Everything to Know About Termites in Wisconsin

aerial view of wisconsin usa with overlay of termites image

Unfortunately, yes, there are termites in Wisconsin. Luckily, there’s only one type of termite in the state: the subterranean termite. On the other hand, subterranean termites are the most destructive type of termites. To help you detect, prevent, and get rid of these little creatures, we bring you everything you need to know about termites in Wisconsin.

Types of Termites in Wisconsin

graphic showing Subterranean Termites in a house
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez

Wisconsin has only one type of termite: subterranean termites. Only two subterranean termite species live in the state:

Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
Reticulitermes flavipes
Photo Credit: Ryan Watson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Arid-Land Subterranean Termites on sand
Reticulitermes tibialis
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

The eastern subterranean termite is the only native termite species in Wisconsin. The arid-land subterranean termite was first reported in the state in 2015, and its activity is concentrated in the southwestern portion of Wisconsin, in the village of Hazel Green. 

Areas Affected by Termites in Wisconsin

Termite Infestation Probability Map, Adapted from the 2021 International Residential Code
Photo Credit: PNNL

According to the Termite Infestation Probability Map (see above), termites are common in Wisconsin, with slight-to-moderate activity across the entire state, from southern Wisconsin to central and northern Wisconsin. Research shows, however, that termite activity is concentrated from Green Bay down to southern Wisconsin. 

Signs of Termites in Wisconsin

Because subterranean termites build their nests underground or stay hidden in wood, their presence can go unnoticed for years. Be attentive to the following signs of termite infestation in your home:

different types of termite tubes
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez
  • Mud tubes: These vein-like structures run up walls or along the home’s foundation. Because subterranean termites can easily dehydrate from mere exposure to air, they build these tubes to travel safely from the colony to the food source.
  • Swarmers indoors: Termite swarmers (or alates) coming from inside your home are another typical sign of a termite problem. If the flying termites are coming from the outdoors, however, it might indicate only that a termite colony is nearby, but not necessarily in your home. 
wings fallen off termites
Photo Credit: jaranjen / Canva Pro / License
  • Discarded wings: Termite swarmers dispose of their wings after they find a new nest. You might not have seen the alates themselves, but if you’ve spotted their discarded wings inside the home and close to doors and windows, know that this is a sign of an infestation. 
  • Damaged wood: Termite damage to wood can be assessed by noticing if the wood feels soft or sounds hollow when tapped. Subterranean termites eat the inside of the wood along the grain and leave behind mud caked on its surface. 
termite hole in floors
Damaged floors
Photo Credit: Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org / CC BY 3.0 US
  • Saggy floors: Termites eat away the joists that support the floor, so termite infestations can often lead to saggy floors and ceilings.

Getting Rid of Termites in Wisconsin

pest control exterminator man spraying
Photo Credit: AndreyPopov / Canva Pro / License

If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs in your home, it might be the right time to call a pro. Termites are a tricky pest, but a local termite control company in Wisconsin will have the experience and tools required to successfully eliminate these wood-munching critters. 

The standard termite treatments in Wisconsin are:

  • Liquid termiticides: These liquid chemicals are injected into the soil around the foundation. This process may include drilling into basement floors, hollow blocks, and concrete steps. Additionally, pros may dig a trench around the home to create a barrier against termites. 
  • Termite baits: Bait stations are placed around the structure’s perimeter and are a slow-acting method of termite control. The termites will eat the bait and spread the termiticide to other members of the colony, slowly killing them. 

    Store-bought, DIY termite baits are not recommended, since baiting systems need regular monitoring to be effective.

Preventing Termites in Wisconsin

home inspector looking for termites in home
Photo Credit: SLRadcliffe / Canva Pro / License

Although Wisconsin has long winters, heating systems allow termites to stay active all year round, so termite control is a concern during every season. And when it comes to effective termite control, prevention is a big, and perhaps the most important, step. 

To help you with this task, here are some measures you can take to prevent termites in your home (and avoid future expenses from repairing termite damage):

  • Eliminate moisture: Termites love moisture, so keep things dry and well-ventilated (especially crawlspaces and attics). Fix leaking pipes or faucets, and make sure your drains, gutters, and downspouts are unclogged so the soil around your home remains dry.
  • Seal cracks and crevices: Don’t give termites a chance: Seal any holes, cracks, or crevices you find in your home’s structure.
  • Reduce wood-to-soil contact: Store firewood as far as possible from the home’s foundation, and keep plants and shrubs a few feet away from the outside walls. They can facilitate termites entering your home, as termites are attracted to trees

    If you have a black walnut tree too close to your home, for example, termites attacking the tree can spread to your house. 
  • Schedule yearly inspections: Termite inspections should be conducted by a trained professional to detect early signs of termite activity. Some termite control companies offer termite bonds that include yearly inspections.

Additionally, if you’re thinking of building a home, ask your builder about pre-construction termite treatments to prevent termites in the first place. Sealed or pressure-treated wood helps your home resist termite feeding. Another strategy is to use physical deterrents, such as a metal or polymer barrier around the home.

You can also ask about pre-treating the soil with liquid termiticides before the foundation is poured. If you choose to build a home with a crawl space, ensure it will be well-ventilated. 

FAQ About Termites in Wisconsin

Are There Drywood Termites in Wisconsin?

No, neither drywood termites nor dampwood termites live as native pests in Wisconsin. But drywood termites can sometimes hitch-hike to other states in infested wood.

What Do Termites in Wisconsin Look Like?

illustration of the differences between termites and ants
Illustration Credit: Juan Rodriguez

Termite workers look like cream-colored ants, while soldiers have a light brown color. But termites and ants have differences that can help distinguish one from another:

  • Termites have a broad waist, while ants have a pinched waist.
  • Termites have straight, bead-like antennae, while ants have elbowed antennae.
  • Termite swarmers have long, equal-sized wings, while antes have larger front wings and short hind wings.

When Do Termites Swarm in Wisconsin?

Termites swarm in Wisconsin from March until early June.

Find a Pro Near You 

Termites are hard to control on your own. If you see signs of termites in your home, the best thing you can do is to call for professional help. Pest Gnome connects you to the best termite control pros in Wisconsin. Get in touch today and say goodbye to termites.

Main Image Credit:
Background: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License
Termite: ApisitWilaijit / Canva Pro / License

Teresa Joaquim

Teresa is a creative writer who holds a Master's degree in Psychology. Despite being a nature lover, she is terrified of cockroaches. As a native of the tropics, she is used to dealing with mosquitoes, although they still manage to bother her. Her favorite things are art, music, and playing with her two cats.