Water Damage Invites Termites Into Your Chicagoland Property

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 27, 2025

Water damage in Chicagoland homes can do more than destroy property—it can invite termites and costly infestations. Learn why moisture attracts pests and how ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons can help.

What starts as a simple water leak can escalate into costly termite damage. Here’s what every Chicago property owner needs to know.

Why Moisture Is a Magnet for Termites

Termites thrive in dark, damp, and humid conditions. When water damage occurs in your home or commercial building—whether from a burst pipe, roof leak, or flooded basement—you create the ideal environment for termites to thrive.

When moisture saturates wood, insulation, or drywall, it creates two problems:

Weakened structural integrity that makes it easier for termites to burrow in
A food and hydration source for termite colonies that rely on damp cellulose material to survive

Common Insects Attracted to Water-Damaged Structures

Chicagoland water damage doesn’t just attract termites. A range of pests can show up, including:

Carpenter ants
Silverfish
Cockroaches
Moisture beetles
Earwigs

But among them, termites are the most expensive and destructive. According to the NPMA, U.S. property owners spend over $5 billion annually on termite damage and repairs.

How Termite Infestations Start After Water Damage

Once water damage is left unaddressed, termites find easy access to the interior of your property. They often enter through:

Foundation cracks created by freeze-thaw cycles or excess moisture
Exposed wood framing in crawlspaces or basements
Wiring and plumbing conduits that act like highways for movement between floors

These pests work quietly and quickly, and often go undetected for years.

"Termites are cryptic creatures and infestations can go undetected for years," notes the University of Kentucky’s entomology department.

Signs of Termite Activity in Water-Damaged Areas

Are you unsure if you have a termite issue? Watch for these red flags:

Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Small piles of sawdust (frass)
Warped walls or ceilings
Mud tubes near your home’s foundation
Winged termite swarms in spring or after rain

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act.

Why Professional Water Damage Cleanup Is Your First Line of Defense

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Pest Management Association (NPMA), moisture control is key to preventing termite infestations.

Water damage must be remediated immediately to:

Remove the moisture that termites need to survive
Dry affected structural materials before they rot
Prevent future mold and pest activity

That’s where we come in.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we provide emergency water cleanup and drying services across the City of Chicago and North Shore suburbs. We handle everything from:

Basement water extraction
Structural drying
Mold prevention
Commercial water loss mitigation

FAQs: Termites and Water Damage in Chicagoland

Q: Can water damage alone attract termites?
A: Yes. Termites are drawn to moisture, and water-damaged wood offers the perfect environment for colonization.

Q: How fast can termites cause structural damage?
A: Colonies can begin eating wood immediately. Damage may become serious in just 6–12 months if undetected.

Q: Should I call a pest control expert or a water damage specialist first?
A: Start with water damage remediation. Eliminating the moisture source is essential before any pest control treatment can be effective.

Q: Do termites only affect wood?
A: While wood is their main food source, they can also damage drywall, insulation, and even paper-based products in damp areas.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a family-owned, award-winning disaster restoration company serving the entire Chicagoland area. With over 40 years of experience, we are IICRC-certified and nationally recognized for excellence in water damage cleanup, mold remediation, and fire restoration.

We offer:

We serve residential and commercial clients in:

Chicago: Lincoln Park, West Loop, Hyde Park, Gold Coast, Wicker Park
North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest
Western Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, North Riverside

Learn More

Want to protect your home from pests, water damage, and mold? Read our essential guide:

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Co-authored by IICRC Master Restorer Sam Simon and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa.

📞 For service, call 773-376-1110 or request help online.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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