Termite Control In Washington DC

Are There Termites In Washington DC?

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.

Identifying Termites In DC

Because of the location of their colonies, DC 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 termites. Generally found in and around foundations, the subterranean termite is a milky white color and has pronounced antennae.
• Dampwood termites. 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 termites. 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 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 termite removal process while also proactively keeping new termites away. Don’t leave termite control to chance; contact us today for more information.

Learn About Subterranean Termites, The Kind Of Termite Most Commonly Found In Washington DC

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.

Can Termite Damage In Washington DC Be Avoided?

Termites are widely-known for being destructive pests that can eat through the wooden structure of your property. These small, wood-eating pests are of the most common wood-destroying organisms found in the United States, which is why it’s important to implement prevention measures around your Washington DC property to avoid attracting termites. Use these helpful termite prevention tips to keep termites away from your home or business:

• Minimize moisture around your property by clearing debris out of your gutters, removing water-damaged wood, and fixing leaky pipes.
• Get rid of logs, stumps, fallen trees, and other decaying wooden materials that could attract termites. 
• Find and seal all potential entry points around your foundation, doors, and windows. 

If termites are causing problems in or around your Washington DC property, the professionals here at Miche Pest Control are ready to help. Get in touch with us today to ask for more details about our termite control process.

Guide To Preventing Termites In Your Washington DC Home

Termites are destructive intruders that burrow deep into damaged and rotting wood. They build nests and grow their colonies until there is a large-scale infestation, and the structural integrity of your home is completely destroyed. Consider the following preventative measures when it comes to effective termite control:

• Eliminate any wood to soil contact.
• Fix downspouts to extend further away from the house.
• Install a dehumidifier in moisture-rich areas of the house.
• Keep wood away from the perimeter of your house.
• Put vent fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Reduce moisture around the entire property.
• Remove any rotting or damaged wood.
• Repair leaky faucets and pipes.
• Thoroughly check all wood before bringing it into your home.
• Use loose mortar or weather stripping around the windows and doors.

The best way to protect your home from the nightmare of termite damage is to call in the experts. Here at Miche Pest Control, we provide complete termite control and prevention services that Washington DC property owners can trust. Call us today for a complimentary estimate on our termite control services!

Keeping Termites Away From Your Property In Washington DC

Termites can be one of the most damaging pests that DC property owners may be troubled by in any given year. They cost homeowners approximately five billion dollars per year, and when crops and buildings are added into the mix, that brings the total to around 30 billion dollars. To keep termites away from your property, try these tips:

• Store woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your property.
• Maintain at least 18 inches of distance between mulch and your foundation.
• Avoid wood to foundation contact. 
• Address leaks both inside and outside of your property. 
• Keep your yard free from leaf piles, tree branches, and other debris. 
• Check your roof regularly for leaks. 
• Seal up cracks in your foundation with caulk.
• Redirect any condensation from air conditioning units.
• Contact your local termite expert for preventive annual inspections.

At Miche Pest Control, we provide Washington DC property owners with reliable and safe termite control. We always start with a detailed inspection of your entire property to understand either the scope of your infestation or ways to prevent one from occurring. If you do have termites present, we may apply spot treatments for active termites and install the Sentricon® Termite Baiting System, which works to simultaneously eradicate current problems and prevent new ones. For more information on how termite control can protect your property, contact us today.