Termite Identification & Prevention

What are termites?

There are many different kinds of termites living across the United States. However, only a few regularly invade and infest our homes. In Waldorf, the eastern subterranean termite is the most prevalent species that homeowners must guard their homes against.

Eastern subterranean termites create their nests under the ground because they have high moisture needs and require the moisture found in the soil to survive. They move through the earth or the mud tubes they create above the ground to travel to and from their nest and the wooden structures they use as food sources.

Termites are social insects, and each termite within a colony has a specific job that helps the colony to succeed. Eastern subterranean termites maintain enormous colonies with up to a million members. Their large numbers and ability to work together as a team are why these insects are so successful and capable of causing extensive damage to the homes they invade.

Are termites dangerous?

When termites enter our homes and feed on wooden structural elements, they cause significant and costly damage. Termites aren't directly dangerous to people, but they are a threat to Maryland structures and the savings accounts of many homeowners.

The biggest reason we consider termites dangerous isn't because of the damage they cause but because they are so good at hiding their presence. Termites move in and out of homes through the soil and spend their time inside pieces of wood well out of our sight. An active termite infestation can continue for months or years without notice. Typically, it is only when homeowners finally notice the damage the termites have caused that the infestation becomes evident. Being proactive against termites is key to avoiding costly home repairs.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites are wood-eating pests with high moisture needs; therefore, wood and excess moisture attract termites to our properties.

Properties with the following things can experience problems with eastern subterranean termites:

• Fallen trees and tree stumps
• Yard or construction debris
• Poor drainage, causing pooling water and lots of damp soil
• A lot of wood-to-soil contact, especially on your home, like wooden shingles, deck posts, and trim
• Leaky pipes, fixtures, or air conditioners

The best way to keep termites away from your property is to partner with a professional offering the termite removal and control services necessary to contend with these destructive pests. 

Where will I find termites?

Eastern subterranean termites live outside; their workers leave the nest each day to travel to their food source. When moisture or decaying wood draws them to our homes, they eventually find their way inside. They move inside through cracks in the foundation or wood sitting on the ground.

Once inside, worker termites tunnel through structural supports, beams, flooring, and sub-flooring, gathering food to bring back to the nest. Initially, Eastern subterranean termites are attracted to the wood in homes damaged by moisture, but over time they will start to attack sound wood. 

How do I get rid of termites?

Termites are among the most frustrating and challenging pests to eliminate from homes. Partnering with a professional is the most effective way to get rid of termites and ensure a reinfestation won't occur. Don't gamble with termites; as a group, they cause more than five billion dollars in damages in the U.S. every year. Be proactive against these wood-eating pests and partner with a professional that can educate you about termites and offer industry-leading termite control services. To learn more about the local termite control services that Mike's Pest, Termite and Wildlife Control provides, contact us today.

How can I prevent termites in the future? 

Termites are among the toughest pests to keep away from our Waldorf properties. They primarily swarm from the middle of March through June, and their eggs are rarely seen by the naked eye.

In conjunction with our termite inspections and treatments, use our helpful prevention tips to make your property less hospitable to termites.

• Make sure gutters are working to direct rainwater away from the outside of your home. 
• Repair roof damage or damaged weatherstripping to prevent rainwater from leaking into your home and causing water damage. 
• Limit wood-to-soil contact on your property.
• Repair cracks in your foundation.
• Remove water-damaged wood from your home.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce humidity levels in your house.

Call us today to ensure wood-eating termites don't damage your home. We offer pest control in Waldorf that you can trust to protect your property against these destructive pests.