Call Today (410) 312-7233

TERMITE IDENTIFICATION & PREVENTION

(Isoptera)
calendar

FREE QUOTE

Request Your Free, No Obligation Quote
Google logo

Average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 354 reviews. 4.8   

What are termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects and are responsible for causing more than 5 billion dollars worth of structural damage throughout the United States each year. To add insult to injury, the damage they cause is not something that most homeowners insurance companies will cover. Termites live together in large colonies, working together to feed and protect each other. They typically divide the members of their colony into different castes that perform specific jobs: workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
termite-closeup-in-wood

Some of the most common species of termites found living throughout our area of Greater Baltimore include:

Drywood termites
As their name suggests, drywood termites generally live in sound wood that has low moisture content. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require contact with soil and are not attracted to wet or decaying wood. Drywood termites live together in smaller colonies and work at a slower rate than subterranean termites. Although they live in small colonies, these termites are very efficient at what they do and are capable of causing significant damage to furniture, wooden beams and frames, and other wooden structures.

Eastern subterranean termites
The subterranean termite is the most widespread species living throughout the United States. These termites nest underneath the ground and move back and forth from their food source to their nests through mud tubes. These termites have very high moisture requirements and prefer to invade wood that is decaying or has been damaged by water.

Formosan termites
Formosan termites are subterranean termites that live in extremely large colonies; a single colony may have several millions of termites. The extreme size of their colonies causes these termites to be the most destructive species. Formosan termites cause significant structural damage within your home or business in as little as 6 months. They are unique in the fact that they can enter into structures either above ground or at ground level. Formosan termites create carton nests that allow them to nest above the ground while still maintaining their high moisture needs and enter structures through exterior walls, spaces around windows or doors, or the roof of your property.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites do not pose any physical or health threats to people, but they are responsible for causing significant and costly structural damage to homes and buildings that they invade. Termites are active in Central Maryland all throughout the year and have the potential to find their way into any home or business unnoticed. Termites can work for months or even years undetected, and it is typically only once their damage is noticed that their presence within your property is also discovered.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites are most often introduced onto your property when winged reproductive members emerge from a mature colony to find mates and create new colonies; this phenomenon is known as a termite swarm. If your property offers ample food sources and suitable nesting areas, it could become home to a termite infestation. Termites may also find their way onto your home or business from a neighboring property while foraging for food sources. Drywood termites are most often introduced into your home or commercial property through infested wooden furniture and other wooden structures that are brought inside from outdoors.

Where will I find termites?

Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites don’t live in the wood they are feeding on; they live in nests under the ground or, in the case of Formosan termites, in carton nests above ground. Their aerial nests are often found on the rooftops of buildings with flat roofs. When feeding on structural wood inside of your home or business, they are typically found in out-of-the-way locations like above ceilings, behind walls, and under floors. On the other hand, drywood termites do live and feed within the wooden structures they are feeding on. Wooden beams, furniture, picture frames, and siding all are places that drywood termites call home.

How do I get rid of termites?

To get rid of termites, we recommend contacting a pest control company that has the experience, knowledge, and tools required to completely eliminate the infestation. Phenom Pest Protection is a local, family-owned business committed to offering phenomenal service and results. We customize our treatment process to ensure your property’s specific needs are met. To learn more about our effective termite control services offered to your property throughout Greater Baltimore, contact Phenom Pest Protection today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:

Exterior tips

  • Clean gutters regularly to prevent water from backing up and seeping into your walls.

  • Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other debris from your property.

  • Repair loose or missing shingles, as well as any other roof damage.

  • Seal any cracks in the foundation of your property.

  • Fix leaky faucets, fixtures, and pipes.

  • Limit soil to wood contact around your home or business.

  • Place weather stripping around all windows and doors to help prevent water damage.

  • Create a barrier of rock or crushed stone between your property’s foundation and any mulch or soil.

Interior tips

  • Use dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners to reduce moisture levels on your property.

  • Make sure crawlspaces on your property are properly ventilated.

  • Remove water-damaged wood from your home or business.

  • Inspect newly purchased furniture and wooden items for signs of termite damage.

Got my first service done today and was happy to see that not only did I get a great deal, but they did everything they told me they were going to do, and they were right on time!! Heather did my service and she did a great job! Highly recommend this company if you like working with organized and reliable people who have a vision for growing a company through customer service! “PHENOMenal!!”

a happy customer in his home in fort worth texas

Matt B.

Phenom Pest Protection received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 354 reviews.

LATEST BLOGS

Stay informed about pests and pest related issues in your area!
A Mouse In The House: All About House Mice

A Mouse In The House: All About House Mice

Despite their adorably-large ears and fuzzy bodies, house mice are a nightmare to have in your home. They chew through all kinds of household materials, spread disease, contaminate surfaces, steal our food — but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. These rodents are one...

What Frederick Homeowners Need to Know About Ants

What Frederick Homeowners Need to Know About Ants

Discovering an ant colony in your home can seem insignificant, especially when ants aren’t known to cause the same degree of damage as rodents or termites.  What homeowners need to know about ants is that they can still cause significant damage to your property – and...

Professional Pest Solutions: Eradicating Mosquitoes in Baltimore

Professional Pest Solutions: Eradicating Mosquitoes in Baltimore

Mosquitoes are an unavoidable nuisance – whether you’re trying to relish a serene evening in your backyard or create a comfortable, pest-free environment for your customers.  In Baltimore and surrounding Maryland suburbs, mosquito activity typically peaks during the...

REQUEST YOUR FREE QUOTE

Are you an existing customer?