Illinois is the home of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and deep dish pizza, but it’s also the home to termites. These wood-eating pests are a small but mighty menace to any Illinois homeowner. Whether it’s recognizing your local species or knowing how to identify signs of an infestation, here is everything you need to know about termites in Illinois.
Are There Termites in Illinois?
The short answer? Yes!
Termites are prolific and determined pests, and they are a common problem in Illinois, with high-risk areas all over the state. The real question is what species of termite should you expect to see if you are a native to the Land of Lincoln.
Types of Termites in Illinois
Illinois isn’t warm or humid enough to be comfortable for most species of termites, but there are still a couple of species that have managed to make themselves at home.
You can expect to find subterranean termites chewing their way through The Prairie State. Drywood termites are not as common and don’t live in Illinois unless they find their way into the state by hitching a ride in lumber or other items that contain cellulose.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are smaller than other termite species, (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length), but don’t let their size fool you. They are the most common type of termite in the U.S., and the most destructive, making up for their small size with large numbers. A well-established colony can contain from several thousand to a million termites.
Subterranean termites prefer dark, moist environments, getting their moisture from the soil. They make underground nests (hence their name) and use mud tubes to protect themselves from the open air as they travel. They don’t leave behind any frass; instead, they use their droppings to construct their tunnels.
Subterranean termites typically swarm in spring between the months of March and May. Humid, overcast conditions, like those after a rainstorm, provide perfect flying conditions for subterranean termite swarmers since there’s lots of moisture in the air.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites, as their name suggests, make their nests in dry wood above ground. They prefer areas with high humidity, and don’t make contact with the soil; instead, they get moisture from the wood they consume.
Although they are usually hidden in furniture or wall framing, drywood termites leave traces you can see. One of the most common signs of drywood termites is frass (also known as termite droppings) that resemble small mounds of salt or pepper. They push their frass outside of the wood they infest through “kick-out” holes.
Drywood termites typically swarm in late summer to early fall, usually through the months of August to October. The size of their colony is relatively small, with a colony housing up to 2,500 termites.
What Do Termites Look Like In Illinois?
Drywood: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0, created using Canva Pro
Now that you know which species are in the Illinois area and how they operate, it’s time to know what they look like up close.
| Subterranean Termites | Drywood Termites | |
| Size | Swarmers: 3/8 inch Soldiers: 1/4 inch Workers: 1/8 inch | Swarmers: 3/8 inch Soldiers: 5/16 inch Workers: 3/8 inch |
| Color | Swarmers: Reddish, honey-brown color Soldiers: Creamy white, with yellowish brown heads and black-toothed mandibles Workers: Creamy white or a grayish white | Swarmers: Reddish, honey brown color Soldiers: Creamy white, with yellowish brown heads and black-toothed mandibles Workers: Creamy white or a grayish white |
| Frass | Do not leave behind visible droppings | Pellets like sand or sawdust |
Termite Distribution in Illinois
- Termites in Northern Illinois: The most common type of termites in northern Illinois, including Chicago, are subterranean termites, but you will occasionally run across western drywood termites as well.
- Termites in Central Illinois: If you live in Springfield, or in any of the towns located around Springfield, the most common types of termites in your area are subterranean termites, specifically eastern subterranean termites. If you are a resident of Champaign, or are near the area, then the most common termites are also subterranean termites.
- Termites in Southern Illinois: If you live in Belleville, or the surrounding area (Alton, Godfrey, O’Fallon, etc.), then you will most likely find yourself facing off against subterranean termites.
Signs of Termites in Illinois
It’s important to be able to identify if you have a termite infestation, and what type of termites you’re dealing with, so you can pursue the correct treatment plan. Here are the common signs of both subterranean and drywood termites:
- Sagging or buckling floors
- Loose tiles
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Squeaky floorboards
- Mud tubes from the soil to above-ground wood
- Crumbling baseboards
- Jammed doors and windows
- Dead swarmers and discarded wings
- Clicking noises
- Piles of termite frass (drywood only)
How to Prevent Termites in Illinois
Spraying Pesticide: surachetsh / Canva Pro / License
Fixing Pipes Leakage: Alexander’s Images / Canva Pro / License
The best way to prevent termites is not to tempt them into your home with things that they like to eat or a moist, humid environment they can get comfy in.
- Keep wood and other cellulose material (cardboard, newspaper) 20-30 feet away from your buildings
- Keep mulch 6-12 inches away from your foundation
- Treat and seal wood
- Fill any cracks or openings with caulk
- Clean and maintain your gutters
- Invest in an annual termite inspection
- Don’t overwater your grass
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets
- Remove stumps, logs, and dead trees from your lawn
- Seal gaps in doors and windows
- Don’t store firewood inside the home
- Treat wooden furniture and above ground posts with borate spray
- Turn off lights at night
How to Get Rid of Termites in Illinois
Termites are unwelcome guests in any home, but how can you send them packing? Here are some of the best whole-structure and localized methods for getting rid of termites in Illinois:
Whole-structure treatments:
- Bait stations (subterranean)
- Liquid termiticides (drywood and subterranean)
- Fumigation, aka termite tenting (drywood)
Localized treatments:
All of these are ideal for drywood termites.
- Microwave treatment
- Liquid nitrogen
- Electro-gun
- Orange oil
- Heat treatments
- Borax treatments
Cost to Treat Termites in Illinois
The national cost of termite treatment for homeowners is somewhere between $275 and $863, depending on the size of their home and the severity of the infestation. Costs average around $558.
Homeowners in Illinois can expect to pay about half of the national average cost to have their home treated for termites.
Who pays for termite inspections in Illinois? In most states, Illinois included, the seller of the home must pay for a termite inspection and cover the treatment if an infestation is found. However, the buyer is responsible for all future treatments.
FAQ About Termites in Illinois
Are Termites Active Year-Round in Illinois?
Termites are active throughout the entire year, and since subterranean termites burrow into the soil, they can stay warm throughout harsh Illinois winters.
What Wood is Most Susceptible to Eastern Subterranean Termites?
Eastern subterranean termites prefer softwoods like pine, spruce, cedar, and Douglas fir.
How Can I Find a Subterranean Termite Nest?
Even a professional can have a tough time finding the exact location of the nest. If you have old logs, stumps, or dead trees on your property, you can start from there. By taking a shovel, you can potentially find some of the tunnels, which will lead to the underground nests.
Hire a Pro
If your Illinois home is infested by your native termite species, let Pest Gnome connect you with a local pest control pro today for termite or other pest issues.
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Main Image Credit: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License
