If you’re a Sumter homeowner, termites should be top of mind. Knowing the types of termites, signs of termite damage, and preventative measures can help save your residence from termite destruction. Common termites in Sumter are eastern subterranean, Formosan termites and occasionally Drywood termites; all with different associated damage indicators. A termite inspection should be conducted annually (or more if there is any suspected damage) to check for any tell-tale signs of infestations such as mud tubes, dried wings on windowsills or floors, hollow sounding wood and bubbling paint on walls. To help prevent termite activity around your home, follow our tips for prevention below – this will significantly decrease termite threats!
In this guide, we’ll go over the following:
- Types of Termites in Sumter
- Signs & Damage of Termites
- How to Prevent Termites
- Termite Inspections in Sumter
- How to Get Rid of Termites
Sumter Termite Types
The most common types of termites in Sumter are Eastern Subterranean termites and Formosan 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 Sumter.
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 Sumter area. These pests live in the soil and build extensive mud tubes to get to the wood they eat.
Formosan Subterranean
Formosan termites are very active in the coastal South Carolina region and have been found in Sumter county. Formosan termites are a type of Subterranean termite that reproduces at a much higher rate than Eastern Subterranean termites. A colony of Formosan termites can create more damage in a smaller period of time. This makes it critical to stay vigilant against these termites in particular.
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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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.
- Place piles of wood, like firewood or mulch, far from your home’s foundation.
- Keep water pipes in your home maintained and regularly repair leaky faucets.
- Minimize wood to soil contact near your home.
- Seal off all cracks from your home to the outside.
- Put bushes and landscaping at least two feet from the edge of your home.
- Keep your drainage systems unblocked at all times and route them away from your home.
- Regularly look for signs of termites and arrange for a yearly inspection.
Termite Inspection in Sumter, SC
It is important to have a termite inspection done regularly in Sumter to identify and treat any termite problems early.
What to expect with termite inspection:
- 1-2 hours for inspection
- Check interior and exterior of home for termite signs
- 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
- Please make sure technician as access to any of these areas for proper inspection
How to Get Rid of Termites in Sumter, SC
If you’ve discovered signs of termites in your home Sumter 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.