Termites infest thousands of Maryland homes each year, and getting rid of them is often an expensive process. Termite queens lay about 2,000 eggs every single day, which is why 
homeowners who notice signs of a possible termite infestation, such as discarded wings, wood damage or mud tubes, are wise to take immediate action. Homeowners often first realize their homes termites when they find “swarmers” flying around their home in April, as the weather begins to warm and swarmers first begin to hatch and fly.
To determine how serious the infestation is, the first step to take is calling a professional to find out where in the home the swarmers are coming from, and to determine how much damage they have already caused.
Once an inspection had been completed and the presence of termites has been established, an eradication plan can be drawn up. Small colonies that have not yet entered the home can sometimes be dealt with by drilling holes around a property and into its foundations and then inserting chemicals into the holes. Larger colonies may require more serious measures.
After the actual infestation has been treated, the damage to the home must be addresses. This is best done by an experienced termite damage contractor who knows the typical hidden areas of damage to explore, and uses quality methods of repair. For example, “sistering” a new beam to a damaged one is not considered to meet the industry standard of car for repairing damage in a newly purchased home.
Compensation for Costs in Hidden Home Termite Damage
You can recover extermination and termite damage repair costs when negligent pest control companies fail to identify the insects or when Maryland real estate agents, dishonest sellers or house flippers conceal known termite problems.
The termite damage attorneys at Whitney, LLP have years of experience in determining the responsible parties, and bringing lawsuits against them. We offer legal consultations homeowners to determine if we can take the case. You could be entitled to compensation for your pest control expenses as well as termite damage contractor costs and emotional distress.
Termite damage repair costs often run into the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is why the defendants often mount vigorous challenges in these lawsuits. The attorneys at Whitney, LLP understand how these cases are litigated, and we have secured millions of dollars in termite damage compensation for our clients in court and at the negotiating table. In 2019, a Maryland jury ordered a fraudulent and negligent termite inspection company to pay $1,068,000 to one of our clients. In addition, WBAL reporter Barry Simms covered a story about another client who sued a realtor over a termite inspection after the agent said one had been done but it had not.
Counting the Costs of Termite Infestations in Maryland
The costs of removing termites and fixing the damage can escalate when property owners fail to act promptly and colonies are allowed to grow and spread. The subterranean termites indigenous to Maryland are especially destructive and can feed up to 200 yards from their nests. Some companies offer to perform inspections for less than $100, but they may not be thorough enough to find signs of termite activity behind appliances, in crawl spaces and on ceiling timbers. A more professional inspection will usually cost more and take at least an hour or two. Beware of companies who charge close to nothing, because that is what you will get in return.
Termite damage contractors may charge between $10 and $16 per linear foot to perform straightforward termite treatments using chemicals, which works out to about $900 for an average-sized Maryland home. However, the cost can rise to $3,000 or more when termite colonies have invaded a home and tenting and fumigation is required. Property owners also have to spend several days in a motel or hotel while their homes are uninhabitable. The expenses continue to mount even after termites have been eradicated. The insects often feed on structural wood that is very difficult to replace, which is why repairs are often more expensive than chemical treatments or fumigation.
Maryland Lawyer for Termite Claims and Lawsuits
You should not have to spend thousands of dollars to eradicate pests and repair damage to your home because of an inspector’s or realtor’s negligence or deceit. If a pest control company failed to identify a termite problem or a seller failed to disclose one, our experienced termite attorneys can pursue civil remedies aggressively on your behalf. To request a legal consultation, contact Whitney, LLP online right away or call us at (410) 583-8000.