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A Termite Tale in North Carolina
It Was an All Brick House
The Inspector Found Termites
The Buyers Backed out
Understanding Termites in North Carolina
Prevention and Control Methods
Stay Vigilant Against Termites
Marianne Howell Wright

A Termite Tale in North Carolina

Oh yes, we have termites in NC, and if you own a house, it’s not a question of if you will get termites, but rather when they’ll arrive up from the ground (they don’t fly, unlike Florida termites) in their tunnels looking for moisture and to gobble up your framing. Let me start with an example of a termite infestation I encountered on one of my real estate listings.

It Was an All Brick House

This particular property was an all-brick house, perfectly maintained, complete with bait traps and a regular termite contract with a well-known exterminator. When the house went under contract, everything seemed in order, and the sellers prepared to move.

The Inspector Found Termites

However, surprisingly, the inspection revealed that the foam insulation in the sealed crawl space was full of termite tunnels. It turned out that termites evidently love foam insulation, and their tunnels were hidden. Builders are required to leave a space at the top of the insulation so that these tunnels can be visible, but this crucial step was overlooked in this house.

The Buyers Backed out

The deal initially fell apart, the buyers were freaked to know the insulation was full of termites, and the sellers had to undergo the strenuous task of chiseling out all of the spray foam in the foundation walls. Fortunately, all ended well, with the house eventually selling for a higher price, and luckily, the house structure wasn’t affected. But it was a stressful ordeal that highlighted the stealth and persistence of termites in NC.

Understanding Termites in North Carolina

Eastern Subterranean termite

In North Carolina, the most common culprit is the Eastern subterranean termite. These insects live underground in moist environments and are known for their silent yet destructive behavior. They’re particularly active in the spring, which is when homeowners should be most vigilant.

Prevention and Control Methods

Preventing and controlling termites is crucial for homeowners. Remember termites love moisture. Here are some effective strategies:

Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with professional exterminators.
Moisture Control: Fix leaks, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers.
Avoid Wood-to-Ground Contact: Keep structures like decks and fences from direct contact with the ground.
Clear Yard Debris: Remove fallen branches and dead trees to eliminate potential termite habitats.
Use Termite Barriers: Implement both physical and chemical barriers around your home.
Seal Entry Points: Close any cracks and openings in the foundation.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Keep your home well ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
Use Treated Wood: For construction or repairs, opt for wood that’s been treated to resist termites.
Install Bait Stations: These can help in monitoring and controlling termite populations.
Seek Professional Help: At the first sign of termites, it’s crucial to consult with an expert.
inspector

Stay Vigilant Against Termites

I hope my story of the all-brick house serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant against termites in North Carolina. Even the best preventative measures can sometimes fall short, so it’s crucial to remain proactive in inspecting and safeguarding your home against these persistent pests. Remember, in the fight against termites, it’s better to be overly cautious than to face the consequences of an infestation.

Marianne Howell Wright

Triangle Area Real Estate

919-274-4365

[email protected]

5.0

Based on 22 reviews

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Patricia B

20:52 02 Feb 20

Marianne was our agent when we purchased our home in Chatham County. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Triangle... area, specific neighborhoods and builders. Marianne was very thorough and did an excellent job representing us during the entire process; from finding a house, negotiating the offer, and handling all the closing details. We highly recommended Marianne.read more

Althea Sistare

14:51 17 Jan 20

Marianne helped us buy a beautiful home in Chapel Hill while we were living in Pennsylvania. She was a pleasure to work... with and accommodated our schedule perfectly during the few times we were able to be in the area. She patiently drove us around for many hours and several days, helping us rule out every possibility. Our final decision was made without a doubt! We felt very confident in Marianne's guidance throughout the entire home buying process. Her thorough knowledge and experience was very evident. She was there for us every step of the way, especially when we could not be there in person.read more

Cam Tung

15:49 24 Mar 19

Marianne and Chip were incredibly helpful throughout the new home building process, especially as we were living in... Austin! They were both super pleasant, knowledgeable and responsive! We couldn't have done it without them.read more

Jillian Geneve

14:59 15 Mar 19

Marianne did a fabulous job as our realtor. It was stressful to be relocating to an unfamiliar, new area from out of... town, and Marianne was extremely helpful. She had so much experience and knowledge of the neighborhoods, schools, and services for our special needs child, and she was able to advise us on the best location for our family. Even in the middle of a winter storm she was out looking at houses for us, taking detailed videos so we could see the homes from out of state. She was very responsive and always available to answer our many questions about the area. She was very knowledgeable about the buying process and did a great job of negotiating on our behalf. When we got to Chapel Hill, Marianne gave us several different tours, and even took the time to show our son playgrounds all over town. We are thrilled with the home we bought and couldn’t have done it without her. I highly recommend her!read more

Yanina Costecalde

16:57 24 Jun 18

Marianne Howell Wright is real Estate Agent; she works with her husband, Chip Wright who was in a construction building... contractor. I have been in the area for year and knew quite well the market, and where I wanted my family to be, which I recommend to any new buyer. I contacted Marianne because I liked her videos and she seemed knowledgeable about the area. They both came straight away, which other agents do not do. In general, Marianne recommends new constructions over old houses because she often goes to new development meetings and is well aware of the new construction materials (lighter, better, and more efficient). However, I chose an old house. Being single, Marianne and Chip made sure that I understood what it meant to choose a house that required a lot of work. Once it became clear that I knew what it would take to fix the house, Chip and the inspector built a terrific file and Marianne negotiate and reduced the price significantly, which is rare for the area. I invested this extra money in the house and hired contractors with Chip helps. The house was ready for my family in a month. I would like to add that Chips was not keen to advice for contractors because some clients might be suspicions of his intentions, but if you ask, he would tell you.A house is everyone own choice. You are the only one who knows what your family likes, can afford, and able or not to handle small/big improvement projects. What chip can do is to give you a far opinion on the house condition. What Marianne can do is to build the best file in order to negotiate the best price for the buyer or the seller. I recommend this team because they are professional, reliable, and efficient.read more

Elaine Lux

01:16 09 Jun 18

Marianne is awesome! She was available to us during the entire process of building our new home, from selecting the lot... through our final walk-through. Building a new home, especially while living out-of-state, can be nerve-wracking. Having Marianne represent us was such a smart decision. She is so knowledgeable about the new build process and construction, and brought things to our attention that we never would have thought about. She truly looked out for our best interests. She was available to us each and every time we needed her. We now have a brand new home that is well-built and gorgeous! We thank Marianne for the huge role she played in making that dream come true for us!read more

Maureen Pulscher

21:38 04 Jun 18

Marianne helped my husband and I find a new home in the Triangle area while we were still living out of state. We made... a few trips to look at properties and Marianne always made the most of the short amount of time we had and helped us cover a lot of ground. She also spent plenty of time on the phone and over email with us educating us on the area and providing fantastic local insights. She is extremely responsive and will track down information for you. She kept us well informed throughout the buying process and helped us learn what to look for as first-time new construction buyers. She also was tremendously helpful in the new construction walk-throughs, pointing out things and asking questions I did not know to ask. I highly recommend Marianne, especially if you are moving to this area from out of state!read more

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