Are Termites In Jacksonville Harmful To Humans?

When we consider ways an insect might harm us, the first thing that comes to mind is whether or not it can bite. While termite workers can bite, they're not likely to bite you unless you're made of wood. Since most people aren't made of wood, termites don't present a threat in this way. Another way pests can be a threat is that they're able to pick up harmful microorganisms on the outside of their bodies and spread those microorganisms around. Since termites don't forage in garbage cans, they don't tend to come in contact with disease-causing organisms. They also don't crawl around in pantries, dish cabinets, or silverware drawers. So, there is little chance a termite will make you sick in this way. Does that mean they're harmless when they get into Jacksonville homes? Hardly. Let's take a moment to consider a few of the ways termites could impact your life and cause harm.

Allergies

In our area, there are two termite types. You're probably familiar with them. Drywood termites attack dry summerwood, and subterranean termites attack soft springwood or rotted wood. Of the two, drywood termites can present a unique threat to your health. This type of termite produces a material called frass. Frass has many components. It includes fecal pellets, shed insect skins, insect parts, and dust. The only thing it doesn't have is sawdust. But you might think it does as the fecal pellets of drywood termites are stiff like wood particles, and they take on the color of the wood the termites are consuming. If you have a drywood termite infestation, this material could impact your health in two key ways.

• Skin contact with frass can cause a rash to form and other skin or eye irritation. The level of discomfort will be dependent on your tolerance. In most cases, the symptoms are minor.

• When particles from frass become airborne, they can cause respiratory issues. These allergens can be a particular problem for those who have asthma.

Subterranean termites don't produce frass. If you have a subterranean termite infestation in your home, the only way you will be exposed to allergens is if you break into termite tunnels during a renovation.

Mold

When termites attack the wood of your home, they can create conditions for rainwater to enter and for mold spores to attach to damp wood inside your home. As worker termites go about their business, they can pick spores up and transport them. But this mechanical dispersion isn't necessary. Mold does a great job of moving around on its own. When it reproduces, it releases spores into the air, which move through the air and attach to damp surfaces throughout a home, such as bathroom walls, shower walls, and surfaces in humid spaces. Regarding termites, the concern is primarily the fact that termites can be a catalyst for mold issues. 

Some of the symptoms of mold exposure are the same as termite allergies. You may experience a skin rash, watery eyes, respiratory issues, sneezing, and more. Long-term mold exposure can be severe, especially if it is black mold.

Damage

The way Jacksonville termites harm Jacksonville property owners the most is by destroying their property. These insects provide little or no warning that they are causing damage. Warning signs are usually subtle and easily missed. When they go undetected, termites can be allowed to do harm over time. This can lead to costly repairs. If your home is your nest egg, and you intend on cashing in on the value of your home during your retirement years, termites can cause you a lot of harm. You may have to live in a home that is in disrepair, or you may have to dig into your savings to make repairs. In both cases, you will be harmed.

How To Prevent Termites From Causing You Harm

Termites are a real and present threat in the Jacksonville area. The best way to protect your property, and your nest egg, is to invest in ongoing termite protection. Termite damage prevention is heartache prevention. There are few things as heart-wrenching as realizing your property has been extensively damaged by termites. Real estate purchases are significant investments that can take years to pay off, and termite damage can send your finances into a tailspin.

When you have ongoing termite control services from Lindsey Pest Services, you decide how much you're going to allow termites to cost you. You can even take your termite service cost and put it right into your budget. No surprises. No heartache. Reach out to us today to schedule a termite inspection for your Jacksonville property to get started. It is one of the best decisions you'll ever make.