Jun 6, 2025 | Termite Control
Termites may be small, but their impact on homes across North Carolina is anything but insignificant. Burlington homeowners need to be on high alert, as our warm, humid climate provides the perfect environment for these destructive pests. Termites are silent invaders, often causing extensive damage long before they’re even noticed. The good news? With early detection and proactive measures, you can protect your home and avoid costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know about termite control in Burlington before it’s too late.
The 411 on Termite Control in Burlington
The Threat Termites Pose
Termites feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, which makes your home’s foundation, insulation , and even furniture a prime target. The damage they cause can compromise your home’s structural integrity, leading to repairs that cost homeowners across the U.S. billions of dollars annually. Termites don’t discriminate either; even brick and concrete homes are at risk if they contain wooden structures or supports.
Due to Burlington’s climate, termite activity is prevalent year-round. Subterranean termites are the most common species in the area, building colonies underground and tunneling into homes undetected. This is why early detection and prevention are so crucial. By the time termites leave visible signs of their presence, significant damage may already have been done.
Signs of Termite Activity
Catching a termite infestation early can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some common signs to watch out for in your Burlington home:
- Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites create pencil-sized mud tubes along walls, foundations, or pipes to travel between their colony and food source.
- Discarded Wings
After swarming, reproductive termites shed their wings. Finding piles of discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures can indicate the presence of termites.
- Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside, leaving a thin outer layer. Tap on wooden surfaces; if they sound hollow or papery, termites could be to blame.
- Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-shaped droppings near infested areas. These are often mistaken for sawdust.
- Sagging Floors or Doors
Termite damage can weaken wooden structures, causing floors to sag, doors to stick, or windows to warp.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly. Termites won’t go away on their own, and delaying treatment will only allow the problem to worsen.
How to Prevent Termites
The best way to handle termites is to stop them before they infest your home. Here are some practical tips:
- Reduce Moisture: Termites are drawn to damp environments. Fix leaky pipes, maintain proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in crawl spaces.
- Seal Cracks: Inspect your foundation for gaps or cracks and seal them to block entry points.
- Eliminate Wood Contact: Avoid letting wood come into direct contact with soil. This includes moving firewood or wooden debris away from your home.
- Clean Your Yard: Remove dead trees, stumps, and other wood debris from your property where termites could establish a colony.
- Schedule Professional Inspections: An annual inspection by a licensed pest control expert can catch termite activity early and provide peace of mind.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late For Termite Control in Burlington
Termites are a serious threat to Burlington homeowners, but with the right knowledge and proactive measures, you can keep them from damaging your home. If you suspect termite activity or want to take preventative steps, don’t wait. Contact a trusted pest control provider today for a thorough inspection and effective termite control plan. Your home is one of your biggest investments – make sure it’s protected!
Apr 10, 2025 | Termite Control
Termites may be small, but the damage they can cause to your home is anything but. With warmer weather in spring and summer, these pests become more active, particularly in places like North Carolina where the climate is ideal for their colonies to thrive. Protecting your home from termites is essential to maintaining its structural integrity and avoiding costly repairs. This comprehensive guide to termite control near me will walk you through what you need to know about termites, how to identify early warning signs, and practical steps to keep them at bay this season.
Termite Control Near Me
What Are Termites and Why Are They a Concern?
Termites are wood-eating insects that live in colonies and can chew through wooden structures, flooring, and even wallpaper. The most common types in North Carolina are subterranean termites, which thrive in moist environments and can silently damage your property. Unlike other pests, termites don’t just infest; they destroy.
What makes them particularly challenging is that their activity often goes unnoticed until significant damage has already been done. This means prevention and early detection are crucial for homeowners.
Why Spring and Summer Are Termite Seasons
Termites are most active during spring and summer due to the warmth and humidity that North Carolina provides. During these seasons, reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, search for new locations to establish colonies. If they find your home or yard hospitable, it could spell trouble.
Subterranean termites also require moisture to survive, making water sources such as leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and standing water attractive to these pests. The combination of environmental factors and increased termite activity makes spring and summer critical times for homeowners to take preventive action.
How to Protect Your Home from Termites
1. Recognize the Warning Signs
Early detection is key to avoiding termite damage. Look out for these common signs of termite activity:
- Discarded Wings: Reproductive termites shed their wings after swarming. You may find piles of wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites create pencil-width mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. These tubes are often found along the foundation of your home or in crawl spaces.
- Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tapping on wooden surfaces that sound hollow could mean termites have been feeding on the inside.
- Droppings: Also known as frass, termite droppings look like small piles of sawdust or sand and may be found near affected wood.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to take immediate action.
