Are There Termites in Wyoming? What Gillette Homeowners Should Know

Short answer

Yes, there are termites in Wyoming. Subterranean termites live in parts of the state, including the lower, warmer areas of the plains. They are less common than in the South, and drywood and Formosan termites are not established here. Look for mud tubes, spring swarmers and soft wood, and consider pre-construction treatment if you are building in Gillette.

Which termites live in Wyoming?

The termites that live in Wyoming are subterranean termites. They nest in the soil and travel into wood through mud tubes. Arid-land and eastern subterranean termites are both found in the region, mostly at lower elevations and in warmer soils.

Drywood and Formosan termites, which cause big problems in Florida, Texas and California, are not established in Wyoming. Cold winters keep them out. They can still arrive inside furniture or lumber from warmer states, so it pays to look closely at old wood furniture before bringing it in.

How common are termites in Gillette?

Termites are less common in Gillette than in warm states, and many homes never have a problem. But subterranean termites can live in Campbell County soils, and they work slowly and quietly. When damage is found, it has often been building for years.

Homes with wood touching the soil, damp crawl spaces, leaky sprinklers or old railroad ties along the foundation carry the most risk. Home buyers and lenders sometimes ask for a termite inspection, and it is a good idea before buying an older home.

What are the 6 signs of termites?

The six signs of termites are mud tubes, swarmers, discarded wings, hollow wood, bubbling paint and sticking doors or windows. Mud tubes are the most reliable sign in Gillette.

1. Mud tubes about the width of a pencil on foundation or basement walls.
2. Swarmers, winged termites coming out indoors in spring.
3. Discarded wings in small piles on window sills.
4. Hollow wood that sounds papery when tapped.
5. Bubbling paint or soft spots on trim.
6. Sticking doors and windows from damp, damaged framing.

Termites or flying ants?

Termites and flying ants are easy to mix up. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back wings.

Carpenter ants are common in Gillette and can also damage wet wood, so either one is worth a call.

What is pre-construction termite treatment?

Pre-construction termite treatment protects a new home before the concrete is poured. The soil under the slab, footings and around plumbing is treated with a termiticide, or a physical or piping barrier system is installed. It covers areas that are very hard to reach once the house is built.

Gillette has added many new homes on former range land. If you are building, ask your builder whether pre-treatment is in the plan and what it covers.

What should you do if you find mud tubes?

If you find mud tubes, do not scrape them all away. Break a small section in the middle and check back in a few days. If the tube is rebuilt, termites are active. Take a photo, note where it is and call for an inspection.

• Leave most of the tube in place so the tech can trace it
• Look for more tubes along the basement wall and crawl space piers
• Check nearby wood with a screwdriver for soft spots
• Fix any leaks or wet soil near the tubes
• Do not spray store-bought products on the tubes

Spraying can drive termites to a new spot in the foundation and make the colony harder to find and treat.

When should you call for a termite inspection?

Call for a termite inspection when you see mud tubes or swarmers, when you buy or sell a home, or when you are building and want pre-construction treatment. A termite control Gillette WY provider can confirm the insect and recommend a soil barrier or bait system. New-build areas around pest control Wright and south Gillette are good candidates for pre-treatment. For ants and other wood-damaging insects, see household pest control Gillette WY.

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