How Common Are Termites in Chicago?

Like most people, you probably don’t think about termites unless they invade your home. Since termites don’t have a specific ‘season,’ they can strike any time of year, so it’s important to stay vigilant year-round.

Unfortunately, by the time you see signs of an infestation, the pests may have already caused damaged 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.

Unfortunately, termites are actually pretty common in Illinois. In fact, the state commonly sees one specific pest: eastern subterranean termites. 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, and even as far west as Utah and Arizona.

These termites are especially attracted to moisture, often found near leaks or standing water. They typically build nests in the soil and enter homes through tiny cracks in the foundation. Once inside, they feed on wood, paper, and other materials made of cellulose. If not dealt with, an infestation of eastern subterranean termites can quickly get out of hand, causing serious 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 drywood and Formosan termites.

Drywood Termites

Though less common than eastern subterranean termites, drywood termites can still be found in Illinois. These pests nest in dry, seasoned wood and don’t rely on soil like other termite species. They’re notorious for damaging furniture, hardwood floors, and structural timbers, and once they settle in, they can be tough to control.

Formosan Termites

Formosan termites aren’t as common in Illinois as eastern subterranean termites but they can still be a problem. These termites originally come from China but have spread to the U.S. Formosan termites are super destructive and can cause serious damage to your home fast. They eat all kinds of things, like wood, paper, asphalt, and even soft metal. Since they can lay about 2,000 eggs a day, a termite infestation can get out of control quickly.

You can tell the difference between Formosan termites and Eastern subterranean termites by the shape of the head of their soldiers. Formosan’s have a more tear-drop shaped head, while Eastern subterranean termites have more blocky, rectangle-shaped head. That is, of course, if you ever actually see one, and dare to see it up close and personal!

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 is 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

If you want to do your part to protect against termites, here are a few things you can do:

1. Get a Termite Check-Up
   • Have a pest control company inspect your home to catch termites before they cause damage.
   • At Fox Pest Control, we use the Sentricon® system to get rid of termite colonies and protect your home year-round.
2. Fix Up Your Home
   • Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation and fix leaks right away.
   • Get rid of standing water, like puddles, leaky gutters, or clogged drains—termites love moisture.
3. Keep Things Dry
   • Since termites are drawn to moisture, make sure to ventilate damp areas like the basement or laundry room.
   • Use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry in those spaces.
4. Store Firewood Away
   • Termites love wood, so don’t store firewood right next to your house.
   • Keep it in a shed, garage, or off the ground and away from your home.

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

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

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