How would you feel if every piece of wood in your house, from studs to floors to walls, was harmed by pests? People in Minnesota attribute this to termites, which has prompted some to label termites in Minnesota (MN) as the most destructive pests in the state. Unfortunately, termites are hard to identify, and there aren’t nearly as many over-the-counter methods of eradication as there are for other pests.
This article will help you to know more about termites in Minnesota and the different measures that you can take to prevent them.
How can you identify termite infestation in your house?
By seeing the telltale signs of termite infestation, you can discover their presence, some of which are given below.
Harm to the wood flooring, such as bubbling, blistering, or hollowing out
Subflooring gets weak by eastern subterranean termites, giving the appearance of indentation or bubbling to the wood above.
Under and below surfaces, including walls, floors, and others, there may be wood deterioration. For example, long grooves are left behind after termites chew into the wood to extract the cellulose. Inside your walls, the grooves could look like a maze or honeycomb pattern. These grooves cause structural damage and degrade the wood over time.
Presence of bug wings near the entry points
If you discover wings of insects close to possible entry places, it is a warning sign indicating the presence of termites. Termites shed their wings in preparation for mating season. Therefore, you can find them near any openings, such as doors, windows, or vents.
Strange-looking mud tubes under your house
Wherever the earth meets your house or any other potential food source, such as a tree or shed, pencil-sized mud tubes can be detected. This is because subterranean termites often forage up to a building’s structure, where they often build their underground nests in search of food. Temperatures and humidity must be just right for these termites to survive. So they effectively transform your home into a habitat for them by blocking off cool, dry air with the aid of their tunnels.
Difficulty in opening doors and windows
The termites in Minnesota harm the wood by chewing it in search of cellulose, causing it to bend or buckle. Due to this damage, you may find it challenging to open and close your doors and windows. Doors and windows that won’t fully close and stick could be early indicators of a termite infestation.
What are the different types of termites found in Minnesota?
If you want to know the different types of termites, then two common ones in Minnesota are subterranean and drywood termites.
Subterranean termites
The most common termite in North America is the subterranean termite, and you can locate Eastern subterranean termites in southern Minnesota. Subterranean termites will tunnel inside your home for a soft or moist wood source to devour.
The eastern subterranean termite resembles an ant in size and shape but is whitish-brown and has a large head. Their stealth and the fact that they operate in shadowy places like walls, basements, and floorboards make them far more difficult to spot than ants.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites are unusual in Minnesota but have been known to hitchhike into the state on wooden furniture or shipping crates.
Termites that feed on dry wood are reddish than their underground cousins in the East. But, for obvious reasons, these pests are drawn to the dry conditions in your home’s attic, bedroom, and elsewhere, where they can feast on your wood supply.
What time of year do termites in Minnesota swarm?
Termites usually swarm on a warm day immediately following rainfall. Therefore, swarms may form inside warm buildings during winter. However, throughout the months from March to May, subterranean termites tend to swarm during warm, rainy days.
Are termites a problem in Minnesota?
Termites are extremely damaging pests because of the wood they eat. They are responsible for a billion dollars worth of damage every year. Termites are uncommon in Minnesota, but there is evidence of their presence in several locations around the state, which is reported as far north as Iowa.
It is always advisable to consult a professional Insect Management Professional. He will help in a definitive identification due to the rarity of this particular pest.
How to get rid of termites in Minnesota (MN)?
Getting rid of termites is a challenging task. The effectiveness of store-bought termite treatments varies, and some are exceedingly dangerous for people and animals.
It is always good that you get help from professional pest control services. Although pricey, they can recognize termite infestations and access a variety of effective eradication techniques.
Here are some of the effective eradication techniques that professional pest control services use:
- Chemicals applied to the ground create a lethal liquid barrier that stops any termites from making it through. Next, the exterminators will dig a perimeter around your house, fill the trenches with chemicals, and then cover them up.
- The least invasive treatment method is using bait stations, which work like that of ant traps. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of bait stations is not often immediately apparent.
- Fumigation is the last resort and is only recommended when all other solutions have failed. For at least 24 hours, you and your pets will have to stay somewhere while the exterminators seal your home in a massive tent. In addition, they fill it with poison gas to eradicate termites and other insects.
Do you want more information about termites in Minnesota (MN)?
The southern half of Minnesota lies within Termite Infestation Probability Zone (TIP Zone) #3. This indicates a moderate risk of termite damage according to Termite Infestation Probability Zones.
The International Residential Code sets forth standards for constructing new homes. Therefore, areas with a lower probability of activity require fewer termite control methods.
A strong termite control and prevention program is crucial in termite-infested places like Minnesota. Minnesota homeowners should consult a termite control professional for advice on preventing termite infestations and subsequent damage to their property.
Homeowners insurance in Minnesota does not typically cover termite infestation.
However, in certain instances, your insurance provider will cover the damage. So make sure you are up to date on your Minnesota home insurance coverage.
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