil or moisture.
5. Consider Preventive Treatments
At Royal Pest Services, we offer proactive termite protection plans using trusted products like Sentricon® for long-lasting defense. Treatments like these are highly recommended for homes in termite-prone regions like Jacksonville.
Don’t Let Termites Take Over Your Home
You work hard to maintain your home—don’t let termites undo all that effort. At Royal Pest Services, we’re proud to be Jacksonville’s go-to experts for termite control and prevention. Our team is here to help you spot the signs early and create a customized protection plan for lasting peace of mind.
Need help? Schedule your free termite inspection today!