Termites are responsible for over $5 billion in structural damage each year across the United States.
Maryland is home to subterranean termites and drywood termites, two of the most destructive termites in the entire world.
The biggest problem with termites is that they often operate silently for months or years, chewing away at the critical framing of your home before they are caught.
Over the course of a year, a colony of 60,000 termites can completely consume one two-foot 2×4 piece of lumber—the average termite colony in Maryland numbers over 300,000 workers.
Early detection is essential, as well as prevention. However, termites can also return to the same colony, requiring complete eradication to ensure your home is protected.
This guide will discuss ways to identify and eliminate termites before they destroy your property.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Looking out for early signs of a termite infestation can help you catch a colony early and prevent further damage before significant repairs are required. Some telltale signs of termite activity include:
- Wood Damage: Termites often cause damage to the wood in your home, which can be identified by bubbling paint, buckling wood, and small pinholes in drywall.
- Mud Tubes: Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels built by termites to travel to different colonies. You can usually spot these on the siding of your house or near basements/crawl spaces.
- Discarded Wings: If you see discarded insect wings around the house, this could be a sure sign of a termite problem.
- Sticking Windows & Doors: Termites produce moisture when they feed, which can cause your windows and doors to stick together.
- Swarmers: Swarmers are often mistaken for ants, but these flying insects are actually termites that have left their colonies to find mates and build new colonies.
A professional termite inspection can accurately determine if an active termite colony is present and the extent of damage already caused.
How to Identify Termites
Termites are commonly mistaken for carpenter ants or other small insects, so it is important to be able to identify them if you suspect an infestation in your home. Termites typically fit the following description:
- ¼ to ½ of an inch long
- Straight antennae
- Range in color from white to dark brown
- Kings and queens are larger
- Swarmers have wings
Subterranean termites live underground and rely on soil moisture, while drywood termites infest wood above ground without soil contact. Knowing which species you’re dealing with determines the treatment approach.
Can I Get Rid of Termites On My Own?
DIY termite control is never recommended, as termites are notoriously difficult to kill and many tend to hide in places that are difficult to detect. Furthermore, termites often return to previous colonies, so eliminating attractants is also an essential part of getting rid of termites.
One of the few effective products for treating termites available at a big box store is Borax, but it’s only effective at eliminating termites on contact and can’t address the root of the problem.
Most name-brand termiticides are effective at killing these insects, but are not guaranteed to wipe out a colony.
A professional not only provides effective and safe treatments for your home, but they can also perform inspections to see whether termites are eliminated in their entirety.
Subterranean Termite Treatments
When it comes to eliminating subterranean termites, the Sentricon System is one of the most commonly used and effective methods.
The Sentricon System works by placing baits in the ground in order to lure termites.
Once the termites find the bait, they will unknowingly carry poison back to their colony, killing the other termites.
Our Czar Guard home maintenance plan offers the Sentricon System at different price points, so you can choose a plan that works for you!
Drywood Termite Treatments
Drywood termites are most commonly found on the West Coast but have occasionally damaged homes as far away as Maryland. These termites are typically found in wooden furniture, such as cabinets and chairs, making them easier to spot.
Fumigation is the most common method to eliminate dry wood termites with the use of termite tarps.
Termite tarps are placed over a home or building to help contain the fumigant as it spreads to kill any termites on the property.
Fumigation can only be performed by pest control professionals and is extremely effective at eliminating drywood termites.
Termite Prevention Tips
When it comes to treating termites and other pests, prevention is always the best method. Here are some easy termite prevention tips for your home.
- Conduct regular termite inspections
- Seal open cracks and crevices in your home
- Get rid of excess moisture
- Regularly inspect your wood
- Don’t use too much mulch outside of your home
- Clean your yard and gutters often
The most effective prevention strategy combines physical barriers, moisture control, and professional monitoring.
Why Long-Term Monitoring and Bait Stations Are Essential
One-time termite treatments are rarely enough, as colonies can re-establish from nearby soil, neighboring properties, or previously undetected satellite nests.
Long-term monitoring systems, such as bait stations, intercept termites before they reach the structure. Termites feed on the bait and carry it back to the colony, eliminating it at the source. Continuous monitoring ensures new activity is detected early, before damage occurs.
This approach shifts termite control from reaction to prevention, providing year-round protection rather than short-term relief.
FAQs
How fast do termites cause damage?
Termites can begin damaging wood immediately after establishing a colony, and structural damage can become serious within a few years if left untreated.
Can termites be completely eliminated?
Yes, but only if the entire colony is destroyed. Partial treatments often lead to reinfestation.
Are termite bait stations safe for pets and children?
Yes. Bait systems are installed underground and designed to be inaccessible to pets and people.
Do termites come back after treatment?
They can if monitoring isn’t maintained. Long-term protection requires ongoing inspections or bait systems.
What essential oils keep termites away?
Termites are known to dislike the smell of orange oil, cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil, so diffusing these oils in your home might be worth a shot if you’re dealing with a termite infestation.
How many years does it take for termites to destroy your house?
On average, it can take 3 to 5 years for termite damage to become visible in a home. In 5 to 6 years, termites could cause significant damage to a home’s structure, costing homeowners thousands in repairs.
How Long Does It Take for Termites to Destroy a House?
Significant structural damage can occur within 5 to 8 years, depending on colony size, wood availability, and moisture conditions. This is why waiting for visible damage is risky and expensive. Early detection and ongoing monitoring drastically reduce repair costs.
Is termite damage covered by homeowners’ insurance?
Typically no. Most policies exclude termite damage because it’s considered preventable.