Many homeowners in Gaithersburg do not know that the same wooden and characteristic features that draw people to these historic properties are also what make them the number one choice for wood-destroying insects. All that character embodied in original timber framing, vintage wood siding, and decades-old structural components can become a five-star meal for termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles.

In this blog, we will discuss why Gaithersburg’s historic homes face specific pest challenges, what red flags to look for, and how you can protect your investment while maintaining the structure. Also, we will talk about when you should seek help from a Gaithersburg pest control company inside. 

Common Signs of Infestation in Historic Homes

Detecting wood-destroying bugs in your historic Gaithersburg house is not always easy, but knowing what to look out for could save you hundreds of bucks in repairs:

• If you tap on a baseboard, window frame, or support beam, the wood sounds hollow
• Circular holes in wood (around 1/8 in diameter for powderpost beetles)
• Wood powder or sawdust deposited on the ground around wood material
• Spring months with wings around windows, doors, or light fixtures
• Wood easily pressed up by a screwdriver, mushy, or spongy
• Noises that sound like clicking or tapping can be heard from inside the walls, mostly at night
• Floors that were previously undamaged but are now in a warped or buckled state
• Bubbling or peeling paint in the absence of a visible moisture problem

Keep in mind that in Gaithersburg’s humid climate, these symptoms can arise rapidly during the spring and summer months, when insects are most active.

Why Older Homes Are More Vulnerable to Wood-Destroying Insects?

Olde Towne Gaithersburg has a perfect storm of factors for wood-destroying pests. According to Montgomery County housing data, about 23% of Gaithersburg residential structures were built before 1960, a time when pesticide companies were still figuring out how to kill insects like termites.

These homes often still have original wood framing made of old-growth timber with decent longevity. Still, below-grade members may have been treated with outdated methods that give limited protection against today’s pest populations. A lot of these properties have original timber floors, wood window frames, and timber framing that have been soaking up moisture for decades.

The ventilation systems in these homes are often decades-old and keep humidity in the crawl spaces and basements to create the perfect breeding ground for termites and carpenter ants. Original foundations may have unsealed gaps, wood trim may be weathered and poorly maintained, and crawl spaces may have easy entry points for insects.

When DIY Is Not Enough

Many older homes have unique construction methods, materials, and structures that generic pest control solutions do not address. This is not standard wood framing; you are having to work with hand-hewn beams, original plaster walls, and construction that was done long before pest control products were able to really handle it.

Which is why a lot of Old Towne Gaithersburg homeowners reach out for local professionals who are familiar with the risks associated with specific older homes. Historic district properties experienced 40% more wood-destroying insect activity than properties built after 2000, according to city planning data, making professional expertise even more critical.

In Gaithersburg’s historic district, Green Pest Services has assisted homeowners in evaluating their concealed dangers and developing strategies for long-term protection without compromising long-term structural safety. Still, the plan will certainly include treating any active infestations. Their technicians know how to skillfully navigate one of the most challenging pest control situations: protecting the historical aspects of these homes. Their treatment methods are specialized, non-invasive, and considerate of original materials, something a generic pest control provider might not think twice about when treating someone’s 1890s Victorian or Colonial Revival.