Due to its colder climate, South Dakota
homeowners are not very likely to deal with termites. You should still know the warning signs of a termite infection to keep your house protected. The faster you identify and deal with termites, the less damage they can do to your home. Use this guide, created by car and home insurance
broker and comparison app Jerry
, to learn everything you need to know about termite infestations in South Dakota. How to tell if you have a termite infestation
All homeowners should be aware of the signs of a termite infestation—termites can be easy to miss, allowing them to devour your house and spread uninhibited.
Learning the warning signs of a termite infestation can save you from major damage to your home and the expensive repairs that would follow. Be on the lookout for:
Discarded wings: While worker termites can’t fly, breeding termites have wings. If you spot wings around the house, you could have a termite problem.
Mud tubes: Subterranean termites burrow into the house through tunnels around the foundation. If you find small mud tunnels around your property, you could have termites.
Hollow-sounding walls: If your walls—or other wooden structures—sound hollow when tapped, this could indicate there’s been termite damage.
Droppings: Termite dropping (also known as frass) looks like sawdust piles. If you spot droppings, you’ve got termites.
Other signs of termite infestation include swollen walls, holes in the drywall, and peeling paint.
MORE: The 16 perils of home insurance
Are termites a problem in South Dakota?
South Dakota has fewer termite issues than most of the United States. Termites love humid climates, meaning the worst termite issues are in the U.S. South.
That doesn’t mean homeowners in South Dakota can’t be affected by termites, however.
The South Dakota cities most likely to be affected by termites include:
Here are some of the termites South Dakotans might have to contend with.
Subterranean termites
These are the most destructive form of termites, and the type you’re most likely to find in South Dakota.
As the name suggests, subterranean termites create underground colonies. They will burrow through the foundation of your home to reach the inside. Since they come from underground, they won’t leave mud tunnels, making them harder to detect.
These termites are known to swarm during the spring, although swarms can also happen in the summer.
Drywood termites
You may also encounter dry wood termites. They eat—you guessed it—dry wood. That means they’re commonly found in attics or other particularly dry areas of the house. They can be identified by their sawdust-like droppings.
Dampwood termites
You’re not very likely to encounter damp wood termites in South Dakota, but it’s still good to be aware—damp wood termites crave wet, decaying wood. Due to this, they’re less likely to damage your home. They’d rather eat rotting logs or wet woodpiles.
Dampwood termites swarm at night, all year long.
MORE: Home insurance terms you need to know
What to do if you have termites
If you’ve got termites, you should act right away. The quicker you can handle the problem, the less damage the termites can do. A serious termite infestation can cause thousands of dollars in damages, so act decisively to save your house (and your wallet).
Bait stations: The least intrusive way to remove termites is to use bait stations. These are small plastic containers that are set around the perimeter of the house that attract and kill termites. While it won’t change your day-to-day, it’s the slowest way to get rid of an infestation.
Liquid pesticide barrier: This is a way to get rid of subterranean termites specifically—pest control can dig a moat around your property and fill it with termiticide. This will kill any termites who try to enter.
Fumigation: While the biggest hassle, fumigation is the number one way to deal with termites. You’ll need to clear out of your house for twenty-four hours or more, as a terminator will tent your house and pump in noxious fumes.
How to save money on homeowners insurance
Unfortunately, damage from termites (or any type of infestation) is rarely covered by homeowners insurance
. A good policy can keep you financially protected from a wide range of perils, however. Make sure you have the best possible insurance policy by downloading the Jerry
app! Jerry is an insurance broker that helps you find great insurance coverage at a low price. After you sign-up, Jerry gives you a long list of competitive quotes to choose from, so you know you’re getting the best deal. Plus, Jerry helps with all your paperwork when it’s time to sign-up.
Even better, Jerry can help with your car insurance
too! “Jerry
was wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up for my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.
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