Every termite species brings destruction wherever they go, but it is important to know the basic differences between each one. In Illinois, there are 3 common types of termites.

• Drywood Termites (Kalotermitidae spp.)

These sneaky pests often stay hidden for years as they chow down on dry wood found in floors and walls. Drywood termites are yellow-brown to black in color and about half of an inch long. The swarmers are most active in summer and fall when they have an easier time finding sources of dry wood. Since drywood termites do not like any moisture, they avoid soil and moisture-damaged wood. Their colonies typically have a small population of 2,500, but drywood termites are one of the most destructive pests ever.

• Formosan Termites (Coptotermes formosanus)

As opposed to drywood termites, formosan termites live in the soil and invade homes from the ground up – literally. They are yellowish-brown and about half an inch long. These termites are mainly active in late spring through early summer, and their queens produce over 1,000 eggs daily. The easiest way to know if an invasion is the work of formosan termites is to look at their nests: formosan termites create smooth galleries (not haphazard patterns) in the wood.

• Subterranean Termites (Rhinotermitidae)

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termites in the United States, so it makes sense why they are thought to be the worst of them all. These cream-colored termites are half an inch long and mate when the weather warms up after a rainstorm. True to their name, subterranean termites spend their lives underground and create tunnels that travel up to the ground level. Their colonies grow quickly because the queen and all of the swarmers constantly lay eggs.

Termite invasions are more common after it rains because the moisture-damaged wood is much easier for them to eat. Although they are frequently seen in the warmer months, termites can be active year-round if they chew deep enough into a house or building. That is why it is important to know the warning signs of an infestation; the damage will only get worse if the termites are left alone.

The typical signs of a termite infestation include:

• Frass (droppings) at the base of a wall
• Discarded wings
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Mud tubes (packed columns of dirt) on a wall
• Discolored paint on a wall
• Squeaking or buckling floorboards
• Tiny holes in wood
• Any live or dead termites

If you see any of these signs in your home, it is time to schedule an appointment with your local pest control professionals. When it comes to termites, it’s always better to be over-prepared than scrambling for a solution.

At Pointe Pest Control, we understand the stress and frustration of termite issues. Our goal is to make the control process as easy for you as possible without compromising on the effectiveness of the treatments. That is why we defeat termites using the most advanced termite treatment: the Sentricon system with Always Active technology.

The Sentricon system is a set of bait-packed tubes with green discs on the top to serve as markers once the tubes are buried in the soil outside. The termite workers take the bait – literally – and share it with their colony, gradually ending the infestation. Since Sentricon is a standalone and mess-free treatment, you don’t have to lift a finger while it handles the hassle of termite control for you. 

The Sentricon system is environmentally-safe, meaning it is also safe for people, pets, and plants. Since it is effective in all seasons and works in every soil, this treatment will reach the heart of the infestation and protect your home and family from destructive termites.

Our Pointe technicians are fully trained and certified to utilize the Sentricon system. After the initial application of the system, our efficient technicians will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the process and restock the bait as needed. We are happy to address all of your questions and concerns every step of the way. For more information on the Sentricon system and our effective termite control services, contact us today!