Termites are known as "silent destroyers" because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. There are about 2,000 known termite species in the world. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage. The Eastern subterranean termites are common in Maryland, and are the most destructive kind of termite. They can eat a lot of wood and they can cause a lot of expensive damage to a house! They can destroy building foundations, wooden support beams, plastic plumbing pipes, sub-flooring, insulation … even swimming pool liners and filtration systems! Termites can also injure or destroy living trees and shrubs.
We offer termite inspections as a service for your convenience. We use trained professionals to inspect and identify not only termites but other wood destroying insects (W.D.I.) such as: carpenter ants and powder post beetles. This will include the documentation necessary to satisfy your lender or an estimate to exterminate them right away. The Termite Inspection includes:
A very thorough inspection of the home for evidence of an infestation
1 year warranty that covers the cost of treatment when no evidence of activity is found
Detailed plan for treatment if evidence of activity is found
Extremely competitive price for treatment if needed
Report delivered the next business day
Termite Inspections(FREE with the purchase of a Certified Letter)
A house with damage from termites often looks the same as any other house on the surface. Termites can build nests hidden inside walls, causing damage for years before it becomes apparent. Termite control experts are trained to spot signs of termite activity, potentially before the colony has damaged the wood inside a home.
If a termite infestation is unnoticed and untreated for many years, a home can suffer significant damage. In some cases, this damage can be easily mistaken for water damage. Termite inspectors can discern between structural
damage caused by water or wood-destroying insects – including termites, carpenter ants and beetles.
STRUCTURAL TERMITE DAMAGE
Damage from termites can range from minor, superficial damage to major structural damage that can cause ceilings or floors to collapse. Early detection of termite infestations is crucial to minimize the risk and cost of repairing termite damage. Annual inspections by a trained termite professional can help you detect signs of activity, some of which may not be easily visible.
PREVENTING TERMITE DAMAGE AND PROTECTING YOUR HOME
Protecting your home from termites requires a professional. A pest control expert is trained to find signs of termite activity that can be overlooked by most homeowners. Experts also understand the behavior of different types of termites as it affects control, including where in the country each species is active, where they are likely to build nests and where they are likely to seek entry into your home.
Knowledge of termite biology and behavior and different home construction types is key to halting and preventing infestations.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME?
Since termite activity can be difficult to detect, do not wait until you see signs of activity to schedule a termite inspection. Regular termite inspections are a routine part of proper home maintenance, particularly in warmer parts of the U.S. where termites are most active.
Subterranean termites feed exclusively on wood materials and have strict moisture requirements. With these characteristics in mind, a lot can be done to prevent an infestation by eliminating the food and moisture resources in their environment. Listed below are a few practical ways to prevent termite infestation by modifying their habitat.
Repair structural and plumbing leaks.
Pull all mulch and landscaping back at least 6 inches from the foundation.
Remove piles of trash and debris from around the home.
Remove dead tree stumps from the yard.
Keep firewood stacked away from the structure.
Make sure downspouts are long enough to direct water away from the foundation.
Keep gutters clean.
Avoid direct wood-to-ground contact when building porches or decks.
Siding, brick veneer, or foam insulation should not extend below the soil grade.
Cover at least 90% of the soil in crawl spaces with plastic sheeting.
Ideally, wood siding, stucco and foam board should be at least six inches away from the ground.
Seal all cracks and holes in your home's foundation, which may provide a handy access point for termites.
And never, ever bring any mulch into your home or garage!