Termites in Illinois Homes
The termite found in this area is the Eastern subterranean termite. It lives in the soil, where it stays moist, and builds mud tubes to reach wood above ground. A single colony can have thousands of termites, and they feed on the wood inside your walls, floors and framing.
Older Downers Grove homes with basements, crawl spaces and wood close to the soil can be at risk. Termites can enter through very small cracks in a foundation, through expansion joints, or along pipes that go through the slab. The typical local home was built around 1974, and moderate subterranean termite pressure across the region makes older foundations and moisture-prone wood worth checking carefully.
Signs of Termites
Termites are often found by accident. The most common signs are:
- Mud tubes: thin dirt tunnels along foundation walls, joists or piers
- Swarmers and shed wings: winged termites indoors in spring, or small piles of wings near windows and doors
- Damaged wood: wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or wood that looks layered or tunneled when opened
For a full list of signs and what a check looks like, see our Termite Inspection page.
Termite Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on your home, where the termites are and how far the problem has spread.
Liquid soil treatment. A liquid termite treatment is applied to the soil around and under your home to create a barrier. This can mean digging a trench along the foundation and, in some cases, drilling through concrete such as a patio or garage slab to reach the soil beneath. Termites that pass through the barrier are killed or carry the product back to the colony.
Bait stations. Stations are placed in the ground around your home. Termites feed on the bait and carry it back to the colony, which reduces and can eliminate it. Bait works more slowly, often over months, but it targets the colony itself and the stations are checked on a regular schedule.
Wood and spot treatments. For termites in a specific area, we may treat infested wood or a small section of the structure. This is usually used with a soil or bait treatment, not on its own.
We will explain which option fits your home and why before any work begins.
How Termite Control Works
1. Inspection. We check the foundation, basement or crawl space, garage and any wood near the soil to find where the termites are and how they are getting in.
2. A clear plan and price. We explain what we found, which treatment we recommend and what it will cost.
3. Treatment. We carry out the treatment. The time it takes depends on the size of your home and the method used.
4. Follow up. Termite treatment needs ongoing checks. We return to confirm the results and, if you use bait stations, to monitor them.
How Long Until the Termites Are Gone?
Liquid soil treatments can start working quickly. Bait systems take longer, often several months, because the colony has to be reduced over time. Your technician will tell you what to expect for your home.
Treatment stops the termites, but it does not repair damage. If wood has been weakened, you will need a contractor. We can point out the areas that need attention.
What Raises Termite Risk at Home
- Wood touching the soil, such as deck posts, siding or door frames
- Mulch or soil piled against the foundation
- Leaking gutters or downspouts that drain near the house
- Firewood or lumber stacked against the walls
- Damp basements and crawl spaces
- Cracks in the foundation
- Old tree stumps and roots near the home
Ways to lower the risk
- Keep mulch a few inches below the siding and away from the foundation
- Direct downspouts away from the house
- Fix leaks and reduce moisture in crawl spaces and basements
- Store firewood away from the home
- Keep wood off the ground where you can
Termite Season in Downers Grove
Termites usually swarm in spring, often in April and May after warm rain. That is when many homeowners first notice them. But termites do not stop when the swarm ends. Inside a heated home, they can stay active through the winter. May through July is usually the wettest period, so moisture and drainage remain important after the main swarm season.
If you see swarmers or shed wings at any time, call for an inspection.
What Affects the Cost of Termite Control
The price depends on the treatment type, the size and layout of your home, how far the activity has spread and whether concrete has to be drilled. We give a clear quote after an inspection, so there are no surprises.
Termite Control Across Downers Grove
We provide termite control in Downers Grove, including ZIP codes 60515 and 60516, and in nearby towns such as Lisle, Woodridge, Westmont and Darien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have termites?
Look for mud tubes on foundation walls, shed wings near windows and doors, and wood that sounds hollow. Many infestations are hidden, so a professional inspection is the best way to be sure.
Do I need an inspection before treatment?
Yes. We need to find where the termites are and how far they have spread so we can choose the right treatment. See our Termite Inspection page.
How long does termite treatment take?
Application can take a day or so for most homes, depending on size and method. The termites themselves take longer to clear, from days with some liquid treatments to months with bait.
Do I need to leave my home during treatment?
For most treatments, no. Your technician will tell you if anything needs to be avoided during or after the work.
Is termite treatment safe for children and pets?
Termite products are applied following the label and safety rules, mostly in the soil around the foundation or in sealed bait stations. Your technician will explain where products were applied.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Often it does not. Many policies exclude termite damage, so it is worth checking with your insurance provider.
Can I treat termites myself?
Store bought products rarely reach the whole colony, and a partial treatment can leave termites behind. Professional treatment gives you a plan that covers the whole home and a follow up.
Related services: Termite Inspection | Carpenter Ant Control | Home Pest Protection Plan