Termites are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. These silent invaders can cause significant—and costly—damage to your home if left unchecked. Unfortunately, the warm and humid climate of North Carolina makes it an ideal environment for termites to thrive, so those of us who call the Tar Heel State home need to be even more vigilant when it comes to signs of these little pests.
Understanding these signs of a termite infestation, along with the potential dangers they pose, is the first step in protecting your home from these destructive pests.
Types of Termites in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to three main types of termites: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites. Each type has unique characteristics and preferred habitats, and knowing the differences can help in identifying a potential infestation.
Subterranean Termites
These are the most common and destructive type of termites found in North Carolina. Subterranean termites live in large colonies underground and build mud tubes to access food sources like wood in your home.
They require moisture to survive, making damp or rotting wood particularly attractive to them. Because they work silently, they can cause significant damage before you even realize there’s a problem.
Drywood Termites
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil and can infest dry wood. They often invade areas like attics, wooden furniture, and the framework of your home. Drywood termites can be more challenging to detect because they do not build mud tubes and their colonies are smaller, but they can still cause severe structural damage over time.
Dampwood Termites
As their name suggests, dampwood termites prefer wood that is wet or has a high moisture content. These termites are less likely to infest homes directly since they prefer damp, decaying wood in natural environments. However, they can still pose a risk to those structures that have poor drainage, leaky roofs, or other moisture issues.
Dangers of Termites
Termites may be small, but they can cause extensive and costly damage to your home.
Structural Damage
As they eat through wood, termites can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs. Severe infestations can compromise floors, walls, and even the foundation of your property.
Financial Impact
Termite damage is often not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, which means the cost of repairs comes out of your pocket. In the United States, termites cause billions of dollars in damage annually.
Health Concerns
While termites do not carry diseases harmful to humans, their presence can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Termites create dust and debris that can trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals.
Surefire Signs You Have Termites
Detecting a termite infestation early can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Here are some signs that you may have termites in your home:
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their colonies underground and their food sources. These tubes are typically found along foundation walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces. They are pencil-sized and made of dirt, saliva, and wood particles.
If you see these tubes around your property, it’s time to call in a pro.
Discarded Wings
Swarming termites, also known as “swarmers,” shed their wings after finding a suitable location to start a new colony. If you find piles of discarded wings near window sills, doors, or other entry points, it is a strong indication that termites are present.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of wood or paint. If you tap on a wooden structure and it sounds hollow or papery, it may be due to termite damage.
Sagging Floors or Ceilings
As termites eat away at the wooden structures in your home, they can cause floors and ceilings to sag or buckle. If you notice uneven floors or bubbling paint, it may be a sign of a termite infestation.
Termite Swarmers
Swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colonies to establish new ones. Seeing these swarmers inside or near your home is one of the most visible signs of termite activity, as they often gather around light sources such as windows, doors, and porch lights.
These are commonly seen in the springtime, and swarms typically last between 30 and 40 minutes.
Termite Droppings
Drywood termites leave behind small piles of pellet-like droppings called frass. These droppings are often found near infested areas and resemble tiny wood-colored pellets.
FAQ: Signs You Have Termites
Do I have termites or flying ants?
Termites and flying ants are often mistaken for one another, but there are some key differences. Termites have straight antennae, uniform waists, and two pairs of equal-sized wings. In contrast, flying ants have bent antennae, narrow waists, and two pairs of wings with different sizes. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a pest control professional for proper identification.
Does mulch cause termites?
Mulch itself does not cause termites, but it can provide a conducive environment for them. Mulch retains moisture and can create an ideal habitat for termites to thrive.
To minimize the risk, keep mulch at least 15 inches away from your home’s foundation and avoid piling it too thickly; a layer no more than 2 to 3 inches deep is recommended. Consider using termite-resistant mulch options, such as cedar or cypress, which are less appealing to termites. Additionally, maintain good drainage around your property and ensure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation to prevent excess moisture.
What does minor termite damage look like?
Minor termite damage often appears subtle and can be easy to overlook. Early signs of termite activity include small areas of blistered or bubbling paint, which occur when termites feed close to the surface of the wood, leaving a thin veneer that cracks or peels. You may also notice small pinholes in drywall, tiny piles of frass (termite droppings) that look like sawdust or coffee grounds, and faint mud tubes along foundation walls or wooden structures. Minor damage may also result in wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
While these signs may seem insignificant, they indicate the presence of termites, and without intervention, minor damage can quickly escalate to severe structural issues.
How long until termites destroy a house?
On average, a single colony of subterranean termites can consume about a pound of wood in roughly 24-48 hours. While this may not sound like much, an untreated infestation can cause significant structural damage over time. In general, it could take anywhere from three to eight years for a typical termite colony to cause extensive enough damage to a home that it affects its structural integrity. However, in cases of large colonies or multiple infestations, severe damage can occur much more rapidly.
What time of year are termites the worst?
Termites are most active during the warmer months, particularly in spring and summer, when temperatures rise and humidity levels are higher.
In North Carolina and other similar climates, termite swarming season typically begins in early spring and can last through the summer. During this time, winged reproductive termites, known as swarmers, leave their colonies to mate and establish new colonies. This period is when termites are most visible, making it the worst time of year for potential infestations.
Contact Stomp Pest Control for Reliable Pest Control
Whether you want to take preventive action or exterminate a specific pest, the pest technicians at Stomp Pest Control can exterminate them and prevent them from returning. We serve several cities in the Triangle including Raleigh, Garner, Wake Forest, Durham, and more.
Contact us at (919) 231-3292 or fill out the form below to learn more about our pest control services.
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