Rockville homeowners believe that their lovely brick rowhomes protect them against termite infestations. But this plays a cruel trick, potentially causing devastating structural damage that will, of course, be costly to repair. According to pest control reports, Montgomery County is very active with termite activity, with more than 40 % of properties having signs of termite activity. A beautiful brick exterior indeed stands the test of time, but that does not always translate into the interior. 

The wooden structure of your pretty Rockville rowhome, including wall studs, floor joists, and other wooden portions of the interior, continues to be a prime target for these damaging pests. The threshold for termite activity in our region will make professional termite inspection and treatment necessary for the protection of your investment and the structural integrity of your home. Need an exterminator in Rockville? Speak to us today!

Hidden Wood Components Inside Brick Structures That Attract Termites

Termites love the many thousands of wooden parts behind the solid brick walls of thousands of Rockville rowhomes. Concrete, brick, or stucco may not be the end-all be-all protection against termite buffet where floor joists, wall studs, roof rafters, and subflooring are concerned. Subterranean termites alone inflict an estimated $2.8 million annually in property damages in Montgomery County alone, according to data from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

The wood-consuming pests enter the wooden bones of your home through small openings in foundation walls, cracks around utility lines, or even through mortar joints that have rotted over time. Wooden door frames, window sills, basement beams, and staircase structures in your rowhome are all easy marks. Termite colonies, which can last unobserved within a home for years, also love the moisture-retaining qualities of older Rockville rowhomes, as well as the region’s humid summers.

Signs of Termite Activity in Brick Rowhomes

Here are some signs to keep an eye on:

  • Mud tubes on foundation walls – These pencil-sized tunnels appear on brick foundations and walls of basements
  • Wooden surfaces that sound hollow – Tap on wooden trim, floors, or walls and listen for hollow sounds
  • Wings are found around the windows and doors. The swarmer sheds wings when the colonies have been formed.
  • Floors or ceilings sagging – As termites eat away at support beams, the structural damage comes to light
  • Tiny holes in your drywall – Termites create exit holes when they leave wall cavities.
  • Paint that is bubbling or cracking – The termite activity gives off moisture, which causes the paint to deteriorate
  • Frass or termite droppings – These are small, pellet-like droppings that collect around the wood where the termites have landed

When to Speak to a Professional

If you own a Rockville rowhome, do not wait until you see visible signs of damage before calling a professional. If your home is 20 years or older, or if neighbouring homes have had termite issues, organise annual inspections. It becomes paramount to get professional help as soon as you notice any of the warning signs listed above.

At Green Pest Services in Rockville, we have years of experience treating termite infestations in unique rowhome structures. Our technicians know how termites work their way through brick construction and will recognize the entry points that are vulnerable on your property. Their technicians understand that every Rockville neighborhood poses different risks depending on soil types, moisture, and construction methods for the building’s era.

Maintaining the integrity of your home: Address early problems with mold to avoid thousands of dollars in repair costs. Professional treatment plans address both current infestations and long-term prevention, so your brick row home can be protected against any termite activity in the future.