Did you know that termites are a significant problem for homeowners in the United States? These insects can secretly infest homes and other buildings, causing extensive damage and costly repairs. If left unchecked, termites can do permanent damage to a structure, even rendering it uninhabitable. In fact, termites cause nearly $5 billion in damages to American homes per year, with the average repair bill adding up to $3,300. More than half a million houses across the country have some level of termite presence.
Preventing termites from getting into your house is a far cheaper option than trying to get rid of them and fix the damage. Measures such as storing wood away from your house, reducing humidity in basements and crawl spaces, and diverting water away from foundations are all effective ways to keep termites from getting in. One of the most impactful measures you can take is to schedule an annual inspection by a pest control specialist.
Types of Termites in North Carolina
When you schedule your termite inspection Charlotte NC, the exterminator will be looking for signs of two different types of termites: eastern subterranean termites and Formosan subterranean termites. Eastern termite workers are white or off-white colored, while Formosan termite soldiers have oblong heads and are more aggressive than their Eastern counterparts.
Both types of termites organize themselves into colonies with workers, whose job is to provide the colony with food in the form of wood, and soldiers who protect the colony with large jaws. Both groups are ruled by the colony’s queen, who also controls a group of secondary males for reproductive purposes.
Evidence Your House Has Termites
Termites damage houses because of their seemingly endless appetite for wood. Moreover, they can invade a house and remain hidden for years with the homeowner remaining unaware so it’s paramount to understand the warning signs of a termite infestation. Evidence of termites in your home include:
- Mud tunnels around the outside of your foundation
- Wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it
- Pellet-shaped droppings that look like sawdust or wood shavings
- Dirt trails on your walls
- Wings around windows and doors
- Small holes in your drywall
- Blistered and peeling paint on walls or ceilings
- Buckling floors
The Benefit of Scheduling an Annual Termite Inspection in Charlotte
The key to preventing expensive termite damage is to identify potential risk factors in your home and finding any signs of termite presence before they do significant damage. The best way to do this is through an annual termite inspection by a qualified pest control professional. Your inspection will uncover any signs of infestation and allow for treatments to work before the colony grows. A yearly inspection will also protect your house and home value by preventing damage to the house’s structural integrity that can greatly lower its resale price. Finally, doing termite prevention once a year is far cheaper in the long run than having to repair extensive damage done by the little chewers.
Termites are a significant threat for homeowners, particularly in a climate such as North Carolina. Scheduling an annual termite inspection will help uncover any sign of infestation, protecting your home, investment, and peace of mind.
