With termites swarming, traps go up around Riverside

Traps aimed at Formosan subterranean termite

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A pest control company is putting termite traps on JEA power poles throughout Riverside in hopes of getting the pest problem under control.

George Richardson of Peninsular Pest Control was setting termite traps Thursday about every two blocks in the community where termites did so much damage to the Women's Club of Jacksonville that the building had to be torn down last year.

The traps are mounted 8 feet high and covered in glue to catch the pesky bugs. It's one of the only ways to get them under control.

Traps are also being placed at each of the city's 53 fire stations. 

Richardson said termites are swarming, mating and creating new colonies.

"We have had them swarm in the last two days, so they are going to be more in the news. People are going to be seeing them more," Richardson said.

Of particular concern is the Formosan subterranean termite, which swarms in May and June and is considered most dangerous because the species builds a colony that is 10 times bigger than termites native to Florida.

Richardson wants homeowners to know that they cannot get rid of termites on their own and that they must call a pest control company. He said if you see them in a tree nearby, they're probably in your home.

Experts say homeowners should make sure there's no wood touching the ground around their homes and have bait traps installed to cut back on termite populations.

For more advice for homeowners, visit duval.ifas.ufl.edu/termites.shtml.


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