Every year, termites do billions of dollars worth of damage around the United States, and homeowners in the Midwest are at an even greater risk. The hot summers, high humidity, and temperature variations in this region are a perfect breeding ground for these destructive pests to thrive and reproduce in a short time.
Often, homeowners are left with a bill in the thousands of dollars, as termite damage is rarely covered by insurance. Finding the problem early and getting a professional to step in is key to protecting your most valuable investment. A simple search of “termite control near me” can help you find the right expert.
Types of Termites Found In Midwest States
- Subterranean Termites
More than 95% of all termite damage done in states like Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin is due to subterranean termites, which dominate the Midwest landscape. These subterranean fellows create elaborate tunnel networks that may extend hundreds of feet from their colonies to the foundation of your home.
- Drywood Termites
Though rare in the Midwest, drywood termites can build nests in warmer microclimates, threatening homes in southern Illinois and Missouri. These termites live in the wood they eat, unlike their underground cousins. They are able to live in a lower humidity and are typically found in places such as attics, window frames, and furniture.
The National Pest Management Association estimates that close to 600,000 homes in the Midwest need to be treated for termites yearly, with Illinois seeing more than 150,000 cases per year.
Are These Termites Dangerous?
If you live in one of the Midwest states, yes, termites are a terrible threat to your property and wallet. Not only are they nontoxic to humans, but their presence also affects structural integrity, making them one of the most damaging pests a home can have.
Subterranean termites eat cellulose 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the wooden support beams, floor joists, and wall studs of your home. An adult colony could house hundreds of thousands of workers, each adept at processing small particles of wood nonstop. This cumulative impact frequently goes undetected until significant structural damage has already compromised safety, and households are faced with the prospect of costly repair bills exceeding $10,000 each.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Termites?
- Regular Inspections
Schedule annual termite inspections through trained professionals who understand the way Midwestern termites behave. The risk assessors can notice early warning indicators such as mud tubes, wings that need to be discarded, and subtle adjustments to the structure that untrained eyes might miss.
- Moisture Control
Remove the sources of moisture near your house’s foundation. Repair leaking pipes, improve drainage, and vent crawl spaces and basements. Termites seek out water, so if you have a problem with humidity in your home, it is much more appealing to them because it is a watering hole.
- Professional Treatment Options
Companies such as Reliable Pest Solutions have extensive termite management programs suited to the conditions of the Midwest when prevention is not sufficient. They use in-house treatment solutions such as liquid barriers, baiting systems, and monitoring stations that are placed around your property. Not only do their technicians know the local termite species, but they can also recommend the best long-term protection options for your situation.
Conclusion
Termites pose a threat to Midwest homeowners, which can be financially and structurally devastating. The region’s climate conditions are the underlying factors for pests that create colonies under homes.
So, do not wait until the damage is irreversible or threatening! Make sure you take action now to protect your home, your family, and your financial future from these quiet killers.