Termites are a pest that can cause serious damage to homes and buildings, and they have recently been discovered in Iowa. This is concerning news for homeowners in the area, as termites can cause expensive and long-term damage to a property. In this article, we’ll discuss the types of termites found in Iowa, the signs of a termite infestation, and what to do if you suspect you have one.
Types of Termites in Iowa
- Formosan Subterranean Termites
- Eastern Subterranean Termites
- Dampwood Termites
- Drywood Termites
Formosan Subterranean Termites are the most common type of termite found in Iowa. They live in colonies and feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose materials. They are very small, measuring 1/8 inch long, and are yellowish-brown in color. They create galleries in wood, and can cause extensive damage.
Eastern Subterranean Termites are also common in Iowa. They are similar to Formosan Subterranean Termites, but their colonies are larger and their tunnels are longer. They are also 1/8 inch long, but they are lighter in color, typically a pale yellow.
Dampwood Termites are typically found in moist wood, such as rotting logs or stumps. They are larger than the other types of termites, measuring up to 1 inch long. They are dark brown or black in color, and usually have a grayish-white head.
Drywood Termites are found in dry wood, such as structures or furniture. They are smaller than Dampwood Termites, measuring only 1/4 inch long. They are reddish-brown in color, and may have a yellowish-orange head. They typically live in isolated colonies and feed on wood, but may also feed on other materials.
Signs of Termites in Iowa
| Signs | Description |
|---|---|
| Droppings | Termite droppings, also known as frass, are small, hard pellets that accumulate in piles near infestations |
| Mud Tubes | Mud tubes are used by termites to connect the soil to their food sources. They are made of soil, wood, and termite saliva. |
| Swarms | Termite swarms typically occur during spring and summer. During swarms, winged termites, known as alates, fly out of their colonies to mate and establish new ones. |
| Discarded Wings | After mating, alates shed their wings near the entrance of the colony. If you find piles of discarded wings near your home, it could be a sign of a termite infestation. |
| Visible Damage | Termites cause extensive damage to wood and other materials in buildings. Look for hollowed out wood, cracks in walls, and sagging floors, which could be signs of termite damage. |
Identifying Termites in Iowa
Termites are small, winged insects that feed on wood and other organic material. In the state of Iowa, termites are most commonly found in the eastern and southern parts of the state. There are three species of termites that are commonly found in Iowa: eastern subterranean termites, western subterranean termites, and dampwood termites.
| Termite Species | Appearance | Habits |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Subterranean Termites | White or light brown in color; about 1/8” long | Live underground and feed on wood and other materials found in the soil |
| Western Subterranean Termites | Light brown in color; about 1/4” long | Live underground and feed on wood and other materials found in the soil |
| Dampwood Termites | Dark brown in color; about 1/2” long | Feed on wood with high moisture content, such as wood found in trees, stumps, logs, and fence posts |
Termites are often mistaken for flying ants due to their similar appearance. However, there are some key differences between the two. Termites have a thicker waist and their wings are of equal size, while ants have a thin waist and their wings are unequal in size.
The best way to identify a termite infestation is to look for signs of damage such as hollowed-out wood, small piles of sawdust, and small mud tunnels running up the sides of structures or trees. If you suspect an infestation, it is important to contact a professional pest control company to help identify and treat the problem.
Prevention and Control of Termites in Iowa
| Prevention | Control |
|---|---|
|
|
Termites cause significant damage to properties in Iowa. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent and control termites in order to protect homes and businesses. Prevention measures include inspecting wood for signs of damage, removing wood debris, filling in gaps in foundations, fixing leaky pipes, and replacing mulch with gravel or rock. Control measures include baiting systems, chemical treatments, and fumigation. All of these measures should be taken in order to protect Iowa properties from termite damage.
Professional Termite Control Services in Iowa
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection | A thorough inspection of the property to identify termite infestations and other potential problems. |
| Baiting | Installation of termite bait stations around the perimeter of the property to monitor and control termite populations. |
| Treatment | Application of a liquid termiticide to the soil to eliminate existing termites and protect against future infestations. |
| Prevention | Implementation of preventative measures to reduce the chances of future infestations, such as eliminating sources of moisture and eliminating conducive conditions for termite activity. |
| Repair | Repairing any existing damage caused by termites and helping to prevent further damage. |
Professional termite control services in Iowa provide a variety of services to control, prevent and eliminate termite infestations. These services include inspections to identify existing infestations, baiting to monitor and control termite populations, treatments to eliminate existing termites, preventative measures to reduce the chances of future infestations, and repair of existing damage. Professional termite control services in Iowa are an invaluable resource for homeowners and businesses in the area who are concerned about the potential for damage caused by termites.
