Jacksonville Termite Swarm Season Begins This Month

John Cooksey, vice president and entomologist, at McCall Service, Inc. said today that the termite swarm season is expected to be active as a result of the area's mild winter. Termites are responsible for over $700 million in costs to consumers in Florida each year for damage and control costs. Here are tips for homeowners to protect their biggest investment.

Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) February 11, 2007 -- John Cooksey, vice president and entomologist, at McCall Service, Inc. said today that the termite swarm season is expected to be active as a result of the area's mild winter. Termites are responsible for over $700 million in costs to consumers in Florida each year for damage and control costs.

The exact dates termites swarm varies each year according to geographic regions, species type and weather conditions. Typically swarming season begins in February in the Jacksonville area and can last through May or early June. As a general rule, most subterranean termites swarm mid-day when it is sunny and often following rain. Formosan termites are a notable exception in that they typically swarm in the early evening.

Swarming termites are dark in color, have four wings, and are clumsy fliers. Their mission is to start new colonies. Termites can be hidden for 10 to 12 years before a swarm becomes visible. Damages caused by termites are usually not covered in homeowner's insurance policies. "Owning a home is expensive and it is estimated that half the homeowners in Florida have not taken steps to protect this investment from these destructive insects," said Cooksey. "We urge homeowners to get an annual termite inspection."

Signs of Termites
Because so much of the damage caused by termites is within the inner walls of the structure, it can be difficult to know if you have a termite problem until it is too late. However, there are a few warning signs to help homeowners determine if you have a termite problem.
1.   Termites, Dead or Alive-Winged termites are often the first sign of subterranean termite infestation. Swarming termites are attracted to light and are often found near windows, doors, vents and lighting fixtures.
2.   Mud Tubes-These termite-made tubes provide shelter for termites and have a muddy, flattened appearance approximately the width of a drinking straw. Look for these along cracks, around baseboards, on pipes, piers, chimneys, behind siding, plumbing and other fixtures.
3.   Hollow Wood-An easy way to check for termites is to tap wood along the wall every few inches with a screwdriver handle. Damaged wood will sound hollow and if the area is extremely damaged, the handle may break the wood's surface.
Prevention Tips
Consumers can reduce their chances of an infestation by:

• Keeping landscape mulch from contact with the house
• Quickly repairing any water leaks or moisture problems
• Keeping siding materials (except masonry and brick) at least 6-8 inches above ground level.
• Maintaining gutters and downspouts to keep water away from the house and from disturbing the termiticide protection barriers around the foundation.
• Have uninterrupted termite protection service from a licensed pest control company.

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