Does termite damage worry you?
If it does, you’re not alone.
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency says termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage every year.
The problem is many people don’t even know termites are there until it’s too late. No one wants to think that these pests are silently feasting on their home: their biggest investment. This is why termite inspections are so important.
Let’s look at some facts about termites in Maryland, why termite inspection is necessary, and what termite treatment involves.
What To Know About Termites
Termites can be tricky. The best way to prevent them is to be on alert for them.
The problem? Termites rarely emerge from the dirt or the mud tubes they use to travel and tunnel to your home, which is why they are hard to see. Most Maryland residents don’t even know they have termites until they see a swarm of them or they see the damage they cause.
Why Termites Swarm
These pests swarm to divide and conquer. In other words, that’s how they start new colonies. Swarms are triggered by warmer weather and rain in April and May, when winged termites fly into the air and then drop to the ground, shed their wings and find a mate, beginning a new colony in the soil.
If you see a termite swarm emerge next to your home’s foundation or from a porch or patio, there’s probably a good chance your home could be infested as well.
But there’s one big problem with termite swarms: Flying termites tend to look like flying ants, which swarm at a similar time. There are slight differences between the two pests, but typically it takes a professional eye to see them.
Signs of Termite Damage
If you miss the window for swarms and suspect an infestation, you could also look for termite damage.
Mud tubes are big giveaways that you might have termites. These pencil-thick tubes usually extend over foundation walls or support beams. Termites build mud tubes so they have shelter as they travel between their underground colonies and your home to find wood to eat.
You might also be able to look at your wood. Termite-damaged wood is usually hollowed out and possibly crumbling, which means if you push on it with your thumb it might cave in because it’s eaten out.
Important Reasons to Get a Termite Inspection
Unfortunately, there’s not always a clear indication you have a termite infestation. They can go undetected for years, hidden behind walls, insulation, and other obstructions. This is why professional termite inspections are so important for your Maryland home.
Not sure you need one? These reasons may change your mind.
Termite Damage Can Cost You A Lot
People encourage termite inspections because termite damage can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
In fact, a subterranean termite colony can eat an estimated 15 pounds of wood in just one week. Imagine if those are the support beams that keep your house intact.
Also, many home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage if structural damage results.
Termites Love to Hide
They aren’t called silent destroyers for nothing. You could be peacefully watching your favorite sitcom and have no idea termites are munching away on your wood.
This is why termite inspections are crucial to have before you move into a new home or notice any signs of termites in or around your home.
The perk is that many companies like Natural Green Systems Lawn & Pest offer free termite inspections unless it’s a detailed inspection required for a home sale.
What Does Termite Control Involve?
You can treat your home for termites any time of year.
And termite control is a pretty extensive process. It involves knowledge of building construction so professionals can check common areas that termites prefer.
Termite control also utilizes specialized equipment, including large capacity spray tanks and long rods for injecting the soil with a treatment product. Natural Green uses a trench and rod approach for termite control. In this process, we trench around the exterior of the home and inject insecticide by the foundation to create a barrier so termites won’t come back in. Those that hit the barrier are met with insecticide.
Do-it-yourself products available at hardware stores may be useful on small termite infestations, such as a mailbox post. But home infestations are usually best tackled by professionals to stop the damage and keep termites from coming back.
Then, annual termite inspections are vital to maintain that termite barrier.
Trust Natural Green to Help You Control Termites in Central and Southern Maryland
Suspect termites are silently and slowly eating through your highly valued structures?
Get a free termite inspection and ease your mind. Hiring a reputable pest control firm that employs experienced and conscientious technicians can eliminate your worries … and your termites.
When termite control is a priority, you want to make the right choice so that you can win the battle against these pests. That’s what we want, too.
We want you to be able to relax in your home. Give us a call today and we’ll bring our proven termite control experience and create a custom plan for your Central and Southern Maryland home. Get started today with a free quote.