Cost of Termite Control Services in Iowa
The cost of termite control in Iowa can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the infestation, as well as the type of treatment chosen. Generally speaking, a basic termite control treatment in Iowa costs between $500 and $1,000. For larger infestations, or for more complex treatments, costs can range from $2,000 to $3,000. Additional charges may be applied for any repairs or additional treatments needed. Homeowners should always discuss the cost of termite control services with the service provider before agreeing to any treatments.
Do-it-Yourself Termite Control in Iowa
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Baiting System | A below-ground bait station is used to attract termites and to monitor their activity. This method requires regular monitoring and maintenance. |
| Chemical Treatment | Chemical insecticides can be used to treat areas where termites have been found. This method is effective but may require multiple treatments. |
| Physical Barriers | Physical barriers such as metal or plastic sheets can be used to prevent termites from entering a building. This method is best used as a preventative measure. |
Do-it-yourself termite control is an option for homeowners in Iowa. There are several methods that can be used to control termites. The most common methods are baiting systems, chemical treatments and physical barriers.
Baiting systems involve the use of below-ground bait stations to attract and monitor termites. The bait stations must be regularly monitored and maintained to be effective. Chemical treatments involve the use of insecticides to treat areas where termites have been found. This method can be effective, but may require multiple treatments. Physical barriers such as metal or plastic sheets can be used to prevent termites from entering a building. This method is best used as a preventative measure.
Homeowners should be aware that do-it-yourself termite control methods may not be as effective as professional treatments and that professional pest control services may be needed to completely eliminate termites.
Summary of Termite Control in Iowa
Iowa is a state that is highly vulnerable to termite infestations due to its humid climate and abundance of wood materials. As such, termite control is an important aspect of home maintenance in Iowa. The best way to control termites is to prevent them from entering the home in the first place. Homeowners in Iowa should regularly inspect their homes for potential entry points and seal any potential entry points they find. Homeowners should also ensure that their landscape is kept clear of mulch, wood debris, and other materials that might attract termites. Once an infestation has occurred, it is important to contact a professional pest control service to help with the removal and treatment of the termites. The pest control service can provide an inspection to identify the type of termites present and the extent of the infestation, as well as provide advice on the best methods to use for removal and treatment. Additionally, the service may offer advice on preventative measures to use in order to minimize the risk of future infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Termites are Found in Iowa?
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in Iowa. These termites live in large colonies and feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials. They typically enter structures through cracks in the foundation and can cause extensive damage if not treated. Other types of termites found in Iowa include drywood and dampwood termites, which are less common but can also cause significant damage.
Are Iowa Termites Dangerous?
Termites are present in Iowa, and can cause damage to wooden structures, furniture, and other items. While not considered dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance and cause costly damage to homes and businesses. Proper identification and inspection of the termites is necessary to determine the best course of action for removal and prevention. Professional exterminators are the best option for eliminating a termite infestation and providing advice on preventative measures to protect against future infestations.
What Should be Done if Termites are Found in My Home?
If termites are found in the home, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage to the structure of the home. The first step is to contact a pest control expert to inspect the home and identify the type of termites present. This will determine the best course of action to take. Pest control experts can provide treatments to eradicate the termite infestation and repair any damage. Additionally, homeowners should take steps to reduce the risk of termite infestation, such as removing excess moisture, ensuring proper ventilation, and reducing sources of food for termites.
What are the signs of a termite infestation?
Discarded wings near window and door frames, mud tubes on exterior walls, visible damage to wood, hollow sounding wood, and presence of swarmers.
How can I prevent termites from entering my home?
Take preventive measures to keep termites away from your home. Seal any cracks and crevices on external walls and around door and window frames. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are cleared of debris and are functioning properly. Reduce moisture in and around your home by fixing any leaking pipes, keeping gutters clean and clear, and installing a dehumidifier. Keep firewood, lumber, and other materials away from your home and reduce mulch levels around the foundation. Finally, inspect your home regularly for signs of termite activity.
Conclusion
The presence of dangerous termites in Iowa can cause serious damage to buildings, furniture, and landscapes. It is important to be aware of the signs of termite infestation and contact a professional exterminator at the first sign of an infestation. Taking preventative measures such as fixing cracks in foundations and eliminating sources of moisture can help decrease the chances of an infestation. Additionally, having your home inspected regularly by a professional can help detect and eliminate any existing infestations.
