Wood-destroying insects are some of the most destructive pests to homes and businesses, especially in regions like North Carolina, where humid conditions provide an ideal environment for these pests to thrive.
These insects target wooden structures, often going unnoticed until the damage becomes severe. The cost of repairs can be overwhelming if infestations are not caught early.
In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into the types of wood-destroying insects common in the area, discuss the damage they can cause to structures, and explore the best ways to keep them out of your home or business. We will also cover the importance of Wood-Destroying Insect Reports (WDIR) for property owners and prospective buyers.
Types of Wood-Destroying Insects
There are several types of wood-destroying insects that you need to be aware of if you live in North Carolina or other parts of the Southeast. Each type of insect poses unique challenges, and they all have the potential to cause significant damage.
1. Wood-Destroying Termites
Subterranean Termites
One of the most prevalent and damaging wood-destroying insects in North Carolina is the subterranean termite. These insects live underground and create mud tubes to access the wood in your home or business. Subterranean termites feed on cellulose, a component found in wood, causing structural damage from the inside out.
Their colonies can be vast, with millions of termites working together to devour wooden structures, making them one of the most dangerous pests. The hollowing of wood from the inside often makes termite infestations difficult to detect until significant damage has been done.
How Subterranean Termites Cause Damage
- Subterranean termites tunnel through wood, causing it to become structurally unsound.
- They often start from the foundation, working their way up to walls and other areas.
- By the time termite activity is detected, homeowners may already face expensive repairs.
Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation
- Mud tubes along your foundation, walls, or basement
- Hollow-sounding wood or wood that crumbles easily when touched
- Swarmers (winged termites) near windows or light sources
- Discarded wings, often found in piles
Drywood Termites
While drywood termites are less common than subterranean termites, they still pose a significant threat in some parts of North Carolina. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t require soil contact.
Instead, they live inside the wood itself, including furniture, framing, and hardwood floors. They infest dry, sound wood and can remain hidden for years before detection.
How Drywood Termites Cause Damage
- Drywood termites consume wooden structures directly, creating small galleries within the wood.
- Their colonies are smaller than subterranean termites, but the damage can be just as severe.
- They weaken wooden supports, floors, and beams over time.
Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation
- Piles of frass (termite droppings) near infested areas
- Small holes in wooden surfaces where termites have exited
- Bubbling or cracked paint on wood surfaces
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
2. Wood-Destroying Carpenter Ants
Another wood-destroying insect that homeowners and businesses need to watch out for is the carpenter ant. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t consume wood. Instead, they excavate tunnels inside the wood to create nests, which can significantly weaken wooden structures over time.
Carpenter ants prefer damp, decaying wood, but they can move into sound wood if left unchecked. Moisture problems in homes or businesses often attract carpenter ants, and they can spread from one damp area to another.
How Carpenter Ants Cause Damage
- Carpenter ants hollow out wood to create nests, weakening structural supports over time.
- They target areas with moisture problems, such as rotting wood around windows or leaky roofs.
- They can cause significant damage if they spread from damp areas to sound wood.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
- Large, black ants around windows, doors, or wooden structures
- Small piles of wood shavings (frass) near wooden surfaces
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Presence of moisture-damaged wood
3. Wood-Destroying Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are another insect that can cause wood damage, although they are less destructive than termites and carpenter ants. These large bees bore holes into untreated or weathered wood to create nesting chambers for their young. While they don’t consume wood, their boring can leave unsightly holes in wooden surfaces and weaken structures over time.
How Carpenter Bees Cause Damage
- Carpenter bees bore smooth, round holes into wood, often in decks, porches, and under eaves.
- Their tunnels can weaken wood if they become extensive or are used by successive generations of bees.
- They primarily cause cosmetic damage, but repeated infestations can lead to structural issues.
Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation
- Round, smooth holes in wood surfaces
- Fine wood dust (sawdust) near the holes
- Bees hovering around wooden structures, especially during the spring
4. Wood-Destroying Powderpost Beetles
Powderpost beetles are wood-destroying insects that can infest hardwoods such as oak, ash, and mahogany. These beetles lay their eggs in cracks or exposed wood, and their larvae feed on the wood as they develop. The term "powderpost" comes from the fine, powdery sawdust these beetles leave behind as they chew through the wood.
