Do You Have Termites? 7 Warning Signs Every Iowa Homeowner Should Know

Termites in Iowa: A Hidden Threat to Your Home

Spring and early summer in Iowa is peak termite swarming season, and unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until damage is already done. Termites can quietly eat away at the structure of your home for months or even years—costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

At Evicted Pest Control, we specialize in protecting homeowners in Sac, Calhoun, and Carroll Counties from costly termite damage. Below, we’ll cover the most common warning signs of termites, prevention tips, and what to do if you think your home is at risk.

🔍 7 Warning Signs You May Have Termites

1. Mud Tubes Along Foundation Walls

Subterranean termites build mud tubes to stay moist while traveling between their nest and your home. Look for pencil-thin, brown tunnels along your foundation, basement walls, or crawl spaces.

2. Swarming Termites or Discarded Wings

In spring, termites swarm in large numbers to find a new place to establish a colony. You might see flying termites near windows or doors—or find piles of discarded wings.

Tip: Swarmers are often confused with flying ants. Termites have straight antennae and equal-length wings.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Tap on wooden beams or window frames. If they sound hollow or papery, termites may have tunneled through the inside.

4. Blistered or Bubbling Paint

Moisture from termite activity can cause paint to bubble or blister—often mistaken for water damage.

5. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

As termites eat through wood, it can warp and cause doors and windows to stick or become hard to open.

6. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites leave behind tiny pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds, often near baseboards or windowsills.

7. Clicking Sounds Inside the Walls

Termites sometimes make quiet clicking or tapping sounds while chewing through wood. You may hear this in a quiet room, especially at night.

🛡️ How to Prevent a Termite Infestation

• Eliminate moisture around your home’s foundation

• Fix leaky plumbing or AC units

• Keep mulch and wood piles away from your siding

• Seal cracks in your home’s exterior

• Schedule annual termite inspections, especially if your home is older or in a wooded area

🏠 Why Iowa Homes Are at Risk

Homes in Sac, Calhoun, and Carroll counties often have older construction, wooden porches, and basements—all features termites love. Additionally, spring flooding or moisture from heavy rains creates the perfect environment for subterranean termites to thrive.

📞 Think You Have Termites? Call Evicted Pest Control Today

If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, don’t wait. Termite colonies can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left untreated.

At Evicted Pest Control, we offer:

• Free termite inspections

• Local, fast, and friendly service

• Customized treatment plans to protect your home

Whether you’re in Sac City, Lake View, Rockwell City, Carroll, or anywhere in between—Evicted Pest Control is your trusted local partner for termite control in Western Iowa.

👉 Call now or book online to schedule your inspection before the damage worsens.