Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termites in South Carolina and Georgia, and they’re also one of the most destructive pests homeowners deal with. These termites live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to reach wood in your home, which means they can cause serious damage long before you notice them.
If you see signs of termites, it’s best to act quickly. The sooner you catch them, the less damage they can do — and the easier it is to treat.
Quick ID
Termites are often hidden inside wood or underground, so you may not see the insects themselves. These are the most common signs homeowners notice first:
If you see any of these signs, it’s a strong indication that termites are present — even if you don’t see the insects.
In South Carolina and Georgia, termite swarms most often happen in the spring, especially after a warm rain. You may also see smaller swarms in early summer, depending on weather conditions.
Typical timing:
Where you might see swarmers
How to tell termite swarmers from flying ants
If you see swarmers during spring or early summer, it’s a strong indicator that termites are nearby — and it’s a good time to call a professional for an inspection.
Eastern subterranean termites are often found where wood is in contact with soil or where moisture is present. Common areas include:
Termites are attracted to homes with:
Yes. Termites don’t bite people, but they can cause serious structural damage. They eat wood from the inside out, and damage can happen for months or years before it’s obvious.
Risks include:
Termites typically enter through:
If you find termites or signs of termite activity, here’s what to do:
Immediate steps:
Why DIY often fails:
Termites live hidden in the soil and inside wood. DIY treatments often only address surface activity and don’t reach the colony, which can lead to reinfestation.
Preventing termites is mostly about reducing moisture and preventing wood from contacting soil.
If you see mud tubes, damaged wood, or discarded wings, it’s time to call Compass Pest Management. We provide comprehensive termite inspections and proven termite control for homes and other structures in Greenville and Upstate South Carolina, as well as Northeast Georgia.
Contact us today to find out how we protect homes from these wood-destroying insects!
Dale G has offered his expertise on a number of matters for our home: pest control, moisture control, moisture remediation, and insulation. I always leave the conversation feeling much more knowledgeable and having options. Dale makes us excited to contract Compass.
Anthony R.
Greenville, SC
Professional and friendly service! We are new to the area and happy we selected Compass for our pest control needs.
April Z.
Anderson, SC
I’ve been using Compass for over 5 years now for pest control and mosquito control and they do a great job. They are on time and always very professional. They are very accommodating if I ever needed anything else done like an ant problem in my kitchen.
Penny F.
Cornelia, GA
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