Pest control in North Carolina

What to know about pest control in North Carolina

North Carolina has termites in every county, along with other insects that damage wood in homes. The state licenses pest control by type of work, so the license a company holds tells you which jobs it is allowed to do.

Common pests in North Carolina

NC State Extension says wood-destroying insects are the kind of job best left to a professional.

• Eastern subterranean termites. NC State Extension calls them the greatest threat to homes in North Carolina and says they are found in all counties. They usually swarm from late spring to late summer, often on warm days after rain. See our termite companies.
• Carpenter ants. These are among the largest ants in North Carolina. A treatment around the foundation alone will not keep them from coming back. See ant control companies.
• Powderpost beetles. In North Carolina, the main concern is a group that attacks the softwood used in floor joists and wall studs. Look for exit holes and powdery frass, often in crawl spaces. Beetles emerge mostly from May through August.

Who licenses pest control companies in North Carolina

The Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services licenses pest control work. The law splits structural pest control into three phases. The P phase covers household pests, the W phase covers wood-destroying organisms such as termites, and the F phase covers fumigation. Every company must have at least one licensee on staff. Other employees work under that person, and anyone who sells contracts or does the work needs an identification card from the department. Read about the structural licensing rules, and check any company with the division's license search.

How to check a company before you hire

• Look up the company's license and check that it covers the phase you need. A company licensed only for household pests cannot treat termites.
• Look for the company name or license number on its service vehicle, and ask the technician to show an identification card. If they cannot, contact the department.
• Ask which pest they found, what treatment they recommend and how many follow-up inspections are included.
• Get the plan, the service agreement and any warranty in writing.
• Read reviews from other North Carolina customers, and write a review after the work. See how reviews work.