Termite Control In Baltimore MD

Are There Termites In Baltimore MD?

Yes. Subterranean termites threaten homeowners across the country, as they’re found in every state in the US except Alaska. Subterranean termites can cause the most damage of any termite species. These termites build distinctive tunnels, often referred to as “mud tubes,” to reach their food sources and protect themselves from open air. They eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. Over time, subterranean termites can critically damage a building structure, sometimes causing a total collapse.

Subterranean termite infestations can occur on the inside or exterior of the home. There are several telltale signs of a termite infestation. One sign is the presence of mud tubes on the exterior of the home. Mud tubes look like long tunnels made of wood and soil, which the termites construct to protect them from drying out as they travel. Other signs of a subterranean termite infestation include soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped, darkening or blistering of wood structures, uneven or bubbling paint, and small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest. Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills also indicate that termite swarmers have entered and infested the home.

Are Termites Common In Baltimore MD?

Wherever there is wood on Baltimore properties, there can be a termite problem. Each year, termites are responsible for an estimated five billion dollars worth of damage to homes in the U.S. These issues develop in roughly 600,000 homes across the country, and Baltimore properties are no exception to the rule. Something as simple as having yard debris, mulch too close to a building’s foundation, or having unrecognized water damage is enough to draw termites inside. While this is most likely to take place during the warmer months, once termites enter a structure, they are a year-round problem because of their insatiable appetite for wood.

As a locally-owned, family owned and operated business, Miche Pest Control knows firsthand how disastrous the termites in Baltimore can be, which is why we provide property owners with the most comprehensive termite control around. Our highly trained pest experts begin with meticulous inspections in order to understand the scope of an infestation or how one can be prevented. If termite activity is detected, we spot treat any damage as well as live activity. From there, we install the Sentricon System, which is designed to work throughout the year to keep termites at bay. For more information on termite control that works, contact Miche Pest Control today.

Identifying Termites In Baltimore

Because of the location of their colonies, Baltimore residents may have termites and never even see them. Termite activity is often relegated to foundations, walls, and the far reaches of any other wooden structures on your property. That said, here are the most common termite species you’re likely to encounter and how to identify them:

• Subterranean. Generally found in and around foundations, the subterranean termite is a milky white color and has pronounced antennae.
• Dampwood. Typically attracted to wood that has been made vulnerable due to water damage or fungus, the dampwood termite soldiers have a yellowish-brown gradation color while the swarmers have jagged wings and are a darker reddish-brown.
• Drywood. The drywood swarmer has even, metallic-colored wings, while the soldier is wingless, brown and cream-colored, and has large pincers.

No matter the type of termite you’re dealing with, Miche Pest Control has the solution for you. We provide Baltimore property owners with all-encompassing termite control solutions that are geared at removing any activity present as well as preventing termites from returning to your property. We use the Sentricon Termite Baiting System, which speeds up the removal process while also proactively keeping new termites away. Don’t leave termite control to chance; contact us today for more information.

How To Identify Termite Infestations On Your Baltimore, MD Property

The word termite strikes fear into the hearts of property owners. These unwanted pests cause expensive damage and are almost impossible to detect before the problem has gotten out of hand. For the most part, these insects stay out of sight and do damage deep within the structure of your home or business. They exist within a caste system, and only once a colony is well established, alates or reproductive termites swarm to search for a place to build a sister colony. If you see reproductives in your home, you should contact a professional immediately as you have a well-developed termite infestation. 

Aside from spotting reproductive termites, there are some other signs of an infestation that you will find if you take the time to look: 

• Mud tubes: Termites cannot survive in the light, so they build protective tubes to connect their colony to their nest. These will likely be around the foundation of your home.
• Frass: Termites will push small piles of waste out of the wood they're eating. It resembles small piles of sawdust.
• Hollow sounding wood: Termites eat the cellulose in wood and will hollow out beams or other support structures.
• Drumming or tapping within your walls: If you listen closely, soldier termites will make noise when they detect a threat to their colony.
• Buckling ceilings or door frames: Termites produce excess moisture causing ceilings or drywall to buckle over time.

In the end, if you're concerned about a possible termite infestation, it's best to contact a professional. Our experienced and licensed technicians know how to look for a termite infestation. After an inspection, if we verify that you do have an infestation on your hands, we will work with you to come up with a termite control solution that eliminates termites completely. Don't try to tackle termites alone. Reach out to the professionals at Miche today.

3 Things Homeowners In Baltimore MD Should Know About Termites

Termites are destructive pests that unfortunately thrive in our area of the country. These wood-eating pests will cause extensive damage to your property. They will sustain their large colonies by eating away at the structural integrity of your home or business. Though termite infestations are often impossible to prevent, certain measures can help you make your home or business less appetizing. Furthermore, there are tell-tale signs of infestation, and if you recognize them in or around your home or business, you need to contact a professional immediately.

Here are three tips to help you recognize and avoid a termite infestation:

1. Termites enter into structures through spaces only 1/16th of an inch, allowing them to enter inside of almost any structure they come across.
2. Termite swarmers or winged reproductive termites swarm from a mature colony to find a mate and create a new colony. A termite swarm is a clear indication of a termite infestation in a home or business. However, it can take 4-10 years for this to occur.
3. Termites are attracted to moisture and thus seek out decaying or water-damaged wood.

To prevent problems with termites, it is important to reduce excess moisture in or around your home, seal all entry points into your home, and partner with Miche Pest Control. By working together, we will keep destructive termites from choosing your home as their next food source. Contact us today to learn more about our termite control services.

Learn About Subterranean Termites, The Kind Of Termites Most Commonly Found In Baltimore MD

Subterranean termites are a species of termite that nest underneath the ground. Termites are social insects and have a complex social structure. They live together in very large colonies and the members of the colony are divided into castes. Which caste a termite is part of will determine what they look like and what job they perform. Workers make up the majority of the colony. They have soft, white bodies, are blind and wingless, and grow to about 1/4 of an inch in length. Worker termites are responsible for gathering food. Soldiers have short legs and elongated, yellow-colored heads. Soldiers use their powerful jaws to defend the colony. The reproductive members (queens and kings) are the largest termites of the colony. They are dark brown to black in color, and are the only members of the colony that have wings.

Termites feed on wood and other organic items that are made of cellulose. Their diet is very beneficial in nature, as they help to feed on and break down decaying wood and other organic matter. Termites leave their nests and travel underground, or through mud tubes that they have created to forage for food. While out foraging for food, it is common for termites to find their way inside of homes. Termites move inside through cracks in the foundation, or through wood that comes into contact with soil such as porch steps, wooden trim, and wooden shingles. Once inside, termites will invade the structural wood found behind walls voids, under floors, and above ceilings in order to gather food for their colony. Termites can work unnoticed for months, or even years. Unfortunately, it is usually that once their damages are realized that the infestation is discovered.

Preventing problems with termites can be difficult, but the following tips can keep them away from your property and out of your home or business. Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other organic debris from your property. Termites are moisture seeking pests. Use dehumidifiers, properly ventilate crawlspaces, and remove water damaged wood from your building to help reduce moisture levels. Additionally, maintain your home’s gutters, place weather stripping around windows and doors, and fix leaky pipes or fixtures. Limit soil-to-wood contact on your property, and seal cracks in the foundation. It is also a good idea to leave a barrier between your home’s foundation and any soil or mulch.