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Termites in Maine

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There are only one species of termite that thrives and will establish colonies in Southern Maine, and that is the common species of the Eastern Subterranean termite. The southern portion of Maine experiences the greatest amount of termite damage. In this article, we will discuss Termites in Maine.

Termite Activity in Maine

Thankfully, the potential for future termite infestations, damage to structural wood, etc. is small. However, it is essential for homeowners to be able to identify and treat termite infestations and prevent future termite infestations. And you should know when a termite colony is most likely to swarm.

What do termites in Maine look like?

Termites in Maine are an eighth of an inch with no waist. Winged termites have four wings of equal size. They have straight antennae and are creamy white to dark brown-black.

Signs of termites in Maine

  • Inspect your home regularly for any of these signs of Subterranean termites in Maine:
  • Hollow or damaged wood-sounding wood when tapped.
  • Peeling, blistered paint.
  • A mud tube on the foundation walls.
  • Discarded termite wings around windows and doors, left after reproducing.

Subterranean Termites in Maine

Their native habitats are moist soil and rotting wood in moist areas. This species of termites must have direct contact with the soil. Maine termites build extensive termite galleries under the ground.

These termites build mud tubes from their feces and wood to keep them moist and away from predators while they travel to forage for moist, damaged, rotting wood to eat. The tubes are pencil size in width and can often be found on the foundation of a home.

Unlike Carpenter ants, this termite species actually eat the wood for the cellulose it contains. They cause the most structural damage to buildings and affect the structural integrity of properties more than any other termites.

Are there Formosan termites in Maine?

There have not been any reports of Formosan termites in Maine. This species’ habitat is in very warm locations in the southern U.S.

Termite infestation probability zones

Termites are more common in Southern Maine, like Portland, than they are in cities in the north, like Bangor, Augusta, or Lincoln.

Reports from the Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones) show that the very southern portion of Maine is in TIP zone #3 (slight to moderate), meaning in Southern Maine, there is the potential for termite damage. Areas in lower TIP zones of termite activity require fewer control measures to meet the International Residential Code building standards for new homes than states with more frequent activity.

What Types of Termites are in Maine?

Subterranean termites are native to the state of Maine. Drywood termites are not native to the state of Maine. Drywood termites could be in Maine if they manage to arrive in wooden furniture or crates. Drywood termites can colonize out of their native habitats.

When Do Termites Swarm in Maine?

Eastern Subterranean termites in Maine swarm in the daytime. Winged Termites swarming habit happens after rainfall on a warm day from March to May. During the winter, termites swarm inside heated buildings.

Effective termite prevention against all types of termites

As a homeowner, you will want to try to prevent infestations of a Subterranean termites before they happen. There are a few things you can do to maintain your home to prevent termites in Maine.

  • Fix leaking pipes and faucets.

  • Fill in cracks and crevices in exterior walls around the outside of your home.

  • Clear gutters to prevent moisture.

  • Place termite bait stations outside.

  • Remove wood piles and tree stumps. Keep mulch away from the foundations.

These precautions will help avoid termite damage.

How to treat termite infestations

There are various ways to treat a termite infestation. Some of the treatments you can apply yourself.

Bait stations: Bait stations are a non-invasive method of pest control. Small containers are placed around the perimeter of the house. It is effective but can take a few months to kill the termites.

Non-chemical treatments: If you do not like the idea of harsh pesticides being used in termite-damaged wood, then you could try non-chemical treatments like nematodes. They are placed in the soil around the perimeter of the house.

Fumigation: A large infestation may require fumigation as a last resort. A licensed termite inspector will cover the house in a tent and pump a fumigant inside the house to kill termites. You cannot be present in the home for twenty-four hours. Fumigation kills active termites and will not prevent a future termite infestation.

Liquid pesticide barrier: This is a popular treatment and requires an application of a liquid termiticide barrier. A pest control expert will apply the barrier around the perimeter of your home, and the chemical is long-lasting. Termites crossing the barrier will die

When to call a licensed termite inspector for termites in Maine

Call a licensed termite inspector urgently if you have a definite severe infestation or if you are unsure of the termite species, or whether you have a termite infestation.

A termite control expert will be able to identify the species and put in place an effective termite prevention control program if necessary. The termite control expert will also be able to provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.

And finally,

We discussed ‘Termites in Maine.’ We hope you have found it helpful.

Good luck!

Ronald has 25 years of pest control experience under his belt. He scrutinizes each control method, product and process to prevent infestations effectively. 

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