Century-old brick rowhouses look solid, but behind the brick sit wooden floor joists, studs, stair stringers and window frames, all potential food for termites. Washington's humid, temperate climate and clay-rich soil suit the eastern subterranean termite well. If you suspect them, call (844) 725-1661 for a referral to an independent licensed provider. PestMinistry is a referral service and doesn't inspect or treat homes itself.
Why the District's housing is at risk
Much of Washington's housing dates to the late 1800s and early 1900s: Victorian rowhouses in Capitol Hill and Logan Circle, brick Federal-style homes in Georgetown, and bungalows in Brookland and Takoma. Their foundations often rest on brick or stone with mortar that has deteriorated over a century, and many basements have dirt or thin concrete floors. Wood in contact with these foundations, along with rear porches and decks built over soil, gives termites easy access. Because rowhouses share walls and cellars, a colony can move from one property to another, sometimes making a neighbor's infestation your problem.
Signs to look for
- Mud tubes on basement walls, piers and sill plates.
- Flying swarmers in spring, or wings on window sills and in basements.
- Wooden stairs, joists or trim that sound hollow or feel soft.
- Doors and windows that begin to stick without a clear cause.
- Cracked or blistered paint on basement or back porch woodwork.
Inspection and treatment
A licensed inspector will examine the basement or cellar, sill plates, joists, rear porch, exterior wood and any areas with moisture. They check shared walls where practical and note nearby conditions. If termites are present, treatment options include:
- Liquid termiticide treatment around the foundation, with drilling through basement floors or slabs where needed. In rowhouses, access to the front and back is often limited, so technicians adapt.
- Bait systems placed in accessible soil, along rear yards and alleys, and monitored over time.
- Spot treatments of infested wood with repairs to moisture problems.
Ask the provider how they will handle limited exterior access and whether adjoining properties should be inspected. A written report can help you coordinate with neighbors or a homeowners association.
Rowhouse realities
In attached homes, the party wall is a gray area. A termite colony might feed in a shared joist or wall, and effective treatment may require neighbors to cooperate. If you own a rowhouse in Washington, tell your neighbors if you find activity and encourage them to schedule an inspection. Condo owners should ask the association who is responsible for structural wood and common basement areas. Renters should notify their landlord promptly in writing. District housing codes address maintenance duties, though details depend on your situation.
Ways to lower the risk
- Keep soil, mulch and planters away from the foundation, and avoid stacking firewood against walls.
- Repair leaking gutters, downspouts and plumbing.
- Ventilate or dehumidify damp cellars.
- Replace wood-to-soil contact on rear decks and porches with concrete or metal supports.
- Have older properties inspected regularly and before purchase.
Washington termite FAQs
When do termites swarm here?
Typically in spring on warm days after rain, though indoor swarms can occur at other times.
Are there termite types besides subterranean in the District?
Subterranean termites are the main concern. An inspector can confirm if you have another type.
Is my brick rowhouse safe from termites?
Brick does not prevent termites. They attack the wooden framing inside the walls.
How can I tell if damage is old?
A professional can examine mud tubes and wood to determine whether activity is current or past.