With a physical appearance that closely resembles ants, termites are a type of wood-destroying insect belonging to the Isoptera order. In nature, termites help accelerate the process of breaking down fallen trees and other materials that contain cellulose—their primary food source. However, termites will attack wooden structures in residential settings and may quietly create substantial property damage that poses costly problems for homeowners.
While several thousand termite species exist in the world, there is only one type of termite that is native to Maryland: the eastern subterranean termite. Aptly named for having underground nests, subterranean termites cause costly property damage to homes statewide.
Are you wondering how to get rid of termites in your house? Avoid making the mistake of trying the do-it-yourself termite control products that local home improvement stores often promote. The marketing of these sprays, traps, and specialized formulas usually involves highly-embellished claims of being a “fast and easy” solution. In many instances, homeowners find themselves frustrated weeks later as these store-bought options prove unsuccessful against moderate to severe termite infestations.
Unlike those home improvement stores, a professional Rockville pest control company will know how to remove termites from the premises in a manner that adheres to the best practices for safety. Contacting a licensed pest control professional with experience providing termite control in Rockville is strongly encouraged to protect your property from termites in the long run.
What Are Some Signs Of Termites In My Home?
What are the most common signs of termites inside your house? Property owners might recognize any of the following indications of termite activity:
- Thin tunnels or “mud tubes” often appear in a patterned cluster on the exterior of the home; subterranean termites use these tunnels to travel safely between their underground nest and sources of wood above.
- Winged termites with responsibility for reproduction may appear gathering in “swarms.” These swarming termites are often misidentified as flying ants. The easiest way of distinguishing them is that termites have straight antennae, unlike those of flying ants which are bent.
- Wood floors may begin creaking loudly when walked upon, and ceilings might sag or show other signs of damage.
- Infested wood may sound hollow when knocked on.
How Quickly Can Termites Destroy A House?
Estimating how quickly termites erode wood structures is challenging because there are many variables involved such as the type of wood, moisture level, the size of the infestation, and other factors. Keep in mind that termites often begin consuming wooden structures from the inside, which may result in this activity going unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years.
Why Do I Have Termite Infestation In My Home?
Subterranean termites will seek out wooden structures near the ground soil below. If your home has structural damage such as cracks or crevices near the foundation, this will allow for easier termite penetration and may make your home the perfect target for hungry termites.
How Do I Get Rid Of Termites In My Home?
The experienced pest management specialists at Womack Pest Control know how to stop termites from actively eroding wooden structures and the best practices for keeping termites away. We begin our termite control process by performing an inspection to reveal the extent of the termite infestation and help us decide the best treatment plan for your home. After our assessment, we will use Termidor® liquid barrier treatments to create a barrier between invading termites and your home. These treatments effectively eliminate active termite infestations and prevent future termite activity.
If you have a termite problem, you can count on the team at Womack Pest Control to solve it. To schedule your first treatment, get in touch with us today and put an end to your termite infestation!