JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The impacts from two recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, are still being felt by people living in Northeast Florida when it comes to property damage.
Now, there's a new variable, as homes surrounded by trees are at risk.
Experts say there is an invasive termite species that has caused havoc in neighborhoods in the Sunshine State for more than 40 years. That's the case now, as there have been recent confirmed sightings of the termites in Jacksonville's Riverside area and the city's Urban Core.
Dr. Thomas Chouvenc, an entomologist at the University of Florida, told First Coast News it is only a matter of time before the pest could find its way to another area in Jacksonville.
Chouvenc is calling on residents to be on the lookout for the Formosan Subterranean termite. The UF professor said these insects can pose a risk to homeowners who have trees surrounding their house. He suggested having a professional inspect the trees and one's home.
The termites are known to hollow out healthy trees, no matter what type. Chouvenc mentioned how there are signs: check the bark of trees and look for mud tubes or cotton material that would be visible on a tree. Furthermore, Formosan Subterranean termites are known to stay close to water.
Unfortunately, Chouvenc said D.I.Y. projects won't do the trick to getting of them; one would be better off hiring a local pest control company to address the situation.
"So, having confirmation what species [of termites] you have is very important and more important to us," Chouvenc said. "We can put a dot on the map. Therefore, you know if your neighborhood is at risk of an infestation by this species."
Experts have put together a map, just in case pest control comes across the termite species they're unfamiliar with. Chouvenc suggests taking a sample and sending it to the University of Florida so they can track it. He said it is imperative that an arborist inspect trees because if it needs to be removed, it hinders the ecological function in cities.