Termite Control In Wilmington, NC

Problems With Termites

Termites are found in wood or wooded areas. If they enter the wood in your building, it can cause severe damage and even make you replace the wood. They eat through the wood until there is nothing left. Termites have been the cause of many buildings falling apart so try and stop the problem before it spreads to your entire home or building.

Termites can quickly increase their population as the queen can give birth to several eggs within the day. Queen termites can live up to 25 years. Having them around, their population will continue to grow, and the infestation will never stop and will lead properties to lose their structure in no time.

Termites can live wherever they want and will build firm and strong mounds. They use mud, soil, feces, saliva, and digested wood to create their mounds where colonies are formed and are homes to millions of termites. Once they build their mounds, they are hard to eliminate. If you don’t want to suffer from a termite infestation, it is best to call an exterminator near you as quickly as possible.

How Do You Know You Have a Termite Infestation?

Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources. These tubes are typically found on walls, foundations, or ceilings.
• Hollow Wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, so if you tap on wooden structures, they may sound hollow.
• Frass (Termite Droppings): Small, pellet-like droppings around wood structures or near termite entry points may indicate an infestation.
• Discarded Wings: Termite swarmers shed their wings after mating, and finding piles of wings near windowsills or doors is a sign of a potential infestation.
• Visible Damage: Look for cracks, blistered paint, or wood that appears warped. Damaged wood can sometimes be soft or spongy to the touch.
• Hearing Sounds: You might hear clicking sounds from within the walls as worker termites chew on wood or as soldiers defend the colony.
• Swarms: A sudden appearance of winged termites, especially during warm months, suggests the colony is reproducing and potentially infesting your home.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control professional for an inspection.

How We Get Rid Of Termites

Getting rid of termites requires a thorough approach, as they can cause significant damage to your property if left untreated. Here are some common methods for eliminating termites:

• Professional Chemical Treatments: Pest control experts apply liquid termiticides around your home’s foundation to create a barrier termites cannot cross.
• Baiting Systems: Termite bait stations attract termites, which then carry poison back to the colony to eliminate it.
• Fumigation: In severe cases, fumigation involves sealing the home and releasing a gas to kill termites.
• Boric Acid: Apply boric acid to affected areas as a less toxic option to eliminate termites over time.
• Essential Oils: Clove or orange oil can be mixed with water and sprayed to repel or kill termites.
• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home’s perimeter to dehydrate and kill termites.
• Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture and discourage termite activity.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect and seal cracks in your foundation and walls to prevent termites from entering.
• Remove Wood and Debris: Clear away wood piles, leaves, and debris near your home to eliminate termite food sources.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Install termite monitoring stations and schedule regular inspections to catch infestations early.

It's always a good idea to consult with a pest control expert to ensure the most effective treatment for your specific situation.