If you live in Gastonia, NC, termites can be a real nuisance. Termites are drawn to wet and dark environments, which makes them especially abundant in the humid North Carolina climate. To prevent termite damage to your home or business, it’s important to understand the different types of termites found in Gastonia—including subterranean termites and drywood termites —and how to look for signs of termite activity on your property. Having a regular termite inspection is essential. The inspection will help you identify any areas that may be at risk of termite infestation and give you the opportunity to take proactive steps such as removing sources of moisture or water damage and setting up chemical barriers or bait systems around your home or business. With a better understanding of commontermite behavior and prevention methods, you can keep yourself safe from termite damage in Gastonia, NC!
In this guide, we’ll go over the following:
- Types of Termites in Gastonia
- Signs & Damage of Termites
- How to Prevent Termites
- Termite Inspections in Gastonia
- How to Get Rid of Termites
Gastonia Termite Types
The most common types of termites in Gastonia are Eastern Subterranean termites – but there are some cases of Drywood termites as well.
Subterranean vs Drywood Termites
Subterranean termites make mud tubes to tunnel through the ground and invade your home from below while Drywood nest directly in the wood via attics and other entryways from above. Drywood termites live in the wood they feed on and are mainly problematic in coastal areas, but some do tend to find their way to Gastonia.
Eastern Subterranean
Found in the warm, moist soil of North Carolina and near damp or rotting wood (their favorites!), Eastern subterranean termites are the most common species in the Gastonia area. These pests live in the soil and build extensive mud tubes to get to the wood they eat.
Drywood
Drywood termite colonies are much smaller than subterranean colonies and it takes them a long time to do significant amounts of damage. Since they don’t come from the soil, there will be no dirt or mud tubes associated with their damage. Drywood termites require a specialized treatment whenever they become an issue.
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It’s absolutely critical to be on the lookout for signs of termites to prevent them from establishing a colony and taking a bite out of your home.
Mud Tubes
Swarming and Shed Wings
Blistered or Hollow Wood and Sagging Floors
Cracked Paint
Maze-Like Tunnels
- Fecal Droppings
How to Prevent Termites
In addition to looking for signs of termites, there are a few other best practices you can use to discourage termites from choosing your home to infest.
- Discard any rotting wood or old tree stumps from your property.
- Keep water pipes in your home maintained and regularly repair leaky faucets.
- Seal off all cracks from your home to the outside.
- Keep your drainage systems unblocked at all times and route them away from your home.
- Place piles of wood, like firewood or mulch, far from your home’s foundation.
- Minimize wood to soil contact near your home.
- Put bushes and landscaping at least two feet from the edge of your home.
- Regularly look for signs of termites and arrange for a yearly inspection.
Termite Inspection in Gastonia, NC
It is important to have a termite inspection done regularly in Gastonia to identify and treat any termite problems early.
What to expect with termite inspection:
- 1-2 hours for inspection
- The inspector will review: attic, garage, baseboards, walls, windows, crawl spaces, door frames and the inside of cabinets to name a few, foundation, walls, roof & surrounding property
- Check interior and exterior of home for termite signs
- Please make sure technician as access to any of these areas for proper inspection
How to Get Rid of Termites in Gastonia, NC
If you’ve discovered signs of termites in your home Gastonia there’s no need to panic, but you should act quickly. If you want to eradicate an infestation completely, the best way to do so is to call a Terminix expert who will be able to quickly identify the source of the problem and apply the right solution.