2. Maintain a Termite-Unfriendly Yard
Keeping your yard tidy and less appealing to termites can go a long way in protecting your home. Here’s how you can do it:
- Clear Debris: Remove any fallen branches, wood piles, or other debris close to your home’s foundation.
- Store Firewood Away: If you rely on firewood, store it at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground.
- Trim Overgrown Plants: Make sure plants and shrubs are not directly touching your home, as they can create a bridge for termites to enter.
3. Manage Moisture Around Your Home
Since termites thrive in moist environments, moisture management is a simple yet effective strategy:
- Fix Leaks Promptly: Repair any leaky faucets, pipes, or air conditioning units. Even small drips can create enough moisture to attract termites.
- Redirect Water: Ensure that downspouts and gutters are properly directing water away from your home’s foundation.
- Ventilate Crawl Spaces: Proper ventilation reduces humidity in crawl spaces, making them less inviting to termites.
4. Perform Regular Inspections
One of the best ways to stay ahead of termites is to inspect your home regularly:
- DIY Spot Checks: Walk around your property and check for mud tubes, discarded wings, and other signs of termites.
- Professional Inspections: Hire a trusted pest control service for annual inspections. Professionals can identify subtle signs of termite activity that may go unnoticed.
Taking Action Today Can Save You Tomorrow
When it comes to termites, being proactive is your best defense. By recognizing warning signs, managing moisture, maintaining your yard, and scheduling regular inspections with termite control near me, you can significantly reduce the risk of a termite infestation. Spring and summer are ideal times to take these steps to your home for years to come.
For homeowners in North Carolina, expert guidance in termite control is just a call away. Protect what matters most by contacting a local pest control professional who understands the unique needs of your region. Don’t wait for termites to make themselves at home in your home!
Nov 9, 2021 | Termite Control
Buying a home is a major investment. For most homeowners, a lot of time is spent repairing and renovating their home to their liking. However, owning a home can also come with a lot of unexpected problems that can be costly to repair, such as termite damage. Termites can colonize homes and cause significant undetected destruction over a long period of time. Most of the time, it costs thousands of dollars to repair their damage. Unfortunately, the infestations can sometimes be exacerbated by the homeowner. Below, we’ll explain what you need to know to make sure you aren’t attracting termites.
Improper Drainage
One of the most common reasons why you may have a termite infestation is due to improper drainage around your home. Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture and need an abundant source of nearby water to survive. Debris can build up in your home’s gutters, and the excess moisture can soften your roof and cause it to rot. A downspout can help divert rainwater away from your foundation, and splash blocks can prevent the water from pooling.
Wood Mulch
The type of materials you use to landscape can attract termites, specifically mulch. Mulch is often used near and around homes, usually against the foundation. Unfortunately, it serves as a food source for termites as it retains moisture and attracts these pests right to the edge of your home. Try to minimize the use of wood mulch and keep it at least 15 inches from the foundation.
Moisture
Lack of airflow and leaking pipes contribute to moisture problems in the home and can create a perfect environment for termites. Eliminating any type of excess moisture inside of your home is a huge step in preventing termites. Consider enclosing your crawlspace to prevent termites and improve the overall health of your home. Doing so will reduce the moisture, decrease humidity, lower utility bills, and prevent mold and wood rot.
If you’ve taken the necessary steps in preventing termites but still suspect that you have a problem, call your local pest control company to help. They can help set you up with a termite inspection and termite control and prevention plan.
Aug 31, 2021 | Termite Control
Buying a home leaves you with hundreds of things to consider and decide on. From furniture to renovations to insurance, there’s a lot to take in! One thing that usually doesn’t come to mind immediately is termite control.
Termites can cause serious damage to your home and that damage is usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance policies. Most times, you won’t even think about it until the damage is already done. However, there are steps you can take to prevent termite damage. With the Sentricon Always Active® System and a termite provider’s inspection, your home can be protected 24/7/365.
So, what are some benefits of Sentricon Termite Protection?
- Your home is protected every single day from the moment that it’s installed. When a termite finds the bait, they will take it back to their colony and essentially eliminate their entire colony before they can reach your home.
- You get to choose a termite warranty for your home through your provider. With Northwest, we offer a $1 Million Repair and Retreat Warranty. This warranty protects your home, even if termites end up causing damage.
- You’ll receive an annual inspection. This inspection allows your home to be checked for any signs of termite activity, which should allow your provider to catch any activity or damage before it begins.
Termite protection might not be at the top of your list, but when you think about the $5 billion in damage that termites cause every year, it is something to highly consider. If you’re purchasing a new construction home, contact your builder about what they have to offer your home in terms of termite protection.
If you have questions about the right type of termite protection or warranty for your home, give your local termite control provider a call. They will be able to answer all of your questions so you can make the right decision for your home and family.
