Termites are destructive, eusocial insects that sometimes are misidentified as ants. The primary species in this region is the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), which creates very large colonies beneath the soil. Worker termites travel from the nest and forage above ground for sources of wood. The primary food source for termites is cellulose, a natural material found in wood and some paper products. Termites have a unique digestive system with bacteria that effectively breaks down the material into nutrients.
Data from the National Pest Management Association indicated that termites create roughly $5 billion in damage to properties each year across the country. Property owners might find that termites are actively eroding wood siding, support beams, floorboards, furniture, and many other areas that exist within a residential structure.
Is termite damage covered by insurance that protects my home? The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (N.A.I.C.) explains that homeowner’s insurance coverage generally excludes property damage resulting from infestations of termites and rodents along with damage caused by floods, earthquakes, and mold.
Do you suspect that a termite colony has recently invaded a part of your property? Promptly contact a provider that specializes in pest control in Rockville and has received significant training regarding how to check for termites. Experts will know many of the best available treatment options and how to keep termites away from the premises.
Why Do They Call Termites "Silent Destroyers"?
Despite consisting of many thousands of members, the activities of subterranean termite colonies often remain undetected, which is why some people refer to them as “silent destroyers”.
Subterranean termites position their nests underground, but the workers create small tunnels often called “mud tubes” leading to their sources of food (wood) that afford them safe passage back and forth. Also, termites usually begin destroying wooden structures from the interior, making it difficult for property owners to initially detect the problem.
Four Termite Warning Signs Every Homeowner Ought To Know
Based on the location of termite activity, evidence of termite damage might not always be apparent to a property owner; therefore, knowing some of the other indicators is often crucial. Some of the potential warning signs include:
- Floors might become very “creaky” when walked on, and walls may sound “hollow” when knocked on.
- Windows and doors often become increasingly more difficult to open or close as adjacent wooden structures begin shifting.
- During the spring, groups of winged termites gather in swarms as part of their mating process, which is often misidentified as flying ants.
- Mud tubes may be visible emerging from the soil with a patterned appearance.
In many instances, a termite infestation will go undetected for several months after significant structural damage has already occurred. Here, a property owner should promptly speak with a pest control professional that can address the problem before more costly damage occurs.
I Found Termite Warning Signs, Now What?
Too many individuals who detect the presence of termites will try do-it-yourself termite control options from local home improvement stores or online retailers. Often, these choices result from a misconception that a professional pest exterminator will cost an exorbitant amount or because shops cleverly market these mass-marketed home treatments using overhyped claims of being a “simple and easy” solution. In reality, most of these sprays, foggers, and trapping systems are only capable of generating very mediocre, short-term results.
Do I Really Need Professional Termite Control?
The qualified technicians with Womack Pest Control have decades of experience successfully eradicating termites from homes in the Rockville area. Our trained termite control inspectors will safely expel these pests from your home and ensure we completely remove the underground nest. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.