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!
Jan 30, 2025 | Termite Control
When most people think of pests, they picture mosquitoes buzzing around in the summer or rodents sneaking indoors to escape the winter cold. However, there is one often-overlooked pest that can cause serious long-term damage if left unchecked: termites. With March approaching, Termite Awareness Month, now is a perfect opportunity for homeowners in North Carolina to prioritize termite inspections. By understanding these silent destroyers and taking proactive steps, you can protect your home from potentially costly damage.
Why Termite Inspections Should Be A Priority
The Unseen Threat Lurking Year-Round
While most pests might take a break during colder months, termites are active year-round, especially given North Carolina’s mild climate. These tiny invaders don’t hibernate but continue to feed on wood, putting your home at risk. Unlike ants or spiders, termites work silently, often causing damage before you even realize they’re there.
Ignoring the threat can result in significant damage, with termites quietly consuming the wooden structures of your home. By the time their presence becomes noticeable, the damage may be extensive and expensive to repair. That is why scheduling a termite inspection should be a priority for homeowners, even during winter.
Recognizing the Signs of Termite Infestation
Identifying a termite infestation early can save you from costly repairs. Despite their ability to hide, termites leave telltale signs that can alert you to their presence.
- Mud Tubes: These are the pathways termites build to travel between their nests and food sources. Made from soil, wood particles, and saliva, these pencil-width tubes can often be found on exterior walls, foundations, and along beams or walls inside your home.
- Wood Damage: If knocking on wooden surfaces produces a hollow sound, termites might be the culprits. They typically eat wood from the inside out, leaving the exterior intact until it is too late.
- Swarmers or Wings: Reproductive termites, or swarmers, leave the nest to start new colonies. Finding discarded wings around windowsills or other areas suggests an active infestation.
- Frass (Termite Droppings): Termites produce pellet-like droppings called frass. Discovering small piles of these dark pellets near wooden structures can indicate an infestation.
- Visible Damage to Wooden Structures: Over time, termites can cause visible structural damage, including buckling floors, cracked drywall, and doors or windows that become difficult to open.
The Importance of Professional Termite Inspections
Knowing these signs is helpful, but identifying an infestation early often requires the expertise of a professional. This is where professional termite inspections come in. A trained pest control technician can conduct a thorough inspection, identifying signs of termites in hard-to-reach or hidden areas like attics and crawl spaces.
Professional inspections are crucial because termites can remain active in areas that are not easily visible. A licensed pest control expert can uncover hidden damage and ensure your home remains protected.
Preventative Measures to Keep Termites at Bay
The best way to protect your home from termites is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Here are a few simple yet effective prevention tips:
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Ensure all cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, and holes for utility lines are sealed. Termites can exploit even the smallest openings to gain entry.
- Maintain Proper Drainage: Moisture attracts termites, so ensure water drains away from your home. Regularly clean gutters and ensure the soil around your foundation slopes away to prevent water pooling.
- Remove Wood Debris: Store firewood away from your home, remove old tree stumps, and clear any wooden debris around your foundation. Termites are drawn to wood, so minimizing these sources can deter them.
- Schedule Annual Inspections: Even without visible signs of termites, annual inspections can catch issues early, preventing major problems down the line.
Wrapping Up the Termite Threat
Termites may be silent, but their impact is anything but. For North Carolina homeowners, understanding the importance of early termite inspections and staying vigilant against these pests is vital. By recognizing the signs of an infestation early and taking preventive measures, you can protect your home from the costly damage termites can cause.
Remember, when it comes to termites, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Consider scheduling a professional inspection today with a licensed pest control company near you. Secure your home’s future by learning more about how you can protect it from termites and other pests.
Oct 11, 2023 | Termite Control
We’re moving in the cooler season, which means termites might not be on your mind right now. But there is no better time to begin thinking about your termite protection plan! There are several termite protection treatments and plans to consider, but if you’re looking for 24/7, 365-day protection, the Sentricon Always Active Bait Station could be the best choice for you. Let’s go over the benefits of this eco-friendly termite control option that might just be perfect for your home.
Sentricon Termite Bait Station Benefits
Sentricon is a highly effective, environmentally responsible treatment option for preventing and eliminating termites. These bait stations are placed strategically around the perimeter of your property and offer 24/7/365 termite protection for your home by eliminating entire termite colonies. Here are some other great benefits to the Sentricon bait stations:
- Home termite inspection. When you have Sentricon installed, a comprehensive property inspection is performed by a pest control company, checking for signs of existing or previous termite infestations and damage.
- Continuous monitoring. Bait stations are monitored as needed to protect your home against future termite invasions.
- Annual termite inspections. Annual interior home inspections for termites and pests are included.
- Lifetime termite warranty. Every installation of the Sentricon system comes with a lifetime warranty against termite infestations and damage.
- Green termite control. Sentricon bait system poses no hazard to groundwater and has no label restrictions to use around wells and cisterns. It is EPA approved and is the only termite control product to receive the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.
Ready for an always on termite protection plan? Give our team a call today for a free quote!
Jul 19, 2023 | Termite Control
Subterranean termites are a common type of termite that can cause significant damage to your home if left untreated. These termites typically live underground and build their nests in the soil. There are several termite treatment options out there to help keep termites under control, including the Sentricon Always Active® system. Here is more information on subterranean termites, along with ways to prevent and eliminate them.
Signs of Subterranean Termites:
- Presence of mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel from their nest to their food source, which is typically wood. These tubes can be found along your home’s foundation or walls.
- Damaged wood: Subterranean termites can cause significant damage to wood and other building materials. Look for wood that appears hollowed out or damaged.
- Presence of swarmers: Subterranean termites will often swarm during the spring or early summer months. Look for winged termites or termite swarmers around your home or inside your home.
Benefits of the Sentricon® Always Active Termite Baiting System:
- Effective at preventing subterranean termite infestations by using bait designed to attract termites. Once the termites consume the bait, it will be shared with the rest of the colony, leading to the colony’s demise.
- Creates a protective barrier around your home by being installed in the ground around your home’s perimeter and checked regularly by a pest control professional. If termite activity is detected, the bait will be replaced to ensure that the colony is eliminated.
- The baiting system is environmentally friendly and does not require the usage of harsh chemicals, making it family- and pet-friendly.
Remember to look out for signs of termite activity, such as the presence of mud tubes or damaged wood, and schedule regular inspections with your local pest control company to catch any infestations early.
