Termites 101

Termites can be a serious problem for houses, especially because they feed on wood and other materials that contain cellulose. Here’s a breakdown of why termites are bad for homes and some strategies to prevent them, particularly in the Midwest.

Why Termites Are Harmful to Homes

  1. Structural Damage: Termites can chew through wood, weakening beams, floors, and walls. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the entire house.
  2. Hidden Damage: Termites often work out of sight, within walls, floors, or foundations. This makes it difficult to spot an infestation until significant damage has occurred.
  3. Costly Repairs: Repairing termite damage can be expensive, especially if structural repairs are necessary.
  4. Decreased Property Value: Evidence of termite damage or an active infestation can lower a home’s market value and make it harder to sell.

Preventing Termites in the Midwest

The Midwest, with its moderate climate, can be a hospitable environment for termites, particularly subterranean termites. Here are steps to help prevent infestations:

  1. Limit Moisture Around Your Home:
  • Termites thrive in moist environments, so fix leaks in pipes, faucets, or roofs, and ensure proper drainage around the foundation.
  • Keep gutters clean to avoid water pooling near the foundation.
  • Consider installing a vapor barrier in crawl spaces to reduce moisture.
  1. Eliminate Wood-to-Soil Contact:
  • Ensure that any wood (e.g., siding, posts) does not directly touch the ground, as this can give termites direct access to food sources.
  • Use concrete or metal for foundations and other areas that touch the ground.
  1. Use Treated Wood in High-Risk Areas:
  • When building or renovating, consider using termite-resistant or pressure-treated wood, especially for decks, patios, and other outdoor structures.
  1. Maintain a Termite Barrier:
  • Install a termite barrier or have a pest control professional apply termiticide around the foundation. This can act as a preventative measure, deterring termites from entering.
  1. Remove Wood Debris and Mulch:
  • Keep wood piles, tree stumps, and other cellulose materials away from the house, as these can attract termites.
  • Avoid using wood mulch too close to your home’s foundation; if you use it, opt for inorganic materials like gravel in high-risk areas.
  1. Schedule Regular Inspections:
  • Have a licensed pest control professional inspect your property at least once a year, especially if you have a history of termite issues.

By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of a termite infestation and protect your home from costly damage.

Contact 86Bugs to help you mitigate these pests today!

Here are some DIY options to get started if you are so inclined. If it is NOT working, contact us right away to get the 1,2,3 punch: Inspection, Evaluation, Protection.

Spectracide Terminate Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer, Localized Control Termite Spray, Kills Wood-Destroying Insects , 1.33 Gallon (RTU Spray)

Visit the Spectracide Store

4.4 out of 5 stars    11,257 ratings

2K+ bought in past month


$23.97 (prices may vary)

About this item
  • KILLS TERMITES AND CARPENTER ANTS: Indoor plus home foundation treatment against termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and other insects as listed.
  • FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: Up to 9 months control indoors
  • KILLS CARPENTER BEES: Kills wood-destroying insects on contact.
  • CLEAR FORMULA: Non-staining spray leaves no odor.
  • ACCUSHOT SPRAYER: Continuous power sprayer for precise application.

BioAdvanced Termite Killer, Granules, 9 LB

Visit the BioAdvanced Store

4.4 out of 5 stars    136 ratings

Amazon’sChoice

300+ bought in past month


$49.69 (Prices may vary)

About this item
  • FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Fast-acting formula kills termites, ants, centipedes, cockroaches, digger wasps and other listed insects on contact
  • LONG-LASTING PROTECTION: Our exclusive formula provides 30 days of outdoor protection
  • EASY-TO-USE GRANULES: Just sprinkle, water in and walk away
  • HOME BARRIER TREATMENT: Creates an effective home barrier against listed insects. Begin using when listed insects or damage first appear
  • COVERAGE: Treats up to 4,500 square feet

In Summary

In Summary

A termite infestation occurs when termites establish a colony within or near a structure, causing damage as they consume wood and other materials with cellulose. Termites, especially subterranean termites, often infiltrate homes through soil contact with the foundation or through cracks in walls and floors. Infestations can lead to severe structural damage over time if left untreated.

Signs of a Termite Infestation:

  1. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites create mud tubes to connect their colonies in the soil to wood sources above ground.
  2. Hollow-Sounding Wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, making infested wood sound hollow when tapped.
  3. Discarded Wings: Swarming termites leave behind wings near windows, doors, or other entry points.
  4. Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites push frass out of infested areas, resembling small piles of sawdust.

How to Address an Infestation:

  1. Inspection: Have a professional inspect your property to confirm the presence and type of termites. Contact 86Bugs asap to get to work on this inspection.
  2. Chemical Treatments: Termiticides can be applied around the foundation to create a barrier or directly to the infested area.
  3. Bait Stations: These contain slow-acting poison that termites take back to the colony, gradually killing it.
  4. Fumigation: For severe infestations, tenting and fumigating the home might be necessary to eradicate termites.

Prevention:

  • Maintain dry conditions around the house, repair leaks, and reduce wood-soil contact. This is a lot of DIY you can complete.
  • Schedule annual termite inspections and consider preventive treatments if you live in a high-risk area. This is part of our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) services we offer. Peace of mind is hard to put a price on. Contact us today!

Early detection and regular maintenance are key to preventing termites from causing extensive damage to your home.

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