Termite Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Termites

What are termites?

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Termites are social insects with soft bodies, notorious for forming colonies and devouring wooden structures. In our region, the most prevalent species is the subterranean termite. These insects are typically tan or light brown, about half an inch in length, and equipped with robust jaws for chewing through wood.

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Subterranean termites tend to establish their colonies underground, showing a preference for damp or water-damaged wood. One of the initial indicators of their presence on your property is the appearance of mud tubes in exterior and interior areas, which they utilize to traverse from their underground nests to the wooden components of your structure.

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Are termites dangerous?

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While termites don't pose a direct threat to humans by biting or spreading diseases in our homes or businesses, they are immensely perilous in terms of property damage and structural integrity. Once a termite infestation takes hold on your property, these pests relentlessly chew through wood, hollowing it out completely.

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Over time, a termite infestation can lead to substantial damages, including sinking floors and ceilings, difficulty with opening windows and doors, and wood that crumbles at the slightest touch. The most alarming concern is the potential for structural collapse due to the extensive hollowing of wood on your property.

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Professional termite inspections are essential to avoid these dangers.

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Why do I have a termite problem?

A termite problem will often start unnoticed, as these pests are small and don’t typically appear where they are easily seen. In most cases, your property will end up with a termite problem due to these pests finding lots of wood to chew through and favorable conditions for creating colonies either outside or inside. Removing factors that might be attracting termites to your property helps to deter a problem from occurring.

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Where will I find termites?

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Most of the time, subterranean termites will be found underground. You may see termite mounds or mud tubes that indicate the presence of termites in exterior areas. Alternatively, termites may invade the wooden structures of your property. Holes along baseboards or frass, which appear like wood shavings, around wooden areas may indicate that drywood termites have invaded.

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How do I get rid of termites?

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If you're seeking a permanent solution to termite infestation, your initial action should be to reach out to Arrest-A-Pest Exterminators. Our committed service technicians specialize in eliminating termites from your Goldsboro property, tailoring our approach to meet your property's specific requirements and ensuring complete eradication of these destructive wood-destroying insects.

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Contact us today to learn about our home pest control and commercial pest control plans or to get started.

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How can I prevent termites in the future?

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In addition to professional termite removal, implementing the following prevention tips will help ensure termite issues do not resurface:

• Clear outdoor areas of wood piles, debris, and branches that could attract termites to your property.

• Remove fallen trees and old tree stumps from outdoor spaces, as these are prime targets for termite invasion.

• Minimize soil-to-wood contact around your property's foundation to create a barrier that deters termites from infiltrating interior spaces.

• Seal cracks and gaps around your property's foundation, windows, and doors, and promptly replace any damaged wood to discourage termite entry.

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For further advice or assistance with termite control, contact Arrest-A-Pest Exterminators today.