As temperatures drop in Elgin, most homeowners think pest problems are behind them until spring. Unfortunately, that sense of security can easily be deceiving, at least when it comes to termites. In northern Illinois, these pests do not just go away in winter. Just as you are curled up in the warmth of your home, so too are termites, likely inside your walls.
Elgin has a relatively older housing stock, with around 60% of homes built before 1980, leaving ample hiding places for these pests to settle in for a long, destructive winter feast. If you think there has been a termite infestation, contact pointepestcontrol.net, as this could save you a lot of money on repairs later.
Understanding Elgin’s Winter Climate and Its Impact on Termites
The winters in Elgin are typically Midwestern, with temperatures normally ranging from 15°F to 35°F from December to February. You would think that sub-freezing temperatures would eliminate termites; however, nature has other plans. Let us not forget that termites are very innovative when it comes to surviving the elements; they have persisted for millions of years.
The ground in Elgin does not freeze uniformly; the ground near building foundations, heated basements, and insulated crawl spaces is warmer than the ground outside of them. A little more humidity in other neighborhoods around the Fox River is also a plus for termites, as they require moisture to survive and thrive.
What Termites Do During Cold Weather
Termite migrations during winter are akin to homebodies who never leave; they go deeper. Subterranean termites (the most common type in Illinois) are known to move deeper into the soil when outdoor temperatures drop, sometimes going several feet below the frost line, where temperatures are much warmer.
If they have already found a place inside the structure, they will roost in the warmest areas. Your overheated basement turns into their five-star resort. Perhaps they are just preparing for a long winter marathon instead of coming to an end. The queen continues to lay, the workers continue to forage, and the colony continues through the cold months.
How to Stay Ahead of Winter Termite Damage
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Inspect Your Home’s Vulnerable Points
Check your basement and crawl spaces once a month during the wintertime. Check for mud tubes along the foundation wall; these pencil-width tunnels are the highways for termites. Focus on spots where wood comes into contact with soil; listen for hollow-sounding wood around window frames, door jambs, and support beams.
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Control Moisture Levels
Immediate repairs of drippy pipes or faucets, or HVAC condensation issues. If you have a damp basement, keep the humidity in your home below 50% with a dehumidifier. Before the ground freezes, make sure your gutters are clean and that the downspout is discharging rainwater at least 6 feet away from your foundation.
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Maintain Proper Ventilation
Do not allow debris or snow to accumulate and block crawl-space vents. Adequate airflow will reduce humidity, which attracts termites. University of Illinois Extension data shows that proper ventilation can reduce ideal conditions for termites by up to 40%.
When to Call in a Professional?
Termite inspections should not wait for visible damage. Signs include mud tubes, disintegrating wings near windows, and/or a hollow sound in wood. Call for help. Termites can go unnoticed for years, so homes in Elgin should be targeted and inspected by professionals at least once a year, or right before winter. Pointe Pest Control has been in the Elgin area for many years and knows exactly where homes in the area are experiencing termite problems. Their inspections are thorough, scrutinizing crawl spaces, basements, and other dark places where termites often hibernate in the winter and no one else wants to venture.
