From wanting to know if there are termites in Iowa to wanting to know when these termites are common in the state, these pests have really drawn attention to themselves over the years.
Due to the climate of the state of Iowa, these termites work slowly. Will the damages done be small or lead to huge losses?
Well, let us now find out all about them!
Are there Termites in Iowa?
Yes, there are termites in Iowa. The termites in Iowa are capable of causing huge economic losses due to the damage that they inflict on wood.
Termites are very widely distributed throughout the state of Iowa and are mostly common in the Southern half of the state, where their population is more diverse.
In their nests, the termites in Iowa care for their young to ensure the continuation of the colony and an even distribution of their population.
Read also:Â Termites In Idaho: The 2 Termite Species & 1 Visitor
When are Termites Common in Iowa?
Termites are common in Iowa when they swarm. Even though they may swarm at different times depending on the species involved, these pests generally swarm after rainfall.
You must have seen winged termites all over the place after a heavy downpour. Below are the common species of termites, which we described below, and the times they swarm:
- The Dark Southeastern Subterranean Termites:
These species of termites in Iowa are known to swarm from March through June during the day.
- The Eastern Subterranean Termites:
These species of termites in Iowa are known to swarm from March through May during the day.
What are the Termites in Iowa?
- Subterranean Termites:
Subterranean termites are the most common termites in Iowa and are known to live in underground tunnels which they construct themselves.
You will often find these termites nesting in damp, warm wood, and sometimes in the soil where they can obtain enough moisture.
You may wonder how this pest entered your house. Well, subterranean termites in Iowa are constantly in search of food sources and create tunnels in the process.
They keep searching till they find a food source. Unlucky for you, their constant search may lead them to your house, and voila, you have an infestation.
Because of their allergy to the air, these termites construct mud tubes through which they travel from their nest to the food source. You will often find these mud tubes concealed in the following places:
- Underneath flooring
- Behind baseboards
- Foundation cracks
- Basement floor, etc
Regular inspection is the best way to prevent these termites from causing costly damages.
- Drywood Termites:
Remember we mentioned that the Subterranean termites are the most commonly found in Iowa? Well, that means that the drywood termite is rare in the state.
Drywood termites are only able to enter the state of Iowa by transportation in furniture that is being brought from other states where they occur naturally.
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites in Iowa prefer to nest in dry wood with as little as 2.5% moisture content.
When these termites infest wood, you will often find grain-like fecal pellets that have been accumulated inside the infested wood.
To properly eliminate these pests, it is advisable that you hire the services of pest control experts in Iowa.
Read also:Â Termites In Las Vegas: What Is Their Business With the City Of Nevada?
Pictures of Termites in Iowa
What are the Damages Caused By Termites in Iowa?
Termites are naturally beneficial because they contribute to the ecosystem by breaking down wood and recycling the nutrients of the consumed wood.
However, just like other termites, the termites in Iowa have been observed to cause evasive damage to wooden structures and even buildings.
If allowed to thrive for a long period of time, these pests can weaken the structural integrity of a building, necessitating the repair or total replacement of the building components.
From flooring to paneling, and even wallboard, termites can make all this useless if allowed to thrive.
Conclusion
The rate of damage caused by termites in Iowa depends on the following:
- Termite species involved
- Wood type
- The moisture content of wood
- Temperature
The reason why people have wondered if there are termites in Iowa is because these pests work slowly due to the climate of the state. However, the aftermath of the damage done may be great and lead to huge losses.
Do you live in Iowa? Have you experienced these pests? Let us know your experience via the comments section below!
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