What Types of Termites Live In Raleigh, NC
North Carolina homes are a popular food source for a variety of termite species, and owners need fast treatment if they see these insects. Wood is a termite’s favorite food, and as the insects chomp on their meal, the structural integrity of the framing and support beams becomes compromised. Pest control professionals have just the thing to get rid of termites and keep the insects at bay.
Eastern Subterranean Termites
The body of the Eastern subterranean termite measures three-eighths of an inch in length. The insects are a dark brown in color with gray wings. These termites create colonies under the home. If these termites have infested the home, there are narrow tubes that run underneath the property, and these tubes are how the insects access food and water.
Cracks in floorboards and the lower levels of the home are access points for the insects to enter the home’s interior. Exterminators find the termites in dampened areas that are hidden where the owner doesn’t look often. Extermination teams perform termite control services at the first signs of these insects.
Formosan Subterranean Termites
A less-common species of termite in the area is the Formosan subterranean termite. These insects inhabit areas such as crawl spaces, the foundation, and the basement. Anywhere that the home has existing dampness or drainage issues is a prime habitat for the termites.
The summer and spring are the most common times for residents to see these insects, and they create swarms after rainstorms. The termites range from a brownish-yellow to a pale yellow hue. Their bodies are about five-sixteenths of an inch in length with translucent wings. Extermination professionals refer to these insects as super termites because of the aggressive way the termites eat. The ideal termite treatment for these insects includes zero access to food sources.
West Indian Powderpost Drywood Termites
The most common regions for West Indian powderpost drywood termites extend from Virginia to Florida. The insects prefer drier woods as a food source and don’t seek out damp areas of the home. They are attracted to wooden furniture, framing, and structural beams.
These termites are more visible in warmer months and create colonies. The insects measure about one-half inch and are a yellowish to reddish-brown color with iridescent wings. Sand-like pellets and wood particles are common signs of these termites, and the owner must schedule pest control services quickly.
Complete a Full Termite Inspection
Termites flying around exterior lights in swarms are the most common sign of an infestation. Homeowners who see these swarms are encouraged to set up a full termite inspection, and the extermination team looks in areas where termites are known to set up colonies.
The team looks underneath the property for mud-line tunnels and termites flying in crawl spaces or around the foundation. The inspection report shows all areas where termites are and provides a record of any property damage caused by the insects.
Treat All Affected Areas
Insecticides kill termites, and extermination teams dispense the chemicals in all areas where termites are believed to be living. Next, the team finds all colonies and tunnels created by the termites, and these barriers are placed around the tunnels to prevent any surviving termites from accessing food or water. The insects in these colonies starve and cannot escape the tunnels. These steps are the most effective way to kill termites and prevent any insects left behind from surviving in the home.
Review Problem Areas
Problem areas for owners are spaces where termites get under the home and find new access points. Sealing areas around the foundation and closing up crawl spaces helps to stop termites from getting in. Foundation repairs get rid of cracks and crevices where termites get under the home and build colonies. A proactive plan for keeping access points sealed gives homeowners an advantage over the pests and stops new infestations from forming.
Should You Set Up Ongoing Termite Treatments?
Extermination services include ongoing protection against termite infestations, and the teams dispense insecticide to kill any termites around the home. Most service providers offer contracts for pest services that offer discounts. A termite control contract offers a specific number of treatments for an annual fee. It’s beneficial to consider these options to save more money on pest extermination services.
Where to Get Pest Control Services
At Sustainable Pest Systems, we understand how frustrating a termite infestation is and how dangerous these insects are to our client’s homes. Our team of exterminators has the skills to manage termites and other pests in area homes, and we guarantee our services. Discuss options for managing a termite infestation with us today.