FAQ: Termites In Ohio & How To Get Rid Of Them
Are There Termites In Ohio
Throughout most of Ohio, homeowners will find plenty of termite activity. Ohio homeowners will only find subterranean termites. There is no evidence of drywood or formosan termites in Ohio. The most common type of termites in Ohio is eastern subterranean termites. This article will answer the most frequently asked questions on termites in Ohio.
There have been reports of other types of termites aside from subterranean termites in Ohio. The majority of these reports were from the early 2000s and were caused by importing infested goods from foreign countries.
How To Tell What Termites You Have
If you live in Ohio, it’s likely that you’ll only ever deal with subterranean termites. These termites are about 3/8″ long, or about the size of your fingertip. Subterranean termites will have a dark brown body with brownish gray wings.
You’ll likely find evidence of winged termites, which are commonly mistaken for carpenter ants. Inspect both the wings and body of any specimen you find. If the wings are even and symmetrical, they’re likely from a subterranean termite.
Also Read: Ant vs Termite: What’s the Difference (With Pictures)
There are also several sub-types of termites Ohio homeowners may find while investigating.
Worker Termites
These are light-colored termites with no wings. They are about the size of a grain of rice and rarely leave colony tunnels. They spend most of their time constructing tunnels, foraging, feeding, and caring for other members of the colony.
Soldiers
These are also wingless termites, however, are more recognizable as a termite. They have a massive jaw with a pair of pinchers used for protection. They defend the colony against predators and invasive ants.
Winged Swarmers
Swarmers produce secondary offspring for the colony. If they’ve developed wings, they can also leave their parent colony to start a colony of their own. Homeowners likely find evidence of swarmers, such as wings and dead bodies, throughout the home if you have an infestation.
Drywood vs Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are much more destructive than drywood termites. If you suspect you have an infestation, call an exterminator immediately. You can instantly find exterminators across Ohio state when you call Pest Brigade. We’ll connect you with only the best exterminators in your area when you call.
Also Read: 5 Types of Termites That Can Infest Your Home
Signs of Termites
Infestations are common from March to late fall. In the northern parts of Ohio, termites will be most active in the spring even without rain. In more southern areas of Ohio, swarming usually follows rain. Termite infestations build up slowly, but Ohio homeowners should still take proactive measures if they notice signs of termites.
The easiest way to spot a termite is to look for winged adults coming inside your home. Termites can be spotted in your home’s wooden structures or by windows with lots of light. Other signs of termites include:
- Dead termites or leftover wings.
- Mud tubes or “mazes” along the outside of your home and foundation.
- Damage or “knife wounds” in moist parts of your yard.
- “Water damage” to ceilings, walls, and floors.
- Mud tubes inside walls and other structures.
Preventing Termite Infestations
Preventing termite infestations is simple: chemically treat all wood and foundational structures in and around your home. You can also ensure termites aren’t attracted to your home by doing regular garden maintenance. Dispose of all rotting wood and structures immediately. Any wood on your property should stay far away from any soil. If you do have areas inside or outside your home with lots of wood or moisture, frequently check the area for mud tubes.
Any humid areas in your home, such as crawl spaces, basements, or attics should also be checked frequently for signs of termites. These spaces should be well-ventilated and moisture-free.
Other preventative measures against termites include:
- Capping cinder blocks and bricks.
- Filling cracks or gaps in foundations.
- Keeping wooden shingles 8-inches above ground.
- Using termite sand, mesh, or paper to absorb moisture.
- Ventilating humid areas.
- Keeping mulch at least 2 feet away from your home.
- Keeping firewood off the ground and away from your home.
- Trimming bushes, trees, and other vegetation.
- Clearing out dead or old yard waste.
- Cleaning gutters and repairing roofs.
Most importantly, homeowners in Colorado should have their yards regularly inspected and sprayed for termites. This is especially important if you live in a high-risk area or your home has already had an infestation in the past.
Also Read: FAQ: What’s a Termite Bond?
How To Get Rid Of Termites
Your home isn’t in immediate danger if you start to notice signs of an infestation. New colonies grow slowly but can get out of control once established. After finding signs of an infestation, try to find any points of entry in your home. Next, call a local Ohio exterminator to further assess the situation.
Larger areas, particularly the Cincinnati metro and surrounding areas see a lot of termite activity. To find an exterminator in your community today, call Pest Brigade. We work with exterminators across Ohio and can connect you to the first one available when you call.
Also Read: Termite Tenting and Fumigation Guide
