UBCNews - Business - Termite Trouble? What DC Exterminators Say Homeowners Should Do First

Episode Date: January 13, 2026

So, here's something that might surprise you - termites cause around five billion dollars in property damage across the United States every single year. And most homeowner's insurance policies? They don't cover a dime of it. Connor's Pest Pros City: Springfield Address: 5410 Port Royal Rd Website: https://connorspestpros.com/contact/

So here's something that might surprise you. Termites cause around $5 billion in property damage across the United States every single year. And most homeowners insurance policies, they don't cover a dime of it. That's the part that really shocks people. You know, for most homeowners, their house is the biggest investment they'll ever make. And then you've got these tiny insects that can quietly take that investment down, leaving you with the repair bill. Right, and we're talking about tens of thousands of dollars in repairs sometimes. So let's get into what folks in the Washington, D.C. area really need to know about termite treatment and protection.

What are the common signs homeowners can look for to detect a termite infestation? Great question. The tricky thing is, termites are called silent destroyers for a reason. They can hollow out the structural wood inside your home without you ever seeing anything on the surface. but there are a few telltale signs. One of the biggest is mud tubes. Mud tubes? What exactly are those? So, the species we deal with most here in northern Virginia and D.C. is the subterranean termite. These guys build nests underground and then construct these little mud tunnels, basically bridges,

that climb up your foundation to reach the wood thereafter. If you see those tubes on your foundation or encroarrow, all spaces, that's a red flag. Mm-hmm. Interesting. And I imagine there are certain times of year when homeowners should be extra vigilant? Absolutely. Spring is the big one. That's when termite colonies send out swarmers. These are the reproductive termites with wings. They fly off to find a mate and start new colonies. So spring swarming season in northern Virginia is really when your home is most at risk of a new colony, setting up shop and beginning to feed.

So we're talking about a very active time for these pests. Have you ever wondered how fast they can actually do damage once they get into a home? Well, here's the thing. Termites never sleep. They're working day and night, and a single colony can do serious damage in just a few months. I remember one homeowner telling me they had no idea anything was wrong until a doorframe basically crumbled when they touched it.

The look on their face, I'll never forget it. By then, the termites had hollowed out studs, window sills, you name it. That's terrifying, honestly. I mean, imagine leaning on something in your own house, and it just falls apart. Right? It's like having invisible renovators you never hired, except they're making your house weaker, not stronger. Ha, that's one way to put it.

And it really shows why proactive protection matters so much in this area. You can't just wait and hope for the best. You need to stay ahead of these pests. That point about staying ahead of termites sets up our next piece, how professional treatment actually works. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're a homeowner in the Washington, D.C. area concerned about termites, Connor's Pest Pros is here to help.

They're a family-owned company serving Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland since 1944. Their termite treatment includes thorough inspections, custom plans, and ongoing protection. They offer free estimates, free termite inspections with wood-destroying insect reports, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their total protection program covers pest, termite, and mosquito control starting at just $95 a month. Learn more at Connerspestprose.com. Picking up on staying ahead of termites, how do professional exterminators actually handle an infestation once it's detected? So the process typically starts with a thorough inspection.

A trained professional will look for signs of current or past activity, things like those mud tubes, we mentioned, wood damage, or even discarded wings from swarmers. Then they'll share their findings and create a custom treatment plan. designed for your home. And what does the actual treatment involve? A lot of effective treatments use bait stations. These are placed strategically around your property

to target active termites and eliminate the colony. The goal isn't just to get rid of the current problem, but to provide ongoing protection so they don't come back. That ongoing protection piece is huge, because even if you deal with one colony, there could be others nearby. Right? Exactly.

And that's why regular inspections are so important, even if you don't see any visible signs. Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs and protect your home's market value. Early action means less damage, simple as that. To everyone listening, don't wait until you spot damage. Be proactive. I see, go on. Well, termites are attracted to wood and cellulose.

They can't tell the difference between a dead log in the forest and the timber in your home. So one thing is to keep wood piles or mulch away from your foundation. Make sure there's no wood to soil contact around your house. And fix any moisture issues because subterranean termites need moisture to survive. Right. Moister control. That seems like a recurring theme with a lot of pestis. issues. Definitely. But even with the best prevention, termites can still find a way in. That's why

professional inspections are really the best line of defense. And many companies offer free inspections, especially if you're buying or selling a home. In fact, mortgage lenders commonly require a wood-destroying insect report during home sales in the D.C. area. Good to know. So if someone's listening and thinking, okay, I might have a problem, what's the first step they should take? Reach out to a local exterminator for a free estimate. Get that inspection done. The sooner you catch it, the less damage you'll have to deal with. And don't wait until you see a swarm or obvious damage. By then, they could have been feeding on your home for months. That's solid advice. And, you know, I think the big takeaway here is that termite protection means being proactive and vigilant,

especially during those warmer months when activity ramps up. So to everyone listening, have you checked your foundation lately? Couldn't have said it better. Your home is your biggest investment. Protect it. Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for breaking all of this down today. If you're a homeowner in the D.C. metro area and want to learn more about termite treatment and protection, Head over to Connerspestpros.com.