Termites are among the most destructive household pests, causing billions of dollars in property damage in the US annually. Unfortunately, Maryland is home to several species of termites, with the subterranean termite being the most popular and destructive.
Termites are notorious for causing untold household damage, but many people are surprised that discovering an infestation can take months or years.
Educating yourself about termites will prepare you to deal with them, including learning how to prevent and eliminate them.
Whether you’re currently dealing with an active termite infestation or simply want to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your home from these pests, here are ten facts about termites all Maryland homeowners should know.
1. Termites Can Be Active Year-Round
Unlike certain other types of pests, termites are active year-round. While they may slow down in colder climates or colder months of the year, they do not hibernate and continue to chew through wood and build their colonies.
2. Most Homeowners Don’t Know They Have Termites Until It’s Too Late
Termites can be incredibly hard to detect unless you’re looking for them, and many homeowners don’t even realize they have a termite problem until it’s too late. Because of this, it is important to arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look for when it comes to a possible termite infestation, and what to do if one is discovered.
3. Termites Cause $5 Billion in Damage Annually
Termites indeed cause billions of dollars in damage annually, which can be a huge headache for a homeowner who discovers their house has been invaded by termites. If left unchecked, termite damage could range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. This also does not factor in the cost of eliminating the problem.
4. Termites Are Among the Most Expensive Pests to Treat and Prevent
Unfortunately, there is more bad news–aside from bed bugs, termites are by far the most expensive pest to treat.
While the cost of pest control services can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the type of treatment used, most homeowners can expect to pay at least several hundred dollars to treat an active infestation, and often even more than that.
5. Swarmers Are a Red Flag of an Established Colony
Seeing termite swarmers in your home is never a good sign, as it usually indicates an active infestation or one forming on the cusp.
Termite swarmers leave their colonies to mate and establish new colonies, so if you see a swarmer in your home, it is imperative that you seek pest control services right away to protect your home from a future infestation.
6. Termites Can Eat Through More Than Just Wood
Yes, termites can eat through more than just wood. Termites are attracted to a wide range of cellulose-based materials, including cardboard, paper products, and even plant roots.
7. Homeowners’ Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover Termite Damage
Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover termite damage. This is because most insurance companies consider termite damage to be a sign of gradual deterioration rather than sudden, unavoidable damage that the homeowner couldn’t prevent.
You could end up on the hook for all of these repairs if you don’t take action to stop an infestation.
8. There Are 2,000 Termite Species Globally
While termite research is ongoing, it is believed that there are over 2,000 termite species globally. Maryland is home to over a dozen termite species, with the most common being the subterranean termite.
9. Mud Tubes Are a Key Warning Sign
Seeing mud tubes on your home is a huge warning sign of a termite infestation. Termites build mud tubes as a way to connect colonies and travel safely without being seen by predators. Track these tubes to find the source of a colony and use a strong insecticide as a first defense against these critters.
10. DIY Treatments Are Rarely Effective Against Termites
It might be tempting to try to handle a termite problem yourself, but most over-the-counter solutions just don’t cut it. Termites are notoriously hard to eliminate completely, often hiding deep within walls, floors, and foundations.
Without the proper tools and expertise, it’s easy to miss the source of the infestation. For a long-term solution, it’s best to call in a professional exterminator who knows exactly how to root them out and keep them from coming back.
Treating the problem is just the first step–in many cases, we recommend ongoing monitoring to ensure that termites don’t return to your home.
Why Are Termites Dangerous?
The biggest risk factor associated with termites is the damage they cause to homes and wooden structures. As termites chew through wood, they weaken it and can cost homeowners tons of money in repairs.
While termites are not known to carry diseases that are harmful to humans, their presence can cause fungal growth and may even release dust that can trigger allergies and asthma in some people. Because of this, a termite infestation should always be addressed as soon as it is discovered.
Why Termite Prevention Is Recommended for Most Properties
A majority of homes built in Maryland use a lumber frame that is susceptible to termite infestations.
Any home can be invaded by termites, regardless of age or construction materials. Because of this, termite prevention is recommended for most homes as a way to decrease your chances of encountering an infestation.
Not only are termites expensive to eliminate, but repairs can total in the thousands of dollars. Therefore, the best and most cost-effective way to eliminate termites is to prevent them in the first place.
For effective termite prevention in Maryland, contact the pros at Pest Czar to inquire about our monthly pest control plans and Sentricon add-ons.
FAQs
How do I know if I have termites or just ants?
Termites and ants are commonly confused with one another due to their similar appearances, but there are a few key differences to note. Termites have a straight waist and straight antennae, while ants have a narrow waist and bent antennae.
The front wings of an ant are also longer than their hind wings, which can be used to tell the difference between the two.
What do termite swarmers look like?
Termite swarmers have dark brown or black bodies and straight antennae, and four wings of equal size and shape.
What are the most common signs of a termite infestation?
Some of the most common signs of a termite infestation include seeing discarded insect wings, spotting live or dead termites, seeing mud tubes, and finding frass (termite droppings).