An insidious threat that can cause thousands of dollars of structural damage before residents see signs of a problem faces Algonquin homeowners. Silent wood-destroying insects called termites feed on the wooden framework of your home from behind walls, under floors, and in crawl spaces. Algonquin has the ideal climate for these harmful pests to thrive almost year-round, including the humid but dry Illinois climate and a surplus of wooden structures.
When infiltrating a home, the financial effects can be devastating – recent industry data cites that the average cost of termite damage repairs totals between $8,000 and $15,000 per home in the Chicago metropolitan area. To make matters worse, while homeowners’ insurance policies often help cover high-cost repairs, most do not cover termite damage, and most families are left to foot the bill 100 percent.
Your best defense against these wood-destroying insects is early detection and prevention. However, consulting a reliable Alogoquin pest control company when you suspect termite activity in your home can help you avoid expensive repairs and save your most important investment.
Are Termites Common in Algonquin?
Unfortunately, termites are common in Algonquin, and the most common species of termite found in local homes is the perhaps go figure, subterranean termite.
Why Algonquin Attracts Termites
Termite colonies thrive in northern Illinois, so it is not a surprise that they are discovered in Algonquin. Termites need moisture to survive, and the region’s Fox River ensures relatively stable moisture levels. The other factor is the soil itself, which is heavy in clay that holds moisture tightly, thereby creating underground highways that allow subsurface termites to move back and forth from colonies to food.
Peak Termite Season in Algonquin
Local pest control data show that termites are more common in Algonquin between April and June when temperatures consistently reach 70°F or higher. Earlier this month, winged termite reproductives left established colonies to initiate new ones, often found flying about windows, doors, and light fixtures in homes across neighborhoods like Stonegate and Cambridge Lakes.
Is It Possible to Prevent Termites? (Treatment Options)
Yes, there is termite prevention, and there should be for Algonquin residents, really, considering the area represents a perfect habitat for termites.
Moisture Control Strategies
Because of the humidity levels in the Fox River Valley, moisture control is a top priority in Algonquin homes. To prevent many problems down the road, install adequate drainage systems around your foundation, repair dripping pipes as necessary, and ensure that gutters divert water away from the bottom of your home. While many local homeowners skimp on crawl space ventilation, airflow is key to not creating the damp conditions that lure termite scouts to your property.
Professional Barrier Treatments
Generally, licensed pest control companies in Algonquin utilize liquid termiticides placed around the perimeter of your home. These treatments establish an invisible wall within the soil, a wall that is impossible for termites to penetrate without dying. Naturally, the clay soil that we have in Algonquin actually aids the staying power of these treatments, as the dense earth retains the termiticide around the home much better than a sandy soil would.
Ongoing Monitoring Systems
The latest termite monitoring involves putting bait stations outside of your property. They attract termites before they can reach your home, giving you the chance to dig them out and get rid of whole colonies.
Get Professional Termite Protection for Your Algonquin Home
It is best not to wait until you begin to see the identification symptoms that your Algonquin residence is infested.
One such reputable and reliable service we trust is Pointe Pest Control. With them, you can schedule an inspection plan for the parasitic insect and a customized remedy approach. Local experts know the particular challenges Algonquin homeowners face with termites, and with tried and true prevention strategies, they can keep your investment safe.