Termites are a significant threat to wooden structures across the United States, including every region of Ohio. These pests cause billions of dollars in property damage annually, often remaining undetected until an infestation is severe. Ohio’s climate, with its damp springs and humid summers, creates conditions conducive to their activity. This guide informs residents about the specific species present, how to identify signs of their presence, and the proactive measures necessary to protect a home from structural damage.
Confirmation and Primary Species Found in Ohio
Termites are present across Ohio, and the primary species responsible for nearly all structural damage is the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). This species is the most common termite in North America and consumes cellulose material from wood, paper, and insulation. Subterranean termites require constant contact with moist soil to survive, as their soft bodies are prone to desiccation.
This dependence forces them to establish large colonies underground, often near the foundation of a home. A mature colony can contain hundreds of thousands of workers foraging for wood. Unlike Drywood species found in warmer climates, R. flavipes does not live entirely within the wood it consumes, but travels between the soil and the structure. Drywood termites are not an established local threat in Ohio.
Key Indicators of a Termite Infestation
The most common sign of an active subterranean termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes, also known as shelter tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are constructed by worker termites using soil, wood particles, and saliva to provide a protected, humid pathway from the colony below ground to the wood source above. They are typically found on foundation walls, in crawl spaces, or along floor joists.
Another clear indicator is the sudden appearance of discarded wings on window sills or near exterior doors. These wings are shed by reproductive termites, called swarmers, shortly after they emerge from the colony to mate and establish new colonies. Finding these wings is proof that a swarm has occurred.
It is important to distinguish swarming termites from flying ants, which often swarm around the same time of year. Termites have straight, beaded antennae and a broad, two-segmented body. Flying ants, in contrast, possess elbowed antennae and a distinctly pinched, three-segmented waist. Damaged wood itself can also be a sign, often appearing hollow when tapped, or having a layered, honeycombed look when probed, as the termites consume the softer wood along the grain.
Regional Activity and Swarming Periods
The activity of Eastern Subterranean Termites is closely linked to temperature and moisture, making their visibility in Ohio seasonal. Swarming typically occurs in the early spring, often between March and May. These swarms usually happen during the daytime on a warm, sunny day following rain, when soil temperatures reach approximately 70°F.
The swarm consists of reproductive adults leaving the established colony to breed and found new ones. Finding swarmers indoors is a definitive sign of an active infestation within the structure, as they emerge from the wood or mud tubes inside the home. While swarming is concentrated in the spring, the worker termites that cause the actual damage are active year-round. In unheated soil, foraging may slow down during the coldest months, but within a heated structure, feeding can continue without interruption.
Homeowner Prevention and Treatment Options
Moisture control is the primary step a homeowner can take to reduce the risk of a subterranean termite infestation. Termites are attracted to damp environments, so fixing leaky faucets, plumbing, and air conditioning condensation lines is necessary. Proper exterior drainage is also important, ensuring gutters and downspouts are clean and directing water at least four feet away from the foundation.
Eliminating wood-to-soil contact around the perimeter of the home removes direct access points for foraging termites. Firewood, lumber, and scrap wood should be stored on a raised rack and positioned at least 20 feet away from the foundation. Additionally, homeowners should maintain a gap of at least six inches between any wood mulch and the foundation, replacing it with a non-cellulose material like stone or rubber if possible. Sealing all foundation cracks and entry points around utility lines with a quality sealant minimizes the chances of entry, as termites can enter through openings as small as 1/16th of an inch.
Once an infestation is confirmed, professional treatment is required due to the complexity of subterranean termite control, primarily involving two main approaches.
Liquid Barrier System
The liquid barrier system involves creating a continuous, non-repellent chemical trench around the home’s foundation, typically 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. This chemical kills termites that tunnel through the treated soil. This method is fast-acting and offers long-term protection, but it requires extensive trenching and sometimes drilling through concrete.
Baiting System
The alternative is a baiting system, which uses discreet, in-ground stations containing a slow-acting termiticide. Worker termites consume this bait and carry it back to the colony, leading to total colony elimination. This process is slower and requires ongoing monitoring and replenishment.