Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage annually, making them the single most expensive pest to deal with in Maryland.
While there are several types of termites in Maryland, subterranean termites are the most common and destructive. Subterranean termites will eat wood for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, placing no cap on the amount of destruction they can cause to your property.
Because subterranean termites spend much of their time underground, many people don’t even realize they have a termite infestation until they have already caused significant damage to their property.
This guide will help you quickly identify subterranean termite presence in your Maryland property and provide seven ways to get rid of them once and for all so that you can protect your home from catastrophic damage.
How Common Are Subterranean Termites in Maryland?
Subterranean termites are extremely common throughout Maryland and are responsible for the vast majority of termite damage across the state. Maryland’s humid summers and mild winters create the perfect environment for these moisture-loving pests to thrive.
Homes with older wooden structures, damp basements, or built near forests are at greater threat for subterranean termites, though they can even strike in urban areas.
Unlike drywood termites, subterranean termites live in underground colonies that can contain hundreds of thousands of workers. They build mud tubes to travel safely between their nests and your home, allowing them to access wooden structures without exposure to sunlight or air.
Because they work quietly and out of sight, infestations often go unnoticed until significant structural damage has occurred.
If you live in Maryland, it’s important to assume termites are nearby, even if you haven’t seen signs yet. Regular inspections and long-term monitoring are key to early detection and prevention.
How to Identify Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are small, soft-bodied insects that range in color from creamy white to dark brown or black, depending on their caste (workers, soldiers, or swarmers).
Workers are pale and wingless, soldiers have large heads with strong jaws, and swarmers—or “alates”—are darker in color and have two pairs of equal-length wings.
During the spring, you may see swarmers emerging from soil or wood near your home’s foundation, which are obvious signs of a nearby colony.
Spotting the Signs of a Termite Infestation
One of the biggest indicators of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes inside your home. Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels that termites build using dirt and wood to protect themselves and connect their colonies.
Mud tubes are often found under window sills and porches and should only be removed by a pest control professional.
You may also notice wood damage or peeling paint on your home, another common sign of termites. Termites produce moisture when they eat, and this moisture can cause paint to bubble and peel.
They also feed on the cellulose fibers in wood, which can cause damage to your porch, window sills, or siding of your home.
Once you spot the signs of a termite infestation in your house, the question becomes: How do you get rid of subterranean termites?
How to Get Rid of Subterranean Termites in Maryland
1. Termiticides
Termiticides provide one of the most effective ways to eliminate termites. These professional-grade solutions bait and destroy termite colonies at the source.
Termiticides come in liquid and foam forms. Once they dry, they remain safe for humans and pets. The treatment forms a protective barrier around your home that termites cannot cross without being exposed.
Licensed pest control professionals should apply termiticides to ensure complete coverage and safety. Acting quickly prevents structural damage because termites spread fast. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the protection for your home.
2. Call a Professional
Removing subterranean termites requires professional expertise. Maryland homeowners may want to handle the problem themselves, but termite infestations demand specialized tools and training.
Contact a reputable pest control company like Pest Czar as soon as you suspect termites or notice any damage around your home.
A licensed technician will inspect the property, identify the infestation source, and apply the correct treatment to eliminate termites quickly and prevent their return.
3. Boric Acid
Homeowners who choose to handle termites themselves can use a few effective products, but correct application is essential for results.
Boric acid remains one of the most popular and least harmful termite treatments. It kills termites by dehydrating their bodies and disrupting their nervous systems. This process makes boric acid a reliable option for smaller infestations.
Apply boric acid by spraying it into cracks and crevices along floors, walls, and ceilings where termites travel. Consistent application helps reduce activity, but professional inspection ensures long-term protection.
4. Termite Barriers
Termite barriers can be effective as a treatment and preventative measure. There are two types of barriers you need to be aware of:
- Chemical Barriers: A chemically-treated zone surrounding the perimeter of a home that prevents termites from entering your house.
- Physical Barriers: A moisture barrier that is installed around the perimeter of a home and prevents termites from coming onto your property.
5. Termite Tarps
Termite tarps, also known as fumigation tarps, are placed over a home before fumigation. These help to contain the fumigant as it spreads through the home to kill any termites that may have infested a residence.
Termite tarps are rarely used for subterranean termites and can only be used by professionals.
6. Nematodes
Nematodes, or roundworms, are worms that are introduced to nests for the sole purpose of killing the termites. While nematodes are thin and microscopic, they are extremely effective in killing termites and have been used as a reliable form of pest control for years.
7. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is commonly used to remove unwanted material from drinking water, but uit can also be used to kill termites? To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it near areas where you suspect termites, and wait for them to crawl over it.
This method kills termites by dehydrating them through penetration of their exoskeleton.
For the most part, DIY termite treatment methods are fairly ineffective unless left in the hands of a professional. Instead, homeowners can take control of an infestation by preventing termites in the first place.
How to Prevent Termites from Returning
1. Conduct Termite Inspections
Conducting routine termite inspections is an important way to prevent termites from returning to your home.
