How Common Are Termites in Chicago?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about termites until your home is being invaded by these destructive pests.

And since there is no “season” for termites, they can invade any time of year.

Unfortunately, by the time you see signs of an infestation, they have already done a ton of damage to your home, like eating through the wood support beams or hollowing out the walls.

So, how common are termites in Chicago, Illinois?

The answer may surprise you.

Termites are actually pretty common in Illinois. In fact, the state commonly sees one specific pest which is the eastern subterranean termites. That is why understanding the different types of termites can help you better protect your home from these wood-destroying pests.

Below is the lowdown on the most common termite species in Chicago, Illinois.

Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern subterranean termites can be found throughout the eastern United States, including Illinois. 

These pests are particularly drawn to moist conditions and are often found near sources of water, such as leaks or pools of standing water. 

They typically build their nests in the soil and then enter homes through small cracks or holes in the foundation.

Once they are inside, they will start to feed on wood, paper, and other materials that are made from cellulose.

And if left unchecked, an infestation of eastern subterranean termites can quickly spiral out of control, causing a lot of damage to your home.

Other Pests You May Encounter

Although the eastern subterranean termite is the most common type of termite in Illinois, you may also come across the drywood and Formosan termites.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are less common than eastern subterranean termites but can still be found in Illinois.

These pests typically build their nests in dry, well-seasoned wood and don’t need soil to live like other termite species.

They are also known for causing damage to furniture, hardwood floors, and structural timbers. And can be difficult to control once they establish themselves in your home.

Formosan Termites

Formosan termites are another type of termite that you may see in Illinois, but not as often as the eastern subterranean termite.

These pests are actually native to China but have since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.

They are especially destructive and can cause a lot of damage to your home in a short amount of time.

Formosan termites are also known to feed off of a wide variety of materials, including wood, paper, asphalt, and even soft metal.

And, since they can lay around 2,000 eggs a day, an infestation of these pests can quickly get out of hand.

Signs of a Termite Infestation 

No one wants to find out they have termites. But if you know what to look for, you can catch an infestation early and nip it in the bud.

Here are a few ways to spot termites in your home:

• Discarded wings: Termites shed their wings when they swarm. So, if you find wings around your home, it could be a sign that you have an infestation. 
• Mud tubes: Another sign of termites are mud tubes. These are small tubes of mud that termites build for shelter which are moist and protect them from dry air.
• Wood damage: One of the most obvious signs of termites is wood damage. If you see wood that is hollowed out or has been damaged in some way, it’s likely because of termites. 
• Peeling paint: Termites need protection from the sun and air, so in order to protect themselves they will often live below the surface of the wood or in some cases paint, which has more moisture. So, if you see paint that is peeling or bubbling, it could be a sign of termites.

Now that you know more about the different types of infestations, you can better protect your home from these pests and learn when to contact pest control in Chicago.

Preventing Termites in Illinois

In order to prevent termites, there are a few things you can do:

Get a Termite Inspection

One of the best ways to prevent an infestation is to have your home inspected by a trusted pest control company and get a termite treatment. 

Also, a trained professional who uses The Sentricon® system can help eliminate termite colonies, while using products that are not only environmentally responsible but also safe for your kids and pets.

Make Repairs to Your Home

Another way to stop a termite infestation is to make sure your home is in good repair.

Be sure to seal any cracks or holes in your foundation and repair any leaks as soon as possible.

You should also remove any sources of standing water from your property, such as puddles, leaky gutters, or clogged drains.

Keep Your Home Dry

As we’ve mentioned, termites are attracted to moisture. So, one of the best ways to prevent them from infesting your home is to keep it dry.

Be sure to ventilate any damp areas in your home, such as the basement or laundry room.

You should also use a dehumidifier in these areas to help keep the air dry.

Store Firewood Away From Your Home

If you have firewood on your property, it’s important to store it away from your home.

Termites are attracted to wood, so storing firewood next to your house is just asking for trouble. Instead, store it in a shed or garage, or at least keep it elevated off the ground.

These are just a few of the things you can do to prevent termites in your Illinois home. They can be tough pests to get rid of, but it’s always best to take preventive measures.

So, , termites are a problem. But, by following these tips, you will have a better understanding of termite control and how to keep your home safe from these pests.

However, if you think you already have an infestation, be sure to contact our Chicago pest control experts right away in order to get rid of the problem before it gets out of hand.

And don’t forget to redeem our $150 Off Termite Control Coupon by using the code TERMITE150, which is only available in Illinois. 

This coupon is for new customers and existing clients who haven’t signed up for termite control. So, be sure to take advantage of this great offer!