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Don't Eat My House

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

 

Years ago, before I entered real estate, I dealt with a recurring issue with "Swarmers," or flying ants, which signal possible termite activity. After each swarm, we found countless wings. We hired pest control companies for treatments—drilling around and inside the house, lower level, and garage—but that had to be repeated.

Continuing our search, we removed a wood deck covering a concrete porch and opened an exterior wall but found nothing. The breakthrough came when we replaced the windows. We found significant termite damage in the front window; it was so compromised that a pocketknife easily slid into the wood!

 

In Maryland, there are two kinds of houses: those that have been treated for termites and those that will need treatment. Homeowners and agents need to recognize the signs of termites. Just because a home has had treatment doesn't guarantee it's free of damage. I've seen too many cases where these wood-boring pests left their mark.

Always get your home inspected to protect your investment, even if the lender does not require it. When listing a property, ask about any past treatments. One treatment isn't always enough—staying proactive is the key to preventing further issues.

Stop Eating My House

 

 

If you have questions about selling your home, 

Call Margaret Rome

 

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Show All Comments Sort:
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Yikes that critter does not look friendly! That is one good thing about Alaska we do not have termites! No snakes either! 

Good information about being diligent to make sure they are really gone after initial treatments Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 

Feb 26, 2025 11:09 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Margaret. Once listed a home the was impeccably maintained. The wife was sickly and they never opened the windows. The home went under contract quickly and the buyer, being curious wanted a termite inspection. When the inspector went to open the living room window, it fell out into his arms. No damage anywhere else. Crafty those termites. Don't let them eat your house, check regularly. Enjoy your day. 

Feb 27, 2025 05:07 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Good suggestion about getting a termite inspection even if it's not required. And this probably is true in all states (except Alaska, apparently that's the only state without termites). The Internet said so, so it must be true! 😀

Feb 27, 2025 05:51 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

The same applies in my area Miss Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 "two kinds of houses: those that have been treated for termites and those that will need treatment.

Get the damaged wood replaced as well. Great advice to protect our homes. 

Feb 27, 2025 07:51 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Margaret:

Termites are a pretty big issue in my area as well, especially near the coast, and we have the same types of houses - those that have been treated for termites and those that will need treatment. Failure to take care of these pesky critters can cost thousands of dollars in repairs...a big surprise for homeowners,

Jeff

Feb 27, 2025 09:23 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Termites Shermites!!! Same here in AZ, 2 kinds of houses, one that has termites or had and the other, going to get them.  It is a requirement to include a termite inspection with an offer.  I don't recall ever NOT having one done....as in ever.  I do know of a few homes that were destroyed totally by termites. Sellers tried to sell but obviously the home was too far gone to do so. One not to far from us had to be torn down to the ground and started anew.  Now it's a gorgeous beautiful home with a guest house.

Feb 27, 2025 10:41 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret here in CT carpenter ants are a major problem and difficult to detect until they have done MAJOR damage or doing renovations to a home.

Feb 27, 2025 01:25 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400! Your insights on termite prevention are definitely eye-opening, and it’s a great reminder for homeowners to stay proactive—appreciate you bringing this important topic to light!

Feb 27, 2025 01:42 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Margaret- you don't want to let those little guys have the run of the house!   I remember when our neighbors found them in the area around their window. What a mess!

Feb 27, 2025 06:41 PM