is home to several species of termites, but the vast majority of the population is made of subterranean termites known for attacking homes and other wooden man-made structures.

If you own a house in North Carolina, you’ll need to learn the basics of termites: identifying infestations, when to expect swarming activity, and the steps to take if you find termites.

Termites can be a nightmare, but it’s important to learn termite 101 to stay pest-free. If you don’t catch warning signs of an infestation early enough, you could get stuck with an expensive repair bill since termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage. To support homeowners,

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How to tell if you have a termite infestation

Termites can be destructive quickly because they are often easy to miss. They can eat away at your home for months on end before you realize an infestation has nestled its way inside.

If you know the early warning signs of a termite infestation, you have a better chance of preventing severe damage to your home. You’ll need to keep an eye out for these indicators:

Mud tubes: Subterranean termites are the main kind of termite in North Carolina. The top sign of them is the thin mud tunnels they build along the foundations of homes to make their way inside.

Hollow-sounding walls: Knock on the walls and any other wooden structures in your home. If you hear a hollow sound, you might have a termite infestation.

Droppings: Termite waste, or

frass

, will look like small piles of salt and pepper or sawdust.

Discarded wings: The worker termites don’t have any wings, but their reproductive counterparts do. If you find a significant number of discarded wings, particularly around window sills, it’s likely your home has termites.

More common signs of a termite infestation are swollen walls or floors, tiny round holes in drywall, and peeling or bubbling paint.

MORE: How often should pest control be done?

Are termites a problem in North Carolina?

Yes, most homes in North Carolina are under threat of termite infestation. The U.S. Forest Service

map

shows the state is in the very heavy risk category.

Learning about termites isn’t fun, but it’s a necessary part of being a responsible homeowner in the Tarheel State. These are the two most common types of termites found in North Carolina and when you’ll need to keep an eye out for them.

Eastern subterranean termite

The most common kind of termite in the U.S. is the eastern subterranean termite. They are larger than other termite species, measuring at around 10 millimeters, and can be easier to find due to their size.

Eastern subterranean termites prefer to swarm from March through May in the daylight. They have a preference for the warmer spring months after winter, but can potentially be active year-round.

Formosan subterranean termite

Formosan subterranean termites live in large colonies and can inflict significant damage to homes. Their populations can grow as large as 15 million termites, and their colonies are underground.

These termites typically swarm at night during the late spring when temperatures have cooled down. Female Formosan subterranean termites can lay between 15-30 eggs, which will hatch in less than a month afterward.

MORE: How much is pest control?

What to do if you have termites

Notice some early termite warning signs? Now it’s time to take action and eliminate the problem.

There are three options when it comes to professional solutions:

Bait stations are the least invasive method of termite removal. The exterminators will surround your house with small plastic containers to attract and kill any termites. It is less disruptive than the other methods but will take longer to work.

Liquid pesticide barriers are trenches dug around your house and filled with a termiticide to create a chemical moat. Any termites that try to cross will be killed.

Fumigation is the best option for major termite infestations. The pest control company will cover the whole house with a tent and pump in gas to kill termites. Everyone including pets will need to stay out of the house for at least 24 hours.

How to save money on home insurance

Your home insurance policy will not cover termite damage in most cases, even in states like North Carolina that are at high risk. The best way to protect your home from termite damage is to be able to recognize the early indicators of an infestation.

Fortunately, you can rely on your homeowners insurance to cover your home against other perils. It’s important to have the best policy for your needs. When you use the Jerry app, you can be sure you’re getting the best deals on your home insurance (and saving on your

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too!).

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You won’t have to spend your time shopping around for quotes or filling out any long forms—Jerry takes care of everything for you! You can get signed up with your new policy when you’re ready, and Jerry can even help you cancel your existing policy.

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FAQs

Do most homes in North Carolina have termites?

Yes. Unfortunately, the U.S. Forest Service map shows that North Carolina is in a very heavy risk level zone for termite infestations.

How often should you treat for termites in North Carolina?

You should monitor for termites year-round to be safe, and schedule yearly inspections. It also helps to keep wood away from the exterior of your home.

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