Termites in Wisconsin

Termites cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to homes in Wisconsin and billions throughout the States. It can be a while before termite damage from an infestation is noticed.

Termites are a significant pest problem across the Badger State 24/7 (they never stop eating) from Eau Claire, Washburn, and Green Bay down to Milwaukee, Madison, and Wisconsin.

In our article, we will discuss which termites are in Wisconsin, what they look like, and what you can do to avoid termites.

What is a termite?

Termites are wood-eating insects; termites eat wood and dead plant material for their cellulose. Other insects also destroy wood, like Carpenter ants (who only chew the wood), Carpenter bees, Powderpost beetles, and more.

Characteristics

Termites live in colonies and are very social insects; some have millions of members, each having a role in the colony.

Size

Size varies according to the caste member; generally, they are 1/8 of an inch to 3/8 of an inch.

Color

Color depends on the caste; colors range from creamy white to dark gray.

Are they dangerous?

Potentially yes, as they can damage your home.

Subterranean Termites in Wisconsin

Subterranean termites are the main species of termite in Wisconsin. However, drywood termites could potentially infest and cause damage with a new colony.

The Eastern subterranean termite and arid land subterranean termites are silent destroyers that live in the soil in a termite colony. They will come up to the ground level to get behind walls and under hardwood floors to feed on the cellulose found in wood.

They travel through mud tubes the termites make from clay to get to a food source. The tubes keep them moist and give protection while they get to a wooden object.

Drywood termites in Wisconsin

Drywood termites are not native to Wisconsin. However, drywood termites can travel far from their native habitats inside wooden objects like wine crates and furniture and could establish colonies in Wisconsin.

This species typically lives in hot locations and humid environments with mild winters. They get all the moisture they require from the wood they eat. Drywood termites live in a termite colony and eat inside any ground-level dry wood. They can be challenging to detect and do not need a lot of moisture to survive.

Drywood termites are usually pale brown but can be light to dark brown.

Formosan termites

Formosan termites have not been identified yet in Wisconsin. Formosan termites like warm areas such as the Southern U.S.

When do termites swarm in Wisconsin?

Swarming termites in Wisconsin tend to swarm on a warm day after rain. Swarms of winged termites can occur in the winter in heated buildings.

• The Eastern Subterranean termite swarms from March to May.

• The arid land subterranean termite usually swarms in the spring and fall.

• The Western drywood termite will swarm during the daytime in the fall.

Indications you may have a termite infestation

• A telltale sign of termites is swarming; a nest could be nearby.

• Mud tubes.

• Frass (fecal matter) on the ground.

• Blistered paint and tiny holes in drywall.

• Piles of discarded wings.

• Hollow-sounding wooden objects.

Why do I have a termite infestation?

It is possible termites have infested because conditions are just right, and something has attracted them.

Consider if you have the following in your yard and address them:

Leaf litter and clutter, mulch near your foundations and walls, landscaping timbers, Firewood, and logs. Water sprinklers near the foundations of your home.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites do not carry disease; however, they are wood-destroying pests. Termites feed on wood mainly, but they will feed on paper, cloth, and carpets. They will cause structural damage, which can go unnoticed, eating through foundational posts and destroying beams that could collapse and cause serious injury.

Termite infestation probability zones

Wisconsin is at a slight to moderate risk of termites. Wisconsin is in tip zone three of the United States Forest Service’s termite infestation probability zones (Tip zones) map.

The risk of termite damage is less in Wisconsin than in other parts of the United States. However, we should still be looking for termite colonies in Wisconsin.

Termite infestations

If you own a home in Wisconsin, it is a good idea to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program with a licensed termite pest control expert to protect your home from termite infestations and termite damage.

A termite infestation is a worrying issue that is best solved by calling a termite control expert immediately after you see the signs of termites around your house.

Get a termite control expert.

Having performed an inspection and given confirmation of termites and not Carpenter ants, the pest control expert will offer a treatment plan based on the extent of the infestation and the species infesting.

What treatments are used?

Generally, the termite control solutions used are bait stations, entire house fumigation, and liquid termiticide.

Ideally, it is best to stop a termite infestation from taking hold by preventing termites from entering the home. Together with pest control methods to prevent termites, you can maintain your home to make it less attractive to termites.

How can I prevent termite infestations?

Wisconsin termites flourish in damp environments, remove the dampness inside and around your home to reduce the risk of these pests.

Moisture-reducing measures should include:

• Clean gutters regularly. Make sure

• Check and repair leaking faucets and pipes in and around your home.

• Use a dehumidifier.

• Install weather stripping around windows and doors.

• Make sure downspouts and gutters run away from the foundation.

• Use termite-resistant wood.

• Remove old tree stumps.

And finally,

We presented ‘Termites in Wisconsin’ and discussed what damage the termites in Wisconsin cause and other signs of termites; we hope you have found the article helpful.

Good luck!