Termites exist in most regions of the world, and they are estimated to inflict $5 billion of property damage to U.S. homes each year. Further, damage caused by these pests is typically not covered by most homeowners' insurance policies. To intervene before it's too late, here is what you should know.

Are Termites Dangerous?

These wood-destroying insects generally do not pose serious health risks to humans, but they are capable of quietly causing major structural problems. Many property owners will be unaware that they have a problem with termites until months or years have passed since the initial invasion. One reason they may go unnoticed is a tendency to burrow deep into the wood.

Understanding Termite Swarmers

Termites are insects that reside in very large colonies. The majority of them in this region are subterranean termites that establish underground nests and then travel to areas nearby where wood exists. Although they will remain active during most of the year, they tend to become most visible in the spring months when they swarm.

During the early spring months, winged termites will exit the nest in search of a mate and potentially start a new colony. They tend to congregate in small or very large swarms that are sometimes mistaken as being groups of flying ants. At some point, they will shed their wings, and often small accumulations of them are discovered.

Other Signs Of Termites

Termites generally create tunnels or mud tubes that allow them to travel between their nest and wood structures. You may notice that a door or window seems to be difficult to open or close if the frame is impacted by termite activity. Floorboards will sometimes begin to squeak, and walls may show signs of internal damage from moisture.

Best Practices For Termite Prevention

When it comes to termites, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some strategies to keep termites off of your Gaithersburg property.

Unnecessary wood and other debris should be removed from any areas adjacent to the exterior of the property.
Firewood storage areas should also be positioned at a distance away from the home.
Property owners should walk around the exterior to detect any cracks in the foundation that may have developed. Fill these crevices with a sealant so that they are not vulnerable to termite entry.
Replace any wood that has been significantly damaged by water, which may attract termites.
Maintain some form of barrier between the foundation of the home and the ground (soil). That may consist of stone or metal that remains durable in an outdoor environment.

Though you may do everything you can to keep termites away, if there are colonies nearby, you still may find yourself dealing with a termite problem. If you are concerned about termites, it's time to reach out to a professional.

Responding To The Presence Of Termite Swarmers

Have you noticed a swarm of termites on your property? Avoid making the costly mistake of choosing store-bought products or other DIY termite remedies that tend to be very ineffective. A licensed local pest control professional is the best solution for the complete eradication of termites. At Absolute Home And Pest Solutions, we can rid your home of these wood-destroying pests.

Experienced Termite Extermination Services In Gaithersburg

Termites may silently invade the premises and create significant damage in a very short time. This is one reason why it is important to promptly respond when you initially suspect a problem. Our experts at Absolute Home And Pest Solutions have the resources and experience to prevent or eliminate your termite problem. Our team prides itself in offering comprehensive, effective pest control in Gaithersburg.

We adhere to a process of thoroughly inspecting and treating the problem and ensure effective follow-up that results in customer satisfaction. Whether you're dealing with a current infestation or developing one in the future, we have the solutions you need. Contact Absolute Home And Pest Solutions today to learn more about our termite control options.