When pests appear where they shouldn’t be, like in your home, it can be alarming. For those looking for the best pest control in Columbia, SC, the choice is clear though – you can trust Terminix.
Columbia’s best pest control is here to not only exterminate pests from your home, but to also offer up some advice on prevention and answer your most commonly asked questions about local pests. We’ve taken into the account the critters you are most likely to encounter here in Columbia, SC.
If you’ve got any more nagging questions that we haven’t answered below, rest assured that our team here at Terminix is well equipped to give you peace of mind anytime.
1. How Do You Prevent Termites From Invading Your Home?
If there’s one pest you don’t want in your home, termites typically take the cake. These pesky insects can do a load of damage to your home and property by treating the foundation, walls, and ceiling beams as a delicious meal.
The South in particular has the type of warm climate that termites thrive in. When it comes to pest control in Columbia, SC, for termites, there are a few measures you can take to ensure that termites don’t feel they have an invitation in your home.
The first of these preventative measures for termites is to ensure that all nooks and crannies are completely sealed off. Double check your windows, basement, and where the foundation of your home meets the ground. If they can’t get in, they can’t do damage.
Second, make sure that there is no accumulation of moisture near your home’s foundation. Termites love moist wood, and moisture buildup near the foundation of your home is an open invitation to dine. Gutters can also accumulate moisture, so be sure to keep them clear of any and all blockages.
Another key step to take? Evaluating the placement of wood on your property. If you have piles of wood near your home or old tree stumps on your property, make sure they aren’t a breeding ground for termites. Similarly, try to keep wood portions of your home at least 18 inches away from soil.
When in doubt, reach out to the experts at Terminix. It’s better to be more cautious than not when it comes to termite pest control in Columbia, SC, and our team is always here to take a look and calm your fears or step into action.
2. What Are the Common Ant Species in Columbia, SC?
While ants won’t damage your home in the same way termites will, no one wants an ant colony moving in. Whether they’ve gotten into the sugar or are marching in one by one from cracks in the window, knowing what type of ants you’re dealing with can be helpful in knowing how to handle them and whether they can cause harm.
The most common types of ants you’ll find in Columbia, SC, include:
- Carpenter Ants
- House Ants
- Odorous House Ants
- Fire Ants
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants are so named because they build nests by formering smooth tunnels inside of wood, similarly to termites. Unlike termites, however, they don’t actually eat the wood. If you find discarded wood material that looks like sawdust, there’s a chance you could have termites or carpenter ants. The experts at Terminix can help you know for sure.
House Ants
House ants are the ones who you’ll most likely find in your kitchen, munching on crumbs you leave on the countertops or getting into things in your pantry. To keep them away, make sure to keep countertops, cupboards, and kitchen shelves tidy and free of any open food sources.
Odorous Ants
Odorous house ants, on the other hand, can leave quite a stench when crushed. Like the house ant, they are attracted to the food in your home. They nest in moisture-adjacent areas and love to visit your kitchen to find anything sweet, like sugar or fruit. While they won’t hurt you, they can contaminate food they get into.
Fire Ants
Finally, fire ants are not the ants to mess with. They are easy to spot with their bright red color. They have the ability to sting or bite, which can lead to allergic reactions and more. Call in the experts at Terminix to remove fire ants and keep your family from harm.
3. Is Columbia Getting Taken Over by Rats?
Rats are the neighbors you do not want moving into your neighborhood, and if you live in Columbia, SC, this could be a concern of yours. Rats thrive in environments where there’s lots of human food waste, so if you think rats may have entered the chat, you want to make sure any trash or dumpsters near your home are tidy and not easy to get into.
When it comes to rat removal and rodent pest control in Columbia, Terminix knows exactly how to humanely get the rats to leave and not return. It’s important to take action against rats near and around your home because they can carry diseases and contaminate food.
4. What Type of Cockroaches Live in South Carolina?
Whether you call them cockroaches or palmetto bugs, one thing South Carolinians can agree on is these pests are not welcome in your home. If you’re looking for Columbia pest control for cockroaches, it’s going to be helpful to know what kind of cockroaches you’re dealing with. Terminix professionals can help identify the species and diagnose the best removal strategy.
There are a few species of cockroaches that are mostly commonly found in and around Columbia, SC. Those include:
- American cockroach
- German cockroach
- Brown-banded cockroach
American Cockroaches
American cockroaches can be identified by their dark, reddish brown bodies and a yellowish marking behind their heads. They can fly – yikes! – with wings longer than their bodies. These are the cockroaches you will commonly find in your home getting into your trash and food.
German Cockroaches
Likewise, German cockroaches also like to invite themselves into your home, seeking food from your pantry as well as items like soap, toothpaste, or even glue – they aren’t picky! These are a smaller species of cockroach, with flat, oval-shaped bodies that are light brown or even tan. While they have wings, you won’t typically see them airborne.
Brown-banded Cockroaches
On the other hand, you can spot brown-banded cockroaches because of the brown band spreading across their wings. Only males are capable of flying, however.
You will most likely find them in drier conditions, but they also enjoy being in warm temperatures, which is perfect for South Carolina. In your home, you will probably find them in drier places like cupboards and the attic rather than bathrooms or kitchens.
No matter what kind you’re dealing with, cockroaches are dirty and spread disease, so you want to take action right away to remove them from your home.
5. Is Pest Control Worth It?
When we’re asked if pest control is worth it, we ask back, “Do you enjoy sharing your home with pests?”. If you want to protect your family from the bugs or rodents that take up residence in your home, then calling the professionals at Terminix for Columbia’s best pest control is a no-brainer.
Our experts can identify the problem, offer solutions and ensure that the pests stay gone. In fact, one major differentiating factor for working with Terminix is our Pest Free Guarantee. This offer means that if the pests come back, so do our professionals. We aren’t satisfied until the job is done and your family can sleep well knowing your home is pest free.
For home pest control in Columbia, SC, you can count on every time, turn to the experts at Terminix. From termites to cockroaches, rodents or ants, trust Terminix to get the job done well.