A trusted pest control specialist like Pest Czar will be able to inspect your home by looking in places where termites commonly congregate and determine whether you have an active infestation or if you are at risk of one developing.
2. Invest in the Sentricon System
The Sentricon System is a popular and effective method for exterminating termites. The system works by placing bait stations in the ground outside of your home in order to lure termites.
The termites will then unknowingly carry a poisonous substance back to their colony and spread it to the other termites, killing them all.
Our Czar Guard plan offers the Sentricon System and can be purchased at a few different price levels depending on your unique budget and needs.
3. Be Wary of Mulch
Be careful when laying down mulch outside of your home, as mulch spread over three feet deep can attract termites by creating an inviting environment for them.
Termites can burrow into deep layers of mulch to protect themselves from harsh weather, allowing them to make their way into your home.
4. Inspect Wood Constantly
Be sure to regularly inspect any wood in and around your home for signs of termite damage. If you notice your wood looking damaged or unusual, reach out to a trusted pest control professional as soon as possible.
5. Seal Cracks
Use caulk or foam sealant on any cracks or crevices in your home to prevent termites from entering.
While this is not an entirely foolproof method, you should regularly check for any possible entryways into your home and seal them to lower your chances of termites finding their way inside.
6. Eliminate Excess Moisture
If you live in a humid region, using a dehumidifier is a great way to eliminate excess moisture and prevent termites from entering your home.
Turning on the air conditioning during the hot summer months can also help to eliminate excess moisture in your home to prevent termites.
7. Clean Gutters and Yard Debris
Cleaning your gutters and removing yard debris is another good way to prevent termites from returning to your home. Any excess water or moist, softened wood around your home can attract termites, so keeping these areas as clean as possible is important.
The Importance of Long-Term Termite Monitoring in Maryland
Eliminating an existing termite colony is only half the battle; keeping termites away for good requires long-term monitoring and prevention. Maryland’s climate makes it easy for new colonies to form even after treatment, so ongoing protection is essential to avoid re-infestation.
Professional termite monitoring systems, such as Sentricon®, use strategically placed bait stations around your property to continuously detect and eliminate termite activity.
These systems are designed to attract termites before they reach your home, ensuring early intervention and long-term peace of mind.
In addition to protecting your investment, regular monitoring helps catch any new activity before it causes expensive structural damage. Most pest control companies in Maryland offer annual or quarterly termite monitoring plans, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars over time.
Termite damage isn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance, so staying proactive is the best way to protect your home and avoid costly repairs.
If you suspect you may be dealing with a subterranean termite infestation, contact Pest Czarl immediately. Ignoring the problem or waiting to seek treatment will only make the infestation worse, so it is important to act quickly when dealing with termites.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to get rid of subterranean termites in Maryland?
The fastest and most reliable method is professional termiticide treatment. Licensed exterminators apply liquid or foam barriers around your foundation that kill termites on contact and stop new colonies from forming. Acting quickly prevents costly structural damage.
Can Maryland homeowners treat subterranean termites on their own?
DIY treatments like boric acid or diatomaceous earth can reduce termite activity, but they rarely eliminate entire colonies. Because subterranean termites live deep underground, professional inspection and treatment ensure full eradication and prevent them from returning.
What are the early signs of a subterranean termite infestation?
Common signs include mud tubes near your foundation, bubbling or peeling paint, soft or hollow wood, and discarded wings from swarmers. If you see any of these signs, schedule an inspection immediately to confirm activity before serious damage occurs.
How do professionals treat subterranean termites?
Professionals use a mix of termiticides, baiting systems like Sentricon®, and moisture control. They locate the colony, apply treatments that eliminate workers and queens, and set up ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term protection.
How can I prevent termites from returning after treatment?
Regular termite inspections, sealing foundation cracks, reducing moisture, and cleaning gutters all help. Installing bait systems or chemical barriers creates year-round protection. Many Maryland pest control companies offer quarterly termite monitoring plans for added security.
Are subterranean termites common in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland’s humid summers and mild winters create ideal conditions for subterranean termites. They thrive in damp soil and attack both old and new homes. Preventive treatment is essential for homeowners statewide, especially those with wood-based structures.
What’s the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
Subterranean termites live underground and enter homes through mud tubes, while drywood termites live inside wood itself. Subterranean colonies are larger and more destructive, making them responsible for most termite damage in Maryland.
Are termiticides safe for my family and pets?
Once termiticides dry, they are safe for both humans and pets. Professional exterminators use EPA-approved products and follow strict safety guidelines to ensure your home remains protected without exposing your family to harmful residues.
How much does subterranean termite treatment cost in Maryland?
Most Maryland homeowners spend $500 to $2,500 for professional termite treatment, depending on the property size and severity of infestation. Preventive plans cost less long-term by avoiding expensive repairs later.
How often should I schedule termite inspections?
You should schedule annual termite inspections at a minimum. In high-risk areas or older homes, consider biannual inspections to detect new colonies early. Ongoing monitoring systems like Sentricon® provide continuous protection between visits.