If you live in Spartanburg, SC and suspect a termite infestation, this Ultimate Guide to Termites can be invaluable. It’s important to understand the different types of termites present in your area, as well as the signs and damage they cause, so that you can adequately protect your home from infestation. To get started, schedule a termite inspection with a qualified pest control professional who can identify termite species and provide advice on how to prevent them from inhabiting your property. Homeowners should also know the signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes and frass (termite droppings), which will help you determine if you need further termite treatments. Taking precautionary measures now can protect your most valuable assets in the long run!

In this guide, we’ll go over the following: 

  • Types of Termites in Spartanburg
  • Signs & Damage of Termites
  • How to Prevent Termites
  • Termite Inspections in Spartanburg
  • How to Get Rid of Termites

Spartanburg Termite Types

The most common types of termites in Spartanburg are Eastern Subterranean termites – but there are some cases of Drywood termites and Formosan 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 Spartanburg.

Eastern Subterranean

Found in the warm, moist soil of South Carolina and near damp or rotting wood (their favorites!), Eastern subterranean termites are the most common species in the Spartanburg 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.

Signs & Damage of Termites

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 Spartanburg, SC

It is important to have a termite inspection done regularly in Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg, SC

If you’ve discovered signs of termites in your home Spartanburg 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.

Learn more about how you can prevent and remove termites in Spartanburg, SC →