Termites are quiet. They chew wood from the inside, so the first sign is often small. A pile of wings on a sill. A thin mud tube on the foundation. A board that sounds hollow when you tap it. Take a breath. Termites work slowly, and you have time to act the right way.
Limitsjohnny Pest Control is a referral service. We do not treat homes. We connect homeowners in Arlington Heights and the Arlington Heights area with independent providers in our network who inspect and treat for termites. This page shows what you can safely check yourself, where to stop, and how treatment works. It also covers how our cold winters, wet springs, and humid summers shape the timing of the work.
Think You Found Termites? Start Here
Breathe, then document. Termites eat slowly, so the next hour is for looking and note-taking, not panic. A calm start helps a provider find the problem faster.
Your First Hour
- Take clear photos of the wings, tubes, or damaged wood, with a coin for scale.
- Write down the date and the exact spot.
- Tape a few insects into a zip bag or small jar.
- Check nearby rooms for the same signs.
Know Where to Stop
Leave the wood in place. Do not rip out boards, and do not spray the insects with a store-bought can. Spray scatters them and can send a colony to a new spot in the walls. Do not carry damaged wood to another part of the yard or garage.
Why Termites Need Prompt Attention
Termites never take a day off. They eat, and they spread, even when you cannot see them.
Damage Hides Inside
A board can look fine and be hollow behind the paint. In older frame houses, the damage can run along beams and wall studs before anyone notices. Many policies exclude termite damage, so check your policy and ask your agent.
Season Sets Timing
Warm, humid summers keep colonies busy. Spring flooding and wet soil pull them toward damp foundations. Deep winter frost sends them lower into the ground, but heated basements can keep them active all year. Wing swarms often show up on warm, damp spring days after rain.
Know the Warning Signs
Quick Checks You Can Do
- Look for thin mud tubes on foundation walls, joists, or sill plates.
- Tap baseboards and window frames with a screwdriver handle. Hollow sounds are a clue.
- Check window sills for small piles of shed wings.
- Watch for bubbling paint, sagging trim, or doors that suddenly stick.
Basement and Crawl Space Spots
Full basements are a favorite route in. Shine a flashlight along the top of the foundation wall, around the sump pit, and near pipes that pass through concrete. Wood touching damp concrete deserves a close look. Bungalows and ranch homes with slab sections should be checked along the edges.
Termite or Flying Ant?
Termites have straight, thick waists and two wings of equal length. Flying ants have pinched waists and uneven wings. If you cannot tell, save a sample and show it to a provider.
Types of Termites
Subterranean Termites
These are the usual troublemakers in cold-winter regions. They live in soil and travel up through mud tubes to reach wood. Moisture draws them in.
Drywood and Dampwood Termites
These are less common in colder areas. Dampwood termites like very wet, rotting wood. Drywood termites live inside dry wood and may arrive in furniture. A provider can tell you which kind you have.
How Termite Treatment Works
Inspection Comes First
A provider checks the foundation, basement, attic, and outside grade. They look for live activity, old damage, and moisture. You should get a written report.
Barriers and Bait Stations
A liquid barrier is applied in the soil around the home to block entry. Bait stations are set around the yard. Termites carry the bait back to the colony. Some providers use both. Ask which method fits your house and why.
Spot and Wood Treatments
Small, local problems may need only a targeted treatment. Larger or hidden infestations can need more work. Your provider will explain the plan.
Termite Inspections for Home Sales
Buying or selling? Many lenders and buyers ask for a termite inspection report. Schedule it early, because findings can change a price or delay closing. Sellers with an older frame house often benefit from checking first. Ask for the report in writing.
Choosing a Termite Provider
Searching for an exterminator near me can bring up a long list. Slow down and compare a few independent providers for residential pest control.
- Ask to see the provider's state license and proof of insurance.
- Get the treatment method and products in writing.
- Ask what a warranty covers, and for how long.
- Compare written quotes, not just phone prices.
After Treatment
What to Expect
Termites may still show up for a short while as the treatment works. Do not disturb treated soil or bait stations. Keep the provider's report with your house papers.
Keep Them From Coming Back
- Point gutters and the sump pump discharge away from the foundation.
- Keep firewood and lumber off the ground and away from walls.
- Fix leaks and dry out damp basement corners.
- Keep soil and mulch a few inches below siding.
- Schedule a yearly check, especially after spring flooding.
What's Included
Inspection Report
A provider checks the foundation, basement, and framing, then gives you written findings you can keep.
Soil Barriers
Treated soil around the foundation helps block termites from reaching the wood.
Bait Stations
Stations placed around the yard let termites carry bait back to their colony.
Follow-Up Checks
Many providers offer scheduled return visits to watch for new activity after the work.
Typical Termite Treatment Costs
Prices vary a lot by home size, termite type, and method. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Always get a written quote before you agree to work.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 – $300 | Price depends on home size and whether a report is needed. |
| Spot treatment | $200 – $900 | For small, local activity found early. |
| Liquid soil barrier | $1,200 – $3,500 | Based on linear feet around the foundation. |
| Bait station system | $1,500 – $3,500 | Often includes monitoring visits. |
| Whole-structure fumigation | $2,000 – $8,000 | Mostly used for drywood termites. |
| Yearly renewal or monitoring | $100 – $400 | Covers return visits and checks. |
How It Works
Breathe and Document
Take photos, note the date and spot, and save a few insects for identification.
Leave It Alone
Skip the spray and keep the wood in place so the provider sees everything.
Call or Request
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send an estimate request.
Review the Plan
Read the written quote, method, and warranty before you say yes.
Why Call Limitsjohnny Pest Control
Calm, Clear First Steps
We explain what to photograph, what to leave alone, and when to hand the job over.
Independent Providers
Providers in our network are local businesses that do the actual inspecting and treating.
Season-Smart Timing
Cold winters, wet springs, and humid summers affect when termites move and when treatment works.
No-Pressure Estimates
Request an estimate with no obligation and compare your options at your own pace.
Other Services
Need termite treatment in Arlington Heights?
Seeing droppings, bites, or mud tubes? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send the request form and describe what you found.
No obligationTermite Treatment FAQ
How do I know if I have termites or carpenter ants?
Termites have straight waists and thick bodies, while carpenter ants have pinched waists. Ants leave clean sawdust piles, but termites leave mud tubes and gritty, packed tunnels. Save a sample and show it to a provider.
Can I treat termites myself?
Store-bought sprays and foams may kill the few termites you see, but they rarely reach the colony in the soil or walls. For real activity, a licensed provider is the safer choice. You can handle prevention, like fixing leaks and moving firewood.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Many policies exclude termite damage because it is seen as preventable. Some may cover sudden, related damage. Check your policy and ask your agent. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Tell us what happened
Seeing droppings, bites, or mud tubes? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send the request form and describe what you found.
No obligation