One of the many perks of living in North Carolina is its ideal year-round temperatures. Owning property in Fort Bragg can be an absolute delight for anyone who enjoys such luxurious weather, or an absolute nightmare for those who understand the habits of termites. In most parts of the country, swarming termites only emerge once or twice a year, but in tropical regions of North Carolina, they can swarm at any time.
Common Termites To The Fort Bragg Area
Subterranean termites are the most common classification throughout the United States, but North Carolina properties are also susceptible to drywood and dampwood termites. No matter the type, these insects are small and difficult to detect before they inflict lasting damage on structures:
- Subterranean Termites: termite classification that nests within the ground near food sources, between 1/8 and 3/8 of an inch long, soft pale bodies and hardened heads.
- Drywood Termites: termite classification that nests within dry wood, roughly 3/8 of an inch long, soft bodies that are often pale, but can also be light to dark brown.
- Dampwood Termites: termite classification that nests within damp and dying wood, between 1/3 to over 1/2 an inch in length, light to dark brown coloring.
The presence of termites is essential to the world's ecosystem. Termites help to continue the ongoing cycle of life and decay by breaking down plant matter and allowing it to reintegrate into the earth. The problem is, though, termites can't discern between a decaying log in the forest and a seaside dream house. If it's made of wood or any cellulose-comprised material, they will happily chew away until there is nothing left to devour.
The Dangers Of Termites In Your Fort Bragg Home
Termites are reclusive creatures, rarely ever emerging from their burrows for any reason. This is why it's so difficult to detect an infestation before it's too late; the signs of an infestation are only noticeable once they've done extensive damage to your Fort Bragg property:
- Hollow sounding wooden beams when tapped
- Pinprick holes in drywall, beams, and wooden furniture Piles of frass, or termite excrement, outside exit holes
- Tight-fitting doors and windows
- Mud tubes climbing up the side of outer walls
- Buckling wooden or laminate floorboards
- Discolored or drooping drywall
- Peeling paint
- Excessively squeaky floorboards
- Crumbling, damaged wood
There is only one sign of termites that would be considered an early warning sign, and that would be shed wings from termite swarmers. Once termites mate and find a suitable nesting place, they will shed their wings and burrow into their newfound home.
These wings look like translucent scales, so if you find an abundance of them anywhere around your property, including around door frames and window sills, call your local pest control company right away.
How Can I Keep My Fort Bragg Home Safe From Termites?
Protecting your home against termites can be difficult, but there are ways to lessen your chances of an infestation. Always cover any exposed wood on the outside of your home as quickly as possible, and make sure you don't have any leaks or water damage.
Moisture is an important factor for most termite habitations, so fixing leaks and investing in a dehumidifier is a must. Trim tree and bush branches well away from the exterior of your home, and always keep your yard clear of any dead and decaying wood and plant matter.
The best way to prevent a termite infestation, though, is to call the professionals at Mendo Lake Termite Control. Even if you don't have an ongoing infestation, North Carolina is highly susceptible to termite problems, and it's always best to stop a problem before it can begin.
Our pest experts at Mendo Lake Termite Control want to make sure you never have to deal with these destructive pests. We offer free inspections with every visit, and we only use the most advanced termite control methods in our treatments. Get in contact with us today to start discussing your options.