The Most Common Wood Destroying Insects in Coastal North Carolina
Our region's warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for several types of wood-destroying insects. Understanding these pests is the first step in protecting your home.
Termites: The Most Destructive Wood Pests
Termites cause more damage to homes in the United States than fires, floods, and storms combined, resulting in over $5 billion in property damage annually. In Brunswick County, we primarily deal with two types:
Subterranean Termites
- Appearance: Cream-colored workers with soft bodies; larger soldier termites have brownish heads with powerful mandibles
- Behavior: Live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to access wood above ground
- Damage Signs: Mud tubes on foundation walls; damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped; discarded wings near windows and doors during swarm season (typically March through May)
- Threat Level: Extremely high – a mature colony can consume several pounds of wood per week
Drywood Termites
- Appearance: Similar to subterranean termites but slightly larger
- Behavior: Live entirely within the wood they infest; don't require soil contact
- Damage Signs: Small piles of fecal pellets (resembling sawdust or coffee grounds); blistered wood surfaces; hollow-sounding wood
- Threat Level: High – though colonies are smaller than subterranean termites, they can be harder to detect
Carpenter Ants: Strong Jaws and Big Appetites
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood—they excavate it to create nesting galleries.
- Appearance: Large ants (1/4 to 1/2 inch) usually black or red and black
- Behavior: Most active at night; prefer damp, decaying wood but will damage sound wood
- Damage Signs: Small piles of wood shavings (resembling sawdust); rustling sounds within walls; sightings of large ants, especially at night
- Threat Level: Moderate to high – damage progresses more slowly than termites but can be substantial over time
Carpenter Bees: Perfect Round Holes
Carpenter bees create perfectly round entrance holes in wood surfaces, particularly in unfinished or weathered wood.
- Appearance: Large bees resembling bumblebees, but with shiny, hairless abdomens
- Behavior: Drill 1/2-inch diameter holes into wood to create nesting galleries
- Damage Signs: Perfectly round entrance holes; coarse sawdust below holes; staining from excrement around entrance holes
- Threat Level: Low to moderate – individual damage is minor, but repeated infestations in the same area can cause structural weakness
Powderpost Beetles: Tiny Pests, Major Problems
These small beetles can reduce wood to powder from the inside out.
- Appearance: Adult beetles are small (1/8 to 3/4 inch) and rarely seen
- Behavior: Larvae feed inside wood for months or years before emerging as adults
- Damage Signs: Tiny exit holes (1/16 to 1/8 inch diameter); fine, flour-like powder around holes; damaged wood that crumbles easily
- Threat Level: Moderate to high – damage occurs slowly but can be extensive before detection
Old House Borers: Targeting Softwoods
Despite their name, these beetles commonly infest newer homes, particularly those with pine or spruce framing.
- Appearance: Grayish-brown beetles with long antennae
- Behavior: Larvae can spend 3-15 years inside wood before emerging as adults
- Damage Signs: Oval exit holes (1/4 to 3/8 inch); coarse, granular frass (waste); creaking or ticking sounds from larvae feeding
- Threat Level: Moderate – damage is usually localized but can affect structural integrity if left untreated
The Perfect Storm: Why Coastal Carolina Is Ideal for Wood Destroyers
Our beautiful coastal environment unfortunately creates ideal conditions for wood-destroying insects:
- High Humidity: Most wood-destroying insects thrive in humid environments, which helps keep wood moist and more vulnerable to attack
- Mild Winters: Our climate allows many wood pests to remain active year-round, without the population reductions that occur in colder regions
- Sandy Soils: Termites move easily through our region's sandy soils, allowing colonies to spread more efficiently
- Abundant Vegetation: The lush landscapes surrounding many Brunswick County homes provide natural habitats for wood-destroying insects before they move to structures
Warning Signs of Wood-Destroying Insect Infestations
Early detection is crucial for minimizing damage. Watch for these warning signs around your home:
Visual Indicators
- Mud tubes running up foundation walls or piers (subterranean termites)
- Small holes in wood surfaces (beetles or carpenter bees)
- Piles of sawdust-like material below wood (carpenter ants or beetles)
- Discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures (termite swarmers)
- Blistered or damaged wood surfaces
- Warped doors or windows that suddenly become difficult to open
Audible Clues
- Clicking or rustling sounds within walls (termite soldiers communicating)
- Hollow sounds when tapping on wood that should be solid
- Crunching sounds as insects tunnel through wood (most noticeable at night when the house is quiet)
Behavioral Evidence
- Swarms of winged insects emerging from walls, foundation, or soil around your home
- Increased ant activity, especially large black ants
- Carpenter bees hovering near eaves, decks, or wooden trim
Preventing Wood-Destroying Insect Infestations
Prevention is always more cost-effective than treating an established infestation. Here are essential strategies to protect your Brunswick County home:
Moisture Management
Since most wood-destroying insects prefer damp wood, controlling moisture is crucial:
- Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units promptly
- Ensure proper drainage around your foundation
