How to Know If You Have Termites
If you own a home in West Central Iowa, there's one pest you absolutely don't want to ignore: termites. Termites are sneaky, persistent, and can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even realize they’re there. This guide will walk you through the most common signs of termites, when to call a professional, and how to protect your home from costly infestations.
What Kind of Termites Are in Iowa?
The most common species in Iowa is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. These termites live underground and build mud tubes to reach wood above the soil. Unlike some other pests, you won’t always see them crawling around your house. Instead, they do their damage quietly—behind walls, under flooring, and inside wood structures.
Early Warning Signs of Termites in Your Home
1. Mud Tubes
Termites create pencil-thin mud tubes to travel between their nest in the soil and the wood they’re feeding on. These are often found along foundation walls, basement joists, or crawl spaces. If you see these, it’s a major red flag.
2. Discarded Wings
Each spring, termite swarmers (the reproductive caste) fly out to start new colonies. If you find piles of tiny wings near windows, doors, or vents, it may mean a colony has already taken hold nearby.
3. Damaged or Hollow Wood
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or that easily crumbles can be a sign of internal termite feeding. This damage often goes unnoticed until repairs are needed.
4. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Termite damage sometimes looks like water damage. If paint starts to bubble or peel without moisture issues nearby, termites might be to blame.
5. Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows
Termites can distort wood as they feed, making doors or windows difficult to open or close. If this happens without any noticeable warping or weather change, it’s worth investigating.
6. Clicking Sounds in Walls
Believe it or not, worker termites make faint clicking or rustling sounds while they chew through wood. If you hear unusual noises coming from your walls, you may not be imagining it.
What To Do If You Suspect Termites
Don’t disturb them. Breaking open mud tubes or damaged wood can cause termites to scatter, making it harder to treat the infestation.
Get a professional inspection. A licensed pest control technician can confirm whether termites are present and how widespread the issue is.
Ask about treatment options. Depending on the infestation, options might include liquid barrier treatments, baiting systems, or a combination of both.
Consider ongoing protection. Many Iowa homeowners opt for an annual termite inspection or a protection plan to prevent reinfestation.
Why Termites Are Hard to Detect Early
In West Central Iowa, termite activity is sporadic but very possible, especially in homes with wood siding, crawl spaces, or excess moisture around the foundation. Because they work behind the scenes, many homeowners don’t know they have termites until significant damage is done. That’s why knowing the signs—and acting quickly—is crucial.
Prevention Tips for Iowa Homeowners
Keep mulch, firewood, and landscaping at least 6 inches from the foundation.
Fix any leaks in roofing, gutters, and plumbing to reduce moisture.
Ensure crawl spaces are well-ventilated and dry.
Seal cracks in foundation walls and around utility pipes.
Schedule a professional termite inspection once a year, especially if you live in an older home or a wooded area.
Schedule a termite inspection today
Termites aren’t just a southern problem—they’re here in Iowa too. Knowing what to look for and acting early can save you thousands in repairs. If you think you might have termites, don’t wait. Reach out to a pest control professional with experience treating homes in West Central Iowa.
Are you concerned about termites? Schedule a local inspection to find out for sure and protect your home before damage spreads.
Evicted Pest Control
712-297-4711
evictedpest@gmail.com
