Is Your Charleston Home At Risk For Termites?

Charleston is home to many historic homes and buildings. Unfortunately, these structures can be at risk for termite infestations. Termites are small insects that feed on wood and other plant material, making them especially dangerous to the structural integrity of homes and buildings. If you own a Charleston property, it’s important to know whether your home is at risk for termite damage. Learn more about termite control in Charleston.

Are there termites in Charleston, SC?

Yes, there are several species of termites commonly found in Charleston, including the Eastern Subterranean Termite and the Formosan Subterranean Termite. Both types can cause extensive damage to wood and other plant material if left unchecked.

Eastern Subterranean Termite

This species is the most common type of termite found in Charleston and can cause extensive damage to wood and other plant material if left unchecked. They typically enter buildings through cracks in walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.

They look for damp, decaying wood that is close to the ground and are usually found in moist areas. They may also be attracted to other sources of food such as books, insulation, or cardboard.

Eastern Subterranean Termites appear to have reddish or dark brown heads and bodies with pale yellow legs. They are wingless and measure about 1/8 to 3/8 inches in length.

Formosan Subterranean Termite

These termites are more aggressive than the Eastern Subterranean Termite and can cause even more damage if left unchecked. They typically enter buildings through existing tunnels, such as those made by carpenter ants.

Formosan Subterranean Termites appear pale yellow to brownish yellow in color. They have wings that are densely covered with small hairs, and their heads are rounded on the sides but tapered toward the front. They can be up to three-eighths of an inch long when fully grown.

These termites feed on wood, paper, cardboard, insulation, fabric, and other cellulose materials found in homes and buildings.

The Best Time To Treat For Termites

For the most effective termite treatment, we recommend having treatments done in:

• Early spring, before they become active.
• Late summer and early fall, when the insect populations are at their highest.
• Anytime there is an infestation present.

In order to ensure a successful treatment, it’s important to use the latest technology available from professional pest control companies.

Termite Removal Methods

The most effective termite treatments are those that are completed before any major damage has occurred. This means that early detection and preventive measures are key to avoiding costly repairs. Your termite treatment should include an inspection, baiting program, or fumigation depending on the extent of the infestation. Professional pest control companies will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation.

Spray For Termites

If there is an existing termite infestation, a professional pest control company will be able to spray for termites using liquid insecticides. This treatment can help to kill any currently present and prevent future ones from making an appearance. It is important to not forget about the exterior of your home as well since this is where most of the colonies are usually established. The pest control company will be able to make sure that the whole property is properly treated and monitored for any further infestations.

Bait Systems

A more reliable method of eliminating termites permanently is through bait systems. This involves placing specialized baits around the affected area which contains an insecticide that works slowly over time. The bait works by killing off the existing colony, and then any new ones that might establish themselves in the future will also be affected. This makes it a much more reliable solution for controlling termites than other methods as it can help to prevent new infestations from occurring despite regular monitoring of the area.

What Attracts Termites To A House?

Termites are attracted to moisture, so homes that have leaky pipes or damp foundations can be at risk of attracting an infestation. Dark and warm areas are also attractive to termites, so any spaces that are hard to reach or have limited air circulation should be monitored closely.

Additionally, the presence of wood in the home can attract termites as they use it for food and shelter. Materials such as cardboard, wood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials can also be appealing to termites. Any area where these materials accumulate will need extra attention when it comes to inspecting for a possible termite infestation.

Finally, certain climates such as tropical areas and humid regions are prone to higher numbers of termite infestations due to the moist environment. In these areas, homeowners should be extra vigilant and make sure to inspect their homes regularly.

Signs Of A Termite Infestation

Once a termite infestation has been established, there are certain signs that can alert homeowners to the problem. The most common sign of an infestation is frass, which are piles of tiny, sawdust-like particles near entry points for the termites. Other signs include mud tubes on walls and wooden surfaces. Mud tubes are constructed by termites as they move throughout the home, and serve as a protective covering while they travel.

Homeowners should also be on alert for hollow-sounding wood and visible damage to wood structures in the home. Termites feed on wood, and over time can cause significant damage to floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, and other wooden structures. Each year termites cause $30 billion of damage to U.S. homes and man-made structures.

If you do find signs of termites, contact a professional pest control company immediately. Professional termite services can detect, control, and prevent infestations.

How To Prevent A Termite Infestation

Preventing a termite infestation is the best way to keep your home structure safe. Homeowners should inspect their homes regularly for signs of an infestation. To prevent a termite infestation you should:

• Remove any cellulose-based materials that could be inviting to termites and make sure there are no leaks or heavy moisture in or around the home.
• Keep mulch away from the foundation of the home.
• Create a barrier of treated wood between soil and any structural lumber can help deter termites.
• Inspect the exterior of your home for mud tubes, swarms, or droppings.
• Trim back bushes and trees around the foundation to reduce moisture buildup.
• Regularly inspect any wooden parts inside your home, such as furniture or flooring boards.

If you notice signs of a possible infestation, it is important to contact an experienced pest control professional immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and provide sound advice on how to proceed with the safest treatment possible.

What Happens If You Leave Termites Untreated?

Leaving termites untreated can lead to severe damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs. Termites feed on cellulose-based material which includes wood, paper, and fabric. As they feed, they can eat away at the foundation of a structure and weaken its structure over time. Additionally, some species of termites produce a pheromone that attracts other termites, meaning the infestation can quickly spread.

Termite treatment is essential to prevent further damage and protect your home from further destruction. The sooner you act, the better. A professional pest control expert will be able to determine the best course of action for a successful treatment plan. A thorough inspection will determine the scope of the infestation and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that can help eliminate any existing colonies and prevent future infestations from occurring.

Contact Anchor Environmental For Termite Control In Charleston

Don’t let termites take over your home. Contact Anchor Environmental for effective and reliable termite control in Charleston, SC. Our team of experienced technicians can apply innovative treatments to eliminate existing colonies and create a barrier to help prevent future infestations from occurring. We look forward to helping you protect your home!