Maryland is not only home to a variety of termite species, but it is also home to the most destructive species of termite. If you notice strange-looking mud structures outside of your home, you should call a Rockville pest control specialist as soon as possible. When it comes to termite infestations, Womack Pest Control understands the importance of early intervention. Here is a look at the most effective way to get rid of the termites around your home.
The First Signs Of A Termite Problem
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in this area. As their name suggests, they live primarily underground. If this type of termite invades your property, some of the different signs that you can expect to see include:
- Rough or blistered wood
- Wooden surfaces that are suddenly brittle or soft
- Paint that is peeling or bubbling
- Long tubes made of mud and will usually travel up the exterior walls of your home
When a termite colony becomes large, a group of reproductive termites, called alates, will leave the nest to go find a mate. These winged termites are able to fly and are sometimes referred to as "swarmer termites" because they will swarm around various areas while looking for a mate. Once they have found a mate, the male and female reproductive termites will shed their wings and start a colony of their own. If you see these flying termites or their discarded wings around your home, you should have your property inspected for termites by a professional as soon as possible.
With Time, Termites Will Cause Extensive Damage To Your Home
Subterranean termites live in large colonies that can contain over 100,000 termites. When you have that many termites using their saw-like jaws to eat away at the wood in your home, your home could sustain significant damage. Some of the damage you may notice could include buckling floors, siding damage, and even sagging ceilings.
On the bright side, it usually takes several months, if not years, before homeowners will notice extreme damage that could affect the structural integrity of the home. However, because these small insects are rarely out in the open, it can take months before you notice that you have a termite infestation. This is why it is so important to contact a professional termite control company at the first sign of termites.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is Less Than Effective
Eliminating a termite infestation is almost completely impossible if you are not trained to handle this type of infestation. The first reason why DIY termite control fails is due to a lack of resources. The average person will not have access to the products or equipment needed to eliminate all termites successfully.
Also, many of the store-bought products will actually make the infestation worse. Instead of killing the termites, many of these will make the termites retreat deeper into their nest. While they are waiting for the threat to go away, they will continue to reproduce, which means you will soon have more termites on your property.
You'll Need Professional Assistance To Get Rid Of Termites
If you see termites or termite damage around your home, the only way to get rid of these pesky bugs is to call a professional. At Womack Pest Control, we have the skills and tools to eliminate every termite around your Rockville property completely. Give us a call today to schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate!