Termites
(Isoptera)

What are termites?

Several species of termites live across the United States. The most widespread species, and the species that we encounter the most in North Carolina, is the subterranean termite. As their name suggests, subterranean termites nest in the ground and enter into homes and other buildings mostly at ground level. Termites feed on the cellulose in wood and other plant matter, preferring to feed on wood that is decaying or water-damaged.

Termites are social creatures and divide their colony members into different groups (castes) — workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens). Workers take on most of the responsibility of feeding and maintaining the colony while the reproductives are solely responsible for creating new termites. Soldiers use their strong jaws to help protect their colony from threats. You can find more information in the blog: “What Do Termites Look Like?“.

Are termites dangerous?

Nothing can shake a homeowner’s confidence more than hearing termites are living in their yards or worse have found their way into their home. People don’t fear termites because they bite, sting, or spread disease. People fear termites because they have a habit of entering into homes and other buildings unnoticed where they work for months or years eating away at the structure.

Termites, as they feed, create tunnels inside of the structural wood within a home, causing its structure to become damaged and weakened. The damage that termites cause is expensive to repair and is something that is not covered by most insurance companies.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites will find their way onto any property with areas of excess moisture like damp soil, older or decaying wood, piles of leaves, or brush piles. Termites live anywhere there is wood or plant materials for them to feed on, but properties near wooded areas are more susceptible to a termite infestation.

Where will I find termites?

Termites are most often found in the soil, traveling through it to move back and forth from their nest to a food source, or inside the wood they are feeding on. As termites move through the soil, they find their way into our homes, squeezing their bodies through spaces in the foundation and then into wooden beams found under floors and behind walls. In our yards, termites will damage wood fence posts, trees, decks, wood steps, or wooden play structures.

How do I get rid of termites?

Win the war against termites and other pests with the help of an experienced professional. At Innovative Pest Solutions, we can provide fast and effective services that that homeowners in the Raleigh, NC area can trust. We get rid of pests and stop them from coming back!

Protecting our customer’s home, health, and the environment are our top priorities. To learn more about our locally owned and operated company and our affordable termite control solutions, reach out today! We will be happy to provide you with information about our residential pest control options.

How can I prevent termites in the future?

To prevent termites from becoming a problem on your Raleigh, North Carolina property, partner with Innovative Pest Solutions. Also, implement the following tips to guard your home against termites:

  • Replace damaged weatherstripping that is around windows and doors.
  • Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures.
  • Repair roof damage to stop rainwater from seeping into the roof.
  • Repair any cracks or other damage in the foundation of your home.
  • Use dehumidifiers to dry out damp basements.
  • When building structures outside using wood, make sure that it has been pressure treated and is not making contact with soil.
  • Keep crawlspaces, ventilated, dry, and free of wood debris.
  • Instead of using wood mulch, use rubber mulch or another non-organic material.
  • Maintain a barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.

For more information check out this blog: “Raleigh’s Ultimate Termite-Prevention Handbook“.