Arlington Heights, a prominent Chicago suburb, experiences a typical humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. These extreme seasonal shifts consistently drive pest activity. Summer's heat and humidity accelerate insect breeding cycles, while the freezing winter temperatures compel rodents and overwintering insects to invade homes seeking warmth, food, and shelter.
Cockroaches: Arlington Heights' humid summers and the warmth of indoor environments provide fertile ground for cockroach populations, particularly German and American species. These resilient pests infiltrate kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, rapidly multiplying and contaminating food preparation areas. Their nocturnal habits often mean infestations grow substantial before discovery, necessitating professional eradication.
Termites: Arlington Heights faces a moderate to high risk from subterranean termites, which remain active year-round underground, tirelessly searching for wood. These silent destroyers often access homes through foundation cracks, expansion joints, or areas where wood directly contacts the soil. They cause significant structural damage that frequently goes unnoticed until the infestation is severe and costly to repair.
Common Questions
How do Arlington Heights' mature trees and landscaping contribute to pest harborage?
Arlington Heights' mature trees and lush landscaping provide ample harborage for pests like carpenter ants, voles, and various insects. Overhanging branches or shrubs touching the house create bridges for pests to access your home, making regular trimming essential.
Should Arlington Heights residents be concerned about carpenter ants in addition to termites?
Yes, Arlington Heights residents should be concerned about both. While termites eat wood, carpenter ants excavate tunnels in wood for nesting. Both cause structural damage, and the damp conditions common in humid Illinois can attract both pests to homes.
Arlington Heights Homeowners: Get Your Pest Control Quote!