In North Carolina, termites pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of our homes. In fact, billions of dollars are spent annually nationwide on controlling and preventing these wood-destroying pests. For homeowners, the primary concern is subterranean termites –

those that live underground and can silently make their way into your home to feed on its wooden structures.

What Exactly Are Termites? A Look Inside the Colony Advance Pest Control

Termites are fascinating yet destructive social insects, living in complex colonies typically located underground, often near a reliable food source like a tree stump, woodpile, or decaying wood. Each colony has a distinct social structure:

  • The Royalty: A king and queen, usually brown in color, are at the heart of the colony. The queen is an egg-laying machine, capable of producing thousands of offspring each year, ensuring the colony’s growth.
  • The Protectors: Soldier termites have distinctive large heads and powerful mandibles (jaws). Their sole purpose is to defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants.
  • The Workforce: The vast majority of the colony consists of thousands of pale, whitish worker termites. They are the busy bees of the operation, responsible for various tasks, including caring for the queen and young, expanding the nest and most importantly, foraging for food – which, unfortunately, often means the wood in your home.

As a termite colony matures and grows, the foraging workers extend their reach, expanding both the nest and their feeding territory. A mature colony can house anywhere from 200,000 to a staggering 2,000,000 workers, although even smaller colonies of 50,000-60,000 can cause significant damage. Research has shown that termites from a single colony can forage across an area as large as one-third of an acre and travel over 200 feet from their central nest. While multiple termite colonies can exist on a single acre of land, it doesn’t automatically mean they are all targeting your home. Interestingly, large colonies often don’t remain in a single underground nest but rather split into several interconnected smaller “nesting sites” as their foraging area expands.

Recognizing the Silent Threat: Key Signs of Termite Infestation

One of the most concerning aspects of termites is their ability to operate undetected for extended periods. Without regular inspections, years can pass before their activity becomes apparent. However, there are key signs that can indicate a termite infestation:

  • Swarming Termites: Once a termite colony reaches maturity (typically within 3-5 years), it begins to produce swarmers – winged adult termites that fly off to establish new colonies. In North Carolina, we see swarming activity from at least three different termite species, starting as early as late winter and continuing through September or October. These swarmers are often the first visible sign of a nearby infestation. You might see them indoors near windows and doors or find their discarded wings.
  • Mud Tubes: Unlike ants, termites are secretive and avoid open exposure. To travel above ground, they construct distinctive mud tubes made from soil, wood particles, saliva, and other materials. These tubes, often about the diameter of a pencil or larger, provide them with moisture and protection from predators. Look for these telltale tubes on foundation walls, floor joists, crawl space supports, and other accessible parts of your home.
  • Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, often leaving the surface intact. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or appears softened or damaged can be a sign of termite activity. You might also notice buckling or sagging floors or doors and windows that are difficult to open or close.

Think You See Signs of Termites? Act Now!

Don’t wait until the damage is extensive. Schedule your FREE initial termite inspection with Advance Pest Control today! Our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect your property to identify any signs of termite activity and assess your risk.

Protecting Your Home: Our Termite Solutions

We offer Triangle-area homeowners a choice of effective termite treatment options:

  • Full House Treatments: Comprehensive treatments designed to eliminate existing infestations throughout your entire home and establish a protective barrier.
  • Targeted Spot Treatments: For localized infestations, we can provide effective treatments to address the specific areas of termite activity.

Long-Term Peace of Mind: Our Termite Protection Plan

Once your home is termite-free, our Termite Protection Plan provides ongoing security and peace of mind. This plan includes:

  • Regular Inspections: We conduct thorough inspections at least once annually to monitor for any new termite activity.
  • Proactive Recommendations: We provide expert advice and recommendations on how to maintain a termite-resistant environment around your home.
  • Termite Damage Repair Coverage: In the unfortunate event of future termite damage while under our protection plan, you may be covered for repair costs (see plan details for specifics).
  • No-Cost Retreatments: If any new termite activity is found while your plan is active, we will provide necessary re-treatments at no additional cost to you.

Simple Steps You Can Take to Help Prevent Termites:

While professional treatment is crucial for existing infestations and long-term protection, there are preventative measures North Carolina homeowners can take:

  • Manage Moisture: Avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Ensure proper drainage and fix any leaky pipes or faucets promptly.
  • Strategic Wood Storage: Store firewood and lumber at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
  • Mulch Mindfully: Keep mulch at least 15 inches away from your foundation. Mulch can retain moisture and provide a pathway for termites. Consider using inorganic mulches near the foundation.
  • Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintain good ventilation in crawl spaces, attics, and basements to reduce moisture buildup, which can attract termites.
  • Maintain Foundation Visibility: Avoid planting dense vegetation directly against your foundation, which can conceal termite activity.

Don’t let these silent destroyers compromise the safety and value of your home.

Learn more about how you can protect your home from termites.

Contact Advance Pest Control today for your free termite inspection and learn how we can help you protect your property for years to come!