Termites in Wisconsin: Types, Risks, and How to Prevent Them

Termites can wreak havoc on your home and land all throughout the state of Wisconsin. Subterranean termites are the ones that will be causing damage to your home. You can find Eastern Subterranean termites on a warm day after it rains. 

While they’re most active during the day after a good rainstorm in the spring, you may find them and heated buildings throughout the chilly Wisconsin winters. Here’s everything else you need to know about termites in America’s Dairyland.

1. Insecticides

Because termites can hide in cracks and crevices, it can be hard to reach them. Thankfully foaming insecticides work well. You spray the area where you believe termites are hiding with this foam and it will fill all the pores and splits in wood. 

This leaves behind a chemical residue that will instantly kill a termite as soon as they come in contact with it. There are also dust insecticides that work great to get the job done. These can get into areas that the foam or liquid insecticides can’t reach. 

These can also work on other household pests such as ants or roaches. With all that being said, be sure to look at the package closely to know whether or not it’s a safe product for households with kids or pets. 

2. Nematodes

A nematode is a parasitic roundworm that is microscopic. While they are extremely small, nematodes are unbelievably talented termite hunters. A beneficial nematode will find a termite and burrow inside their body. 

After a few days, they will poison the termite from within. If you have additional garden pests and the termite problem you’re experiencing is outdoors, beneficial nematodes can help your garden flourish. 

Sprinkling them in potting soil will tackle almost any infestation. This is a great way to get rid of termites in Wisconsin when they’re destroying your garden or farmland. 

3. Termite Baits

Just like other animals and insects that wreak havoc in and around your home, there are baits to get rid of termites as well. They work similarly to a typical bait trap in the way that they will lure the termite. 

Within the trap, there is a poison that the creature will consume and bring back to its colony. When it gets back to its nest the other termites will consume the poison and typically die during the molting process. 

4. Termite Barriers 

You can also opt for a termite barrier. This typically comes in a liquid form that you can spray on the soil or mulch in your garden or around the exterior of your home. As soon as the termite ingests the liquid, they will die. 

Similar to termite baits, the liquid pesticide can spread from one of these pests to the entire colony upon contact. 

5. Hire an Exterminator

If you have a serious infestation that you don’t feel capable of handling yourself, hire an exterminator. While some exterminators use some of the aforementioned ways to get rid of termites, the situation may call for some serious fumigation. 

One reason subterranean termites thrive in Wisconsin homes is due to the damp conditions. To reduce the chances of having termites, use a dehumidifier, clean your gutters, and repair any leaking pipes.

6. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is used to kill a variety of household pests. It comes in a powdered form and can be sprinkled anywhere you think the termites might be living. As soon as they crawl over diatomaceous earth, the powder will penetrate their exoskeleton. 

It will start to dehydrate them immediately until they die. 

7. Boric Acid

Another standard way to get rid of termites in Wisconsin is to use boric acid. If you look at the ingredients list on store-bought insecticides, you will likely see this in the ingredient list. Similarly to diatomaceous earth, boric acid dehydrates termites and shuts down their nervous system. 

It’s important that you wear protective gear while working with this product. Once you have a mask on, spray boric acid around your floors, walls, and any cracks and crevices in your home. 

8. Cardboard Trap

Lastly, an affordable way to get rid of subterranean termites in Wisconsin is to use a homemade cardboard trap. Take a couple of small pieces of cardboard and soak them with water. You’ll then want to stack them on top of each other to make the bait. 

The termites are attracted to the cellulose and will quickly get stuck between the two pieces of cardboard. It is then advised to bring the cardboard outdoors and burn it. While this isn’t the most effective method on this list, it is one worth trying before investing in expensive products. 

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