Eastern subterranean termites in Cumberland County
The termite most Fayetteville homeowners deal with is the eastern subterranean termite. These termites live in the soil and travel up into the wood of your home through mud tubes. A mature colony can do real damage before you ever see a live termite.
Each spring, usually from March into May, colonies send out swarmers: winged termites that show up near windows, doors and light fixtures, often after a warm rain. Swarmers inside the house are a strong sign there is a colony nearby or already in the structure.
Signs you might have termites
- Pencil-width mud tubes running up foundation walls, piers in the crawl space, or the inside of the garage
- Piles of small, clear wings near windowsills and doors in spring
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or baseboards and door frames that feel soft
- Paint that bubbles or looks water-damaged when there is no leak
- Tight-fitting doors and windows that suddenly stick
Treatment options
Liquid treatment puts a termiticide into the soil around the foundation, and under slabs where needed. It is usually the fastest way to stop an active infestation.
Bait systems use stations placed in the soil around the house. Termites feed on the bait and carry it back to the colony. Baits take longer to work and need regular monitoring, but they disturb the yard less.
Many homes get a combination of both. After treatment, most companies offer a yearly renewal that includes an inspection and keeps a warranty in place.
Termite inspections for home sales and VA loans
If you are buying or selling a home in the Fayetteville area, the lender may ask for a wood-destroying insect report, often called a WDI or NPMA-33 report. VA loans, which many Fort Bragg families use, typically require one in North Carolina.
A licensed inspector checks the home for termites and other wood-destroying insects and records any damage. Local companies can usually turn these around quickly for a closing date.
Crawl spaces and moisture
Many Fayetteville homes, especially older ones, sit over a crawl space. Damp crawl spaces with wood touching soil are where termites most often get in. A good inspection includes the crawl space, and the technician may suggest fixing moisture problems along with treatment.
How it works
- Call the number on this page. Tell us what pests you are seeing and where you live.
- Get connected. Your call goes straight to a licensed pest control company serving Fayetteville.
- Schedule a visit. Set up an inspection or treatment at a time that works for you.
Common questions
How much does termite treatment cost in Fayetteville?
In North Carolina, liquid treatments commonly cost about $1,500 to $3,000, and bait systems about $2,000 to $3,500 to install, plus a yearly monitoring fee. Many companies offer free inspections to homeowners. Your quote depends on the size and construction of the home.
Are termite inspections free?
Many companies offer a free inspection to homeowners. Reports for a real estate sale usually have a fee, often around $75 to $150.
I saw flying ants in spring. Are they termites?
They might be. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings the same length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and uneven wings. Save a few in a bag and show the inspector.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Usually not. Most policies treat termite damage as preventable, which is why yearly inspections and a treatment warranty are worth having.