If there’s one pest that you don’t want to find out that your Maryland home is harboring, it’s probably termites. While these critters may not be good news for homeowners, they can be beneficial for the environment.
Termites are one of the world’s greatest decomposers, and they can be vital for the health of our soil. Not to mention, in certain parts of Asia and Africa, termites are also considered a great delicacy to eat.
Still, as many pros as termites may have, they only come with cons if you’re a homeowner in Waldorf, Maryland. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how to tell if you have a termite problem, why you shouldn’t try to get rid of it on your own, and the best way to eliminate termites from your property.
How To Identify A Termite Problem In Waldorf, Maryland
In Maryland, subterranean termites are usually what’s causing a problem, but these pests can go unnoticed for quite a bit of time. Subterranean termites may start in the soil beneath your house, but they’ll use cracks in the concrete or wood to get inside.
Unlike some pests, termites can be hard to spot, and most homeowners discover the evidence of their destruction, not the termites themselves. Signs of a termite infestation in your Waldorf home include:
- Windows or doors that keep getting stuck
- Paint that looks like it’s peeling and resembles water damage
- Evidence of mud tubes around the foundation of your home and property
- Hollow-sounding wood walls and furniture
- Buckling laminate and wooden floorboards
- Tiny pinpoint-sized holes in your walls
- Fish scale-like wings that are left behind from termite activity
- Floorboards that suddenly begin squeaking
- Loose tiles from the additional moisture created by termites
- Discoloration on your walls
Even if you’re on the lookout for some of these signs, you may not discover termite activity until significant damage has been done. One way to prevent termites from wreaking too much havoc is by getting an annual inspection of your home every year. This way, you can root out the start of termite problems rather than waiting to see the evidence of their destruction.
Why You Shouldn’t Try To Get Rid Of A Termite Problem On Your Own In Waldorf, Maryland
After noticing some of the signs above or even discovering actual termites, some homeowners may want to solve the problem on their own. Unfortunately, DIY methods are rarely effective, and they can cause more harm than good.
Many OTC termiticides that are meant to kill these pests can also be toxic to you, your family, or your loved ones. Termites also go undetected for so long because they’re excellent hiders – trying to exterminate termites yourself may kill some of the colony, but the rest of the infestation is likely to spread to a new part of your home and begin causing more damage.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Termites In Waldorf, Maryland
Termites are tricky pests, and if you want to discover the extent of their damage and permanently rid your home of the infestation, you’ll need the help of a professional pest control service like those of us at Mike’s Pest & Termite Control.
Not only will our dedicated specialists get rid of an active infestation, but we’ll ensure that these critters don’t make their way back into your Waldorf, Maryland home. If you’re noticing signs of a termite infestation, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mike’s Pest & Termite Control today.