How Powderpost Beetles Cause Damage
- Powderpost beetles leave behind exit holes in wood as the adult beetles emerge.
- The larvae create extensive tunnels within the wood, weakening it over time.
- Furniture, flooring, and structural beams made from hardwoods are most at risk.
Signs of a Powderpost Beetle Infestation
- Small exit holes in wood, typically about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter
- Fine, powdery sawdust (frass) near infested wood
- Weakened or damaged wooden structures, particularly in hardwood flooring or furniture
5. Wood-Destroying Old House Borers
Another type of wood-destroying insect common in North Carolina is the old house borer. These longhorn beetles primarily target softwoods like pine, which are commonly used in construction. Despite their name, old house borers can infest both new and older homes.
How Old House Borers Cause Damage
- Old house borers bore into wooden beams, siding, and flooring, weakening structures over time.
- They typically target structural softwoods used in homes.
- Infestations can persist for years, causing long-term damage.
Signs of an Old House Borer Infestation
- Oval or rectangular exit holes in wood
- Clicking or rustling sounds as larvae feed on wood
- Fine, powdery frass near exit holes
How to Keep Wood-Destroying Insects Out of Your Home or Business
Prevention is the best defense against wood-destroying insects. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
1. Conduct Regular Inspections
- Schedule annual inspections with a professional pest control service.
- Inspect the exterior and interior of your property for signs of termites, carpenter ants, and other pests.
- Be proactive about inspecting areas with high moisture content, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
2. Address Moisture Issues
- Repair any leaks in your roof, windows, or plumbing.
- Ensure proper ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp basements or crawl spaces to reduce moisture levels.
- Replace water-damaged wood promptly.
3. Treat and Protect Wood Surfaces
- Apply sealants or paints to exposed wood to protect it from moisture and insects.
- Use treated wood for outdoor structures like decks and fences.
- Consider investing in termite-resistant building materials if you’re building or renovating.
4. Store Wood Properly
- Keep firewood and wood piles at least 20 feet away from your home or business.
- Elevate wood piles off the ground to prevent direct soil contact.
- Inspect firewood for signs of insects before bringing it indoors.
5. Seal Entry Points
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation of your home or business.
- Install screens on vents, chimneys, and attic openings to prevent insects from entering.
- Repair damaged wood or siding that could provide an entry point for pests.
The Importance of Wood-Destroying Insect Reports (WDIR)
A Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) is an essential document for homeowners, business owners, and prospective buyers. WDIRs provide information on the presence or history of wood-destroying insect activity within a structure.
This report is often required during real estate transactions and helps ensure that buyers are aware of any existing infestations or previous damage caused by termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying pests.
Why You Should Get a WDIR
- Real Estate Transactions: Mortgage lenders often require a WDIR before approving a loan to ensure the property is structurally sound.
- Peace of Mind: Whether you’re buying or selling a property, a WDIR ensures that wood-destroying insects aren’t silently causing damage.
- Preventative Measures: Even if you’re not selling, regular WDIRs can help detect early signs of infestation before the damage becomes significant.
Professional Pest Control: Your Best Defense Against Wood Destroying Insects
While there are some DIY methods for keeping wood-destroying insects out of your property, professional pest control services are often the most effective. A professional pest control service can identify infestations early, apply targeted treatments, and help prevent future issues.
Why You Should Choose Professional Pest Control
- Expertise: Pest control professionals have the experience and tools necessary to detect infestations that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.
- Effective Treatment: Professionals can apply treatments that are safe for your family or business while effectively eliminating the pests.
- Ongoing Prevention: Regular pest control services can help keep wood-destroying insects out of your property long-term.
Let Neuse Termite and Pest Control Help You Keep Wood-Destroying Insects Away
Wood-destroying insects like termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powderpost beetles can cause significant damage to homes and businesses in North Carolina. Early detection and prevention are key to avoiding costly repairs and structural damage.
At Neuse Termite and Pest Control, we specialize in identifying, treating, and preventing wood-destroying insect infestations. Whether you need a Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) for a real estate transaction or regular pest control services to protect your property, our team is here to help.
Contact Neuse Termite and Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and safeguard your home or business from wood-destroying insects. Let us give you peace of mind by ensuring your property remains pest-free!