- Maintain gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your home
- Use dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements
- Consider professional crawl space encapsulation for long-term moisture control
Landscape Considerations
- Maintain at least 18 inches between soil and wooden structural elements
- Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from your foundation
- Remove dead trees, stumps, and woodpiles near your home
- Trim branches that touch or overhang your roof
- Use cement, stone, or gravel barriers between soil and wood components
Home Maintenance
- Seal cracks and holes in your home's foundation
- Replace weathered or damaged wood promptly
- Ensure proper ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements
- Apply protective sealants to exposed wood surfaces
- Regularly inspect wooden structures for signs of damage
Professional Prevention
The most effective prevention comes from professional services:
- Annual Termite Inspections: Professional inspectors can spot early signs of infestation that homeowners might miss
- Preventative Treatments: Creating chemical barriers around your home can prevent termite invasions
- Termite Monitoring Systems: These early warning systems can detect termite activity before damage occurs
- Wood Treatment: Professional-grade wood preservatives can deter wood-destroying insects
Manning's Approach to Wood-Destroying Insect Control
At Manning's Pest Control, we've developed a comprehensive approach to protecting Brunswick County homes from wood-destroying insects:
Thorough Inspection
Our certified technicians conduct detailed inspections of your property, including:
- Visual examination of all accessible wooden structures
- Moisture readings in vulnerable areas
- Probing of suspicious wood
- Identification of conducive conditions
- Documentation of existing damage
Customized Treatment Plans
Based on our findings, we develop treatment strategies that may include:
- Targeted application of termiticides
- Installation of termite baiting systems
- Direct wood treatments for beetles and carpenter ants
- Preventative applications for high-risk areas
- Structural recommendations to reduce vulnerability
Long-Term Protection
We offer ongoing protection through:
- Annual termite bonds with our exclusive repair guarantee
- Scheduled maintenance treatments
- Regular monitoring of high-risk areas
- Follow-up inspections to ensure treatment success
- Documentation for real estate transactions
When to Call a Professional
While prevention steps can significantly reduce your risk, some situations demand professional intervention:
- Active Infestations: If you spot any signs of wood-destroying insects, professional treatment is essential to prevent further damage
- Home Purchase: Always get a professional Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) before buying a home
- After Flooding or Water Damage: These events can make wood more vulnerable to infestation
- For Peace of Mind: Annual professional inspections can catch problems before they become severe
Read our article, 12 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Termite Control, for more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood-Destroying Insects
How can I tell the difference between termite and ant damage?
Termites consume wood along the grain, leaving mud-packed galleries with no sawdust. Carpenter ants excavate wood across the grain, creating clean galleries with piles of sawdust-like material outside. Termite damage tends to follow the softer spring growth rings, while carpenter ant damage appears more randomly distributed.
Can I treat wood-destroying insects myself?
While DIY treatments exist, professional treatment is strongly recommended. Most over-the-counter products don't penetrate deeply enough to reach insects inside wood, and incorrect application can drive insects deeper into the structure. Professional-grade products and application methods provide more thorough, lasting protection.
Read our article, 12 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Termite Control, for more.
How long does professional treatment for wood-destroying insects last?
Treatment longevity depends on the treatment type, pest species, and environmental conditions. Liquid termite treatments typically protect for 5-10 years, while bait systems require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. We'll provide specific information about protection duration with your treatment plan.
Is it possible to salvage wood that's been damaged by insects?
Minor or localized damage can often be repaired, but wood with extensive structural damage typically needs replacement. Our technicians can help assess damage severity and recommend appropriate repairs. For severe damage, consulting a structural engineer may be necessary.
How quickly do wood-destroying insects cause damage?
Damage rates vary significantly by species. A large termite colony can cause noticeable damage within months, while powderpost beetle damage might take years to become apparent. Regular inspections are crucial for early detection regardless of the pest type.
Protect Your Home from Wood-Destroying Insects
Your home is likely your largest investment, and protecting it from wood-destroying insects is essential to maintaining its value and structural integrity. With Manning's Pest Control's professional services and these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly damage.
Don't wait until you see signs of an infestation. Our experienced technicians can help you develop a comprehensive protection plan tailored to your specific property and the unique challenges of coastal North Carolina.
Contact us today to schedule a wood-destroying insect inspection and take the first step toward protecting your home!