Termites are silent destroyers. By the time most homeowners notice visible damage, the infestation has often been active for months… sometimes years. In Maryland, where both humidity and older housing stock are common, termite issues can escalate quickly if not addressed.
If you suspect termite activity in your home, acting quickly is essential. Left untreated, termite damage can compromise your property’s structural integrity and lead to costly repairs.
Common Visual Signs of Termite Activity
- Mud Tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels often found along foundations, crawl spaces, or where the soil meets wood.
- Discarded Wings: Reproductive termites shed their wings after swarming, often found near windows and doors.
- Termite Droppings (Frass): Small, pellet-shaped droppings resembling sawdust, typically beneath infested wood.
- Damaged or Hollow Wood: Wood that sounds hollow or can be pierced easily with a knife or screwdriver.
- Cracked or Bubbling Paint: Similar in appearance to water damage, often caused by moisture build-up from termite activity.
- Sticky Windows and Doors: Termites can cause wood to swell, which tightens windows and doors, making them hard to open.
- Uneven or Sinking Floors: Sagging or sloping floors may indicate termite damage to subflooring or support beams.
Auditory Indicators: What You Might Hear
While visual clues are the most obvious, some homeowners notice strange sounds as well. Excessively squeaky floors, hollow-sounding walls or beams, and even faint clicking noises inside the walls can all point to termite presence. These signs are subtle, but worth investigating if paired with other indicators.
The Financial Impact of Termites
The cost of repairing termite damage can vary significantly based on how long the infestation has gone unnoticed and how much of the structure is affected.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $3,000 in repair costs. However, depending on the extent of the damage, that figure can range anywhere from $300 to well over $10,000. In severe cases, termites can compromise critical structural components such as support beams or load-bearing walls, repairs that often require extensive construction and specialized labor.
It’s also important to note that most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage, as it’s considered a preventable maintenance issue. This makes early detection and swift action all the more essential.
Facing Termite Damage? We Offer a Stress-Free Way Forward.
At Dominion Properties, we’ve worked with countless Maryland homeowners dealing with termite issues, and we make the process simple:
- Sell the home as-is, no repairs required
- No fees or commissions, what we offer is what you receive
- Flexible closing timeline that fits your schedule
- Leave behind any items you don’t want, we’ll take care of the rest
- Trusted, experienced team to walk you through your options clearly and professionally
Need to Sell a Termite-Damaged House in Maryland? Let’s Talk.
Contact Dominion Properties today to explore your options. Whether you’re ready to sell or simply looking for guidance, our team is here to help – with zero pressure and full transparency.