No one should mess with termites. It’s tiny and almost invisible to the naked eye, but when pests like termites join forces and build a colony, they can destroy a small to large portion of your property. The destruction of termites can cost thousands of dollars when left untreated. In states like Minnesota, termites are somehow rare and seasonal. However, with changing climate conditions and milder winters becoming more common, the possibility of encountering termites is rising. Moreover, Termites are more active across the southern half of the state, from Duluth to Minneapolis, and less likely to be found in northern cities like Bermiji and Moorhead, Minnesota.
The types of termites that can be often seen in Minnesota are Subterranean termites and Drywood termites. According to a research by Orkin, termites swarm on a warm day after a rainfall, and swarms occur during the winter, especially in heated buildings.
Based on the Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), the southern half of Minnesota is located in TIP Zone #3 (slight to moderate), which means there is some potential for damage by termites. Areas with lower probabilities for activity require fewer termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with more frequent activity. Despite the fact that drywood termites are not native in Minnesota, there still lies the possibility for this species to travel in wooden objects, such as furniture and wine crates, and establish colonies in the state and some cases have proven that drywood termites have been found in areas far from their native habitats. If you have seen signs of termite infestation in your property, you can call Abra Kadabra Environmental Services to schedule for your inspection.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are a type of termite that does not need soil to survive compared to their subterranean counterparts. They infest dry wood, such as structural lumber, furniture, and hardwood flooring. These termites can live entirely within the wood they consume, making them harder to detect and control.
Drywood termite colonies are generally smaller than subterranean ones, but they can still cause significant structural damage if left untreated. They are most commonly found in warmer climates, but their presence is becoming a concern with Minnesota’s evolving weather patterns.
Why Are Drywood Termites Rare in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s cold winters have historically been a natural deterrent for drywood termites. These pests thrive in warmer climates where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The state’s extreme cold typically prevents colonies from establishing long-term.
However, in the recent year, Minnesota have experienced milder winters which creates conditions that are more favorable for these pests. Which means, that Drywood Termites can develop their colonies year-round.
Additionally, increased transportation of goods and furniture from infested areas could introduce termites to new environments, including Minnesota.
Identifying the Signs of Drywood Termite Infestation
If you are a property owner who wants to maintain the integrity of your structure without any disruptions from termites, it is important to know the most explicit signs of having an infestation. Here are some notes to keep you guided:
- Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites push their waste out of the wood they infest, creating small piles of what looks like sawdust or coffee grounds.
- Hollow Wood: Tapping on infested wood often produces a hollow sound as the termites consume the wood from the inside.
- Swarmers: Winged termites, or swarmers, may appear as they leave the colony to establish new ones. These are often mistaken for flying ants.
- Discarded Wings: After swarmers settle, they shed their wings, leaving small piles near windowsills or light fixtures.
Risk Factors Brought by Drywood Termites
It is also important to know the risks brought by drywood termites to your property to make an easier action plan when an infestation occurs. Here are some of the risks associated with drywood termites:
- Structural Damage: These termites can weaken wooden structures, compromising the safety and integrity of homes.
- Costly Repairs: Treating termite infestations and repairing damage can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Impact on Home Sales: Termite damage or active infestations can deter potential buyers and lower property values.
Why Inspections Are More Important Than Ever
As mild winters become more common, Minnesota pest control professionals like Abra Kadabra, anticipate an increase in drywood termite activity. Our team expects to identify more instances of termites during inspections for new homeowners this year. These inspections are the first important step for detecting infestations early and preventing costly damage.
Property inspections are particularly crucial for:
- First-Time Homebuyers: Many first-time buyers may not know to look for signs of termite activity.
- Older Homes: Older properties with wooden structures are more susceptible to termite infestations.
- Recently Moved Furniture: Furniture transported from warmer climates may harbor termites, inadvertently introducing them to new homes.
Preventing Drywood Termite Infestations
- Inspect Wooden Items: Examine furniture, flooring, and structural wood for signs of termites before bringing them into your home.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Prevent termites from entering your home by sealing cracks in walls, windows, and foundations.
- Maintain Proper Ventilation: Reduce moisture levels in your home, as termites are attracted to humid environments.
- Store Firewood Properly: Keep firewood away from your home and elevate it off the ground to prevent termites from accessing it.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Professional termite inspections can identify potential issues early and provide peace of mind.
Treatment Options for Drywood Termites
- Localized Treatments: These involve treating specific areas of infestation with chemicals or heat.
- Fumigation: For severe infestations, fumigation may be necessary. This involves sealing the home and introducing a gas to eliminate the termites.
- Wood Replacement: In some cases, replacing damaged wood is the best solution.
- Preventive Treatments: Wood treatments or bait systems can help prevent future infestations.
How Abra Kadbra Can Protect Your Property From Termites
Most Minnesotans have never had to give much thought to termites. Unfortunately, termite infestations in our area do sometimes occur. If you’re one of the unfortunate few to have experienced Eastern Subterranean Termites, this information is for you. If you’re looking to get in front of an infestation, we can help with that, too. Finding and addressing damage early can protect your home from expensive repairs.
Abra Kadabra Certifications
All Abra Kadabra technicians are fully insured, and licensed with the Minnesota Pest Management Association. Pest control technicians undergo annual recertification and training, staying up to date on all the latest developments in the industry. We utilize the highest quality products on the market as part of our promise to provide our customers with the least impactful and most effective treatments possible.
Services Abra Kadabra Can Provide
Termite services fall into two different categories: treatment of active infestations or proactive monitoring and damage prevention with our “We’ve got your back Guarantee.”
Suspected infestations will be identified by a trained pest control technician. Accurate diagnosis of the problem is important, as termite and Carpenter ant infestations share certain similarities.
Once termites are confirmed by an inspection, our technician will schedule a treatment for your home. Special care is given to avoid using products in proximity to wells and other sensitive areas. A shallow trench will be excavated around the home, and filled in with the appropriate amount of product. That seeps down into the soil, through their mud tubes, and is picked up by worker termites. They bring it back to their colony, spreading it by feeding and grooming each other. The product becomes effective after about 4 days, at which point a precipitous drop in population will be observed
Getting in front of an infestation before it occurs can save homeowners costs and peace of mind. With this in mind, we have developed a monitoring and prevention program for our clients with minimum cost. This program can be added to any pest control plan. Technicians will place one or more subterranean monitoring stations next to the foundation, checking it during their regular service visits. If you ever have any termite issues we’ve got your back- we’ll treat for it at no additional cost to you.
