Termite Treatment & Control in Chicagoland
Serving The Entire
Chicagoland area including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Schaumburg, and Rockford
Termite Control in Chicagoland
Serving The Entire Chicagoland area including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Schaumburg, and Rockford
What Are the Signs of Termites?
The most common signs of termites in Chicagoland homes are pencil-width mud tubes near the foundation, discarded wings, drooping or discolored drywall, and peeling paint.
Termites are small (less than half an inch), winged insects. The type of termites found in the Chicagoland area, Subterranean Termites, are the most destructive kind of termite. Their colonies can have up to 2 million members, and they are prepared to silently eat the inner structure of your home. Ways in which you can tell if you have a termite infestation in your home include discolored or drooping drywall, and paint that begins to peel. These signs are sometimes overlooked as water damage.
Other signs of termite infestations include discarded wings from termite swarms, or mud tunnels that are in close proximity to the foundation of your home. The mud tunnels are generally the width of a pencil. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to get an inspection as soon as possible.
When Termites Swarm in Chicagoland
The clearest warning sign of a nearby termite colony is a swarm. In northern Illinois, including Chicago, the most common termite is the eastern subterranean termite, which typically begin to swarm in April and May, later than in coastal regions because soil temperatures here lag behind. Eastern subterranean termites swarm during daylight hours, usually on a warm day following rainfall. Swarmers are drawn to light, so you'll often see them near windows, doors, or light fixtures, and because they shed their wings shortly after mating, a pile of discarded wings on a windowsill is frequently the only evidence left behind. If you find swarmers or wings inside your home, it's a strong indication that termites are already active in the structure. Call for an inspection right away.
Termites don't only cause damage in spring, though. Swarming is simply the most visible stage of the colony's life cycle; termites feed and tunnel through wood year-round, even through Illinois winters, when they burrow deeper into the soil or stay inside their mud tubes. Waiting for a swarm to confirm a problem usually means damage is already underway.
Termites vs. Carpenter Ants: How to Tell the Difference
Termites and carpenter ants are the two pests most often confused with each other, and mistaking one for the other costs homeowners time and money. Here’s how to tell them apart:
| Trait | Termites | Carpenter Ants |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Broad and straight — no defined waist | Sharply pinched, narrow waist |
| Antennae | Straight and beaded | Bent, or “elbowed” |
| Wings (swarmers) | Four wings of equal length, much longer than the body | Front wings clearly longer than back wings |
| Relationship to wood | Actually eat the wood | Don’t eat wood — hollow it out to nest in |
| Tunnels | Rough, packed with soil and mud | Smooth and clean |
| Debris left behind | Pencil-width mud tubes near the foundation | Sawdust-like shavings, often mixed with insect parts |
Both pests need professional treatment, but they call for entirely different approaches — which is why identifying the pest correctly is the first step. If you suspect carpenter ants rather than termites, see our carpenter ant control services.
Why Treat for Termites
Termites can cause costly damage to a home and that is largely due to their ability to go unnoticed until the structure of your home has already been undermined. Termites can feed on the paper backing on drywall and wood beams and siding. They feed from the ground up, which can compromise the wooden structural elements your home rests on. Termite damage can be costly and is often not covered by home insurance. Once an infestation has been recognized, it should be dealt with quickly. Termites are resistant to home treatments, so termite control should be handled by experienced pest control professionals. Having a termite inspection if you haven’t had one in a while, or if you have recently moved, can save you the headache and costs of repair.
Why Choose Chem-Wise Pest Control?
MORE CONVENIENT
- Locally Owned & Operated Since 1993
- Multiple Locations in Chicagoland
- One-Hour Appointment Windows
- Cash, Check & All Major Credit Cards Accepted
- Residential & Commercial Services
- Free Phone Quotes
MORE TRUSTED
- A+ BBB Rated
- Licensed & Insured In Illinois
- We Use Environmentally Friendly Materials
- Application Methods are Safe for Children and Pets
- QualityPro Certified
- Treatment Guarantees
Why Choose Chem-Wise To Treat Termites?
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New Customer Real Estate Inspection
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Wood Destroying Insect Reports
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Treatment Guarantee With Annual Renewals Up To 7 Years
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Inspection of Infected Area by Certified Technician
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Soil Treatment Around and Below the Structure
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Top Performing Termidor ® Treatment Brand
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Prices for Termite Real Estate Inspections start at $175. Infestation Inspections Start at $55, with no charge for Tri-Annual Customers. Call for additional pricing details
*Inspection pricing is listed above; treatment is quoted after inspection based on the size of the structure and the extent of the infestation.
Licenses
Illinois Department Of Health051-015881
Illinois Department Of Health
051-020105
Illinois Department Of Health
051-025492