Termites? In Kenosha?

Did you know we have termites in Kenosha?


Yes, we have them. In some locations they are or were in virtually every home. We have Subterranean Termites. These guys live underground and tunnel through the soil to their food source, which is the cellulose of wood. Unlike Carpenter Ants, they eat the wood, not simply nest in it. Their tunnels are lined with mud. This helps keep them from drying out. The workers are creamy white in color. The winged reproductives are similar to winged ants, black bodied with silvery wings more than double their body length. Ants wings  are barely longer than their body and more of a brown or amber color. The inner wings are close to half the length of their outer wings, where termites are both of equal length.


How can you tell if you have termites?

The most common discovery is their damage. Typically where the wood of the house comes in contact with the soil, penetrate the foundation or where it sits on the foundation ie sill plate. The second most common discovery is their mud tubes they make on the surface of the wood or foundation. These are their "subway system". Lastly will be their reproductive swarm's. They will congregate in windows trying to find their way outdoors. Spring to early summer is the most common times.


Spectrum Pest Control can find termites through careful inspections where we use a combination of modern technology including moisture meters and fiber optic scopes. We will soon be adding Ultra sensitive Thermal Cameras to our tool box.......

I am asked where termites have been found in Kenosha. The Lincoln Park Neighborhood is the heaviest , Columbus Park area as well. Simmons Island has them as well as the neighborhood due west along 5th Avenue to just west of 7th Avenue. North to 40th St and expanding every year.  Along the lake front north of Carthage College . We also have pockets north and south of 75th Street from 25th Avenue to just west of Roosevelt Rd.  A new area on the North Side of Kenosha has popped up, West of 22nd Avenue around 24th St in a four block radius .

Are Termites Native to Kenosha? NO! Soil far all the DNA test have shown they are from southern Illinois. Likely imported with lumber and rail road ties used to shore up lake front sea walls, land fill and in the case of Lincoln Park, a former Lumber Mill burned down around 1920.

Should you have a Wood Destroying Organism inspection before buying a home in just these locations?
No but yes! Not just in these locations, definitely in these locations. Do not forget Carpenter Ants are still Kenosha's Number one ant complaint. Termites, Carpenter Ants and Power Post Beetles all require full disclosure one your home sale. Failure to do so, could cost you thousands of dollars or even the sale of the house. Even if the last termite or carpenter h's not been seen for decades.

Please contact us if you would like more information on termites.