Termites, despite their size, can wreak havoc on homes. Pest Control experts estimate that as many as 14 subterranean termite colonies exist per acre. That means that an average home could have as many as four termite colonies either directly under it or adjacent to it. Considering that as many as 1 million termites are living within each colony. Doing the math, you should find that upwards of 14 million termites are living under and around your home.

Termites are a problem in nearly every state in the country and every home is at risk. Central heat has made homes hospitable to termites. The damage potential of termites is incredible. They cause millions of dollars worth of damage every year. The fight against termites costs over $4 billion dollars annually in the United States.

What do they eat?

As you know, the termites natural job is to break down dead wood in forests and are especially attracted to materials that contain cellulose. In other words, any kind of wood will do. When forests are removed to build homes, termites seek out new food sources like the woods behind your home, books, boxes, furniture and the wood framing used in the construction of your home.

How do they get in?

Through your foundation. Foundations most vulnerable to termite entry are basements and concrete slabs -- in other words, the foundations underneath most homes. The tiniest space -- Entomologists estimate that a crack of 1/64 of an inch is enough. This provides plenty of room for termites to pass through your floor and into your home. Unfortunately, once termites have gained entry into your home, they're natural born hunters of wood. They'll feast on anything from the siding to your floorboards and wallboards to decorative wood items.

Termites are a social functioning society. When there is swarming, a male and female come together to form a new colony. They mate for life, become king and queen, and reproduce.

The queen can live up to 25 years. Each year she lays thousands of eggs. Their children are called nymphs and become the soldiers, who protect the colony; workers, that find food and maintain the nest; and reproductive, that of the colony.

Reproductive termites are the swarmers. When they mature, they leave the colony at the same time, in a swarm. This usually occurs in the spring or fall, usually during the morning after a warm rain.

They flutter several feet and fall. After they fall, their wings drop. Most fail to survive, since sunlight and air are deadly to the termite. Unfortunately a small percentage will find mates, burrow into the ground, and begin new colonies.

As they discover sources of food (wood) throughout your home, termites actually leave a trail of chemicals behind, which in essence, signals fellow termites of the presence of a food source ahead. You can't always tell when your home has fallen victim to termite damage until the obvious signs are present (i.e., swarming or dead termites in your home).

How do I know I have termites?

Following is a list of tell tale signs that you have a problem and should call Annapolis Pest right away:

1. Sawdust-like "powder" near doors, windows and/or garage
2. Stray wings left near doors, windows and/or garage
3. Tiny holes on any wood surfaces in or outside of your home
4. Paint that has started to bubble on wood surfaces
5. Mud tunnels lining the foundation of your house, either inside or outside and/or

the obvious sign...

6. flying termites -- inside your house. They often are seen near sources of light

(ironic, since sunlight is their enemy ... they may be smart, but they're not geniuses).

If you've seen any of these signs, then unfortunately the damage has already begun.
It's best to get your home inspected occasionally by a professional who knows the subtle warning signs of termite infestation, and where to look for them.

How do I get rid of termites?

Getting rid of termites is not a 'do it yourself' job, nor is it any fun, give us a call and we will rid you of the problem for good.