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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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Termites in your yard can cost thousands if you miss the early signals. I’ve helped over 100 homeowners spot and treat issues before major damage started. In this guide, you’ll learn the top signs of termites in yard and smart steps to protect your home.
Reticulitermes flavipes colonies often exceed 60,000 workers and can forage up to 200 ft from their nest. They eat damp wood underground and build tunnels into yards.
Swarmers take flight in spring after warm rains. You may spot them near porch lights or find discarded wings on window sills.
R. virginicus and R. nelsonae live locally but cause little damage. Formosan termites haven’t established in the mid-Atlantic yet.
Learn more about local termites at [Termites](/pests/termites/) or discover [What Are Flying Termites?](/what-are-flying-termites/).
Termites build pencil-wide, earth-colored tubes to stay moist and hidden. You’ll see these on masonry, tree trunks, or fence posts.
Look for dark-brown, equal-winged insects around lights. Piles of wings mean a mature colony lurks nearby.
Damp soil plugs in expansion joints or brick weep holes show termites crossing gaps while staying moist.
Blistered or hollow-sounding wood with the grain intact indicates termite feeding. Check landscape timbers and old stumps.
Also see [Termites vs Flying Ants: How to Tell the Difference](/termites-vs-flying-ants/).
Any wood touching soil—deck posts or firewood piles—acts as a termite bridge. Keep wood at least 18 inches off the ground.
Leaky spigots, clogged gutters, and short downspouts create damp spots. The [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/termites-how-identify-and-control-them) notes moist soil boosts termite activity.
A 3–4 in layer of organic mulch holds humidity next to your foundation. Pull mulch back 12 inches to lower risk, says [Ask Extension](https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=797561).
Buried form boards, scrap lumber, and old stumps serve as feeding sites. Removing debris cuts off termite food.
Even cracks under 1 mm let termites follow pipes or wires into your home. Seal gaps to block their path.
For tips on blocking entry, visit [Termite Prevention & Control](/termite-prevention-tips/).
Grade soil to slope six inches over the first 10 feet from your foundation. Extend downspouts 4–6 feet and install splash blocks or drains.
Keep mulch at 1–3 inches deep and pull it back a foot from siding. Store firewood on racks at least 18 inches off ground and 20 feet from the house.
In new builds, use 6 mil poly sheeting under slabs and stainless-steel mesh around utility entries. VA & MD codes require soil pretreatment with non-repellent termiticides before pouring.
Collect swarmers or workers in alcohol and have them verified by a pro. Misidentifying ants wastes time and money.
VA & MD real estate deals need a Wood-Destroying Organism report (NPMA-33). Licensed technicians use moisture meters and infrared cameras to spot hidden colonies.
Sentricon baiting uses a cellulose matrix and insect growth regulators for ongoing protection. It’s our go-to for proactive control.
For heavy infestations, we trench around foundations with Premise or Termidor liquid barriers. These stop termites cold.
Borate foams or gels work well for fences, sheds, and landscape timbers.
Learn expert methods in [How to Kill Termites: Expert Methods to Get Rid of Termites](/how-to-kill-termites/) and home remedies at [How to Get Rid of Termites: Pro Methods & Home Remedies](/how-to-get-rid-of-termites/).
Annual checks catch new activity early and meet warranty terms. Most programs include 12-month reinspections to keep you covered.
Find out why annual checks matter: [Why You Should Always Get An Annual Termite Inspection](/termite-inspection-virginia/).
The mid-Atlantic’s humid subtropical climate and clay soils hold moisture year-round. That drives subterranean termite activity.
The 2018 IRC in VA & MD mandates soil pretreatment or approved barriers for new homes in moderate-to-heavy risk zones. Builders often cover the first year.
Drywood termites are rare locally, so frass is seldom seen. Subterranean species cause most of the damage here.
For local help, see [Northern Virginia Termite Control](/locations/northern-virginia-termite-control/).
In my experience with over 100 customers, early baiting often stops infestations before they spread. Severe cases sometimes need liquid barriers for fast results.
We choose Sentricon for proactive and ongoing maintenance. When termites hide deep, trenching with Premise or Termidor delivers a lasting barrier.
Builders hire us for borate wood treatments during construction. Homeowners get a renewable one-year warranty covering materials and labor.
Walk your yard after rain to spot mud tubes or shed wings. If you find any signs of termites in yard, call our licensed technicians for a free phone consult.
Clear stored items from crawl spaces and note tubes or damage spots. Gather a few wings or swarmers in a sealed bag for accurate ID.
Termite removal typically costs $1,000–$2,000, with $3,300 in average damage before detection. See our 2025 price guide at [How Much Does Pest Control Cost? 2025 Service Price Guide](/how-much-does-pest-control-cost/).
Protecting your home early saves money and stress.
If you spot any signs of termites in yard or have questions, call us at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected] for an estimate and expert advice.
Look for mud tubes, shed wings, hollow-sounding wood, or soil plugs in cracks. Inspect after rain and near foundations for these signs of termites in yard.
Termites need moisture and wood. Poor drainage, direct wood-to-soil contact, mulch near siding, and debris all draw them in.
You can improve drainage and move mulch back, but serious infestations need professional baiting or liquid barriers. DIY often falls short.
Check your yard yearly, especially after heavy rain. Early spring inspections catch swarmers in March–May and spot new activity.
Yes. Keep mulch under 3 inches and pull it back a foot from the foundation. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
Termites have equal-length wings and straight antennae. Flying ants show narrow waists, bent antennae, and uneven wings. See [Termites vs Flying Ants](/termites-vs-flying-ants/) for details.
If you find mud tubes or wood damage, call a pro. Licensed technicians confirm IDs and recommend targeted treatments right away.
Removal usually runs $1,000–$2,000. Preventive baiting often costs less than repairs, which average $3,300 in damage.
Inspections catch new activity early, keep warranties active, and spot conditions that could invite termites back.
Better Termite & Pest Control offers inspections, baiting, liquid barriers, and yearly warranties across VA, MD & DC. Call 703-683-2000 for local service.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
