Termites in Indiana

Indiana is located in TIP zone two in the Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones). This means a moderate to severe risk of a termite infestation, so more termite control measures are needed to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than in other areas with less frequent activity.

These wood-eating insects cause five million dollars of property damage annually in the United States.

This article will discuss the Termites in Indiana, how to spot infestations, and ways to avoid attracting termites.

Let’s get started!

Insurance does not cover wood-destroying pests like termites

In the States, a homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover Termite damage. Termite infestations and other pest infestations are considered maintenance issues by insurance companies. Therefore, it is essential to know about risks and options for protection against termite damage and termite pest control treatments in Indiana.

How much damage do termites cause?

Termites eat constantly 24 hours a day, every day of the week. The Formosan termite is the most destructive. They can destroy a wooden structure in a month!!

Are there different species of termites?

There are four main termite species in the United States: Dampwood, Drywood, Formosan, and Subterranean. The most common species of termite in Indiana is the Subterranean termite.

Termite activity is found across the entire State of Indiana, from Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Indianapolis to Evansville.

Are there Formosan termites in Indiana?

Formosan termites are common in other regions. However, they have not been identified in Indiana; they prefer very warm locations in the South of the U.S.

Are there Drywood termites in Indiana?

Thankfully no, Drywood termites have not been identified in Indiana. Drywood termites can travel inside wooden objects and establish colonies in Indiana.

If you are unsure of a termite species, you can contact a licensed termite control expert to identify the species of termite. Pest control professionals do not usually charge for this service.

Termite infestations and what to look for

Swarming habits of Indiana termites: Termite swarms indicate a mature nest nearby. Termite swarms are visible in early spring and after rainfall. Termites swarm in the winter in heated buildings.

Termites swarm when a nest becomes mature: Reproductive termites take flight, mate, and establish colonies. A new colony will contain a new queen laying eggs all her life. Termite swarms are often confused with flying ants.

A common sign of a termite infestation can be the discovery of damaged wood and decayed-looking wood in the home. If the wood feels brittle and crumbles easily or sounds hollow when you tap, it could be due to a termite infestation.

Another sign of termites in Indiana is wood blistering and darkening. This happens when moisture gets under the paint due to termite activity.

Subterranean termites in Indiana

Subterranean termites in Indiana cause the most termite damage to softwood than any other termite species. Formosan termites and Drywood termites are rare in the Midwest. Subterranean termites are smaller than Drywood termites and vary in appearance depending on their caste. The flying termites or swarmers of this species tend to be black.

Subterranean termites need to be in contact with soil to survive. They thrive in moist, humid conditions. They live in underground colonies that can contain up to two million members. Subterranean termites are wood-destroying pests that have sharp cutting jaws that will eat away at wood all day.

Signs of a termite colony

Signs of Subterranean termites in Indiana include mud tubes; the termites build mud tubes and tunnels usually near a home’s foundation. They are constructed to prevent termites from drying out and protect them as they travel from underground nests to a food source like structural wood. Look for mud tubes along gaps and cracks in the foundation.

If you notice piles of discarded wings, they could be left by either flying termites or ants. The wings get discarded after mating.

Buckling and sagging floors are an indication of termites in the home. Piles of frass (termite droppings) near baseboards indicate termites.

How can homeowners prevent termites in Indiana?

A homeowner can perform a few things to prevent an infestation of termites. One is to speak to a termite control expert for an effective termite prevention and control program. You can also arrange for a licensed termite inspector to inspect your property yearly for signs of a termite pest problem.

What is used to treat termites in Indiana?

A termite control expert will place bait stations around affected areas; how long the bait stations are used will depend on the severity of the infestation. They may also use liquid treatments for pest control that will remain effective for a few years. In cases of a severe infestation, pest control can result in house tenting.

Tips for termite prevention

• One of the most important things to be done is to reduce moisture inside and outside.

• Ventilate crawl spaces and use a dehumidifier in damp areas to remove moisture.

• Ensure installation of gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks are diverting water away from the property’s foundation.

• Fix leaky pipes and faucets to reduce the home’s moisture levels.

• Old form boards, grade stakes, tree stumps, fallen trees, and roots should be removed near a building to avoid these pests and potential structural damage.

• Trim hedges, vines, and other vegetation to prevent vent blockages.

• Leave a gap of eighteen inches or more between the soil and wood parts of your home.

• Avoid using mulch in the yard. The moisture will attract termites. If you use mulch, keep it away from the foundations of your home to avoid Subterranean termite infestations.

• Monitor the foundation of your home for termite damage regularly.

And finally,

We presented ‘Termites in Indiana’ and discussed prevention, pest control services, and the signs of an infestation. We hope you have found this article helpful.

Good luck!