termites cause more structural damage to American homes than fires, floods, and storms combined. And Johnston, Iowa is right in the middle of subterranean termite territory. The clay-heavy soils along the NW 86th Street corridor and throughout Johnston’s newer developments create ideal conditions for termite colonies to thrive just below the surface.

Miller Pest Solutions has been protecting Des Moines-area homes from termite damage since 2001. If you suspect termite activity — or just want to make sure your home is protected — we can help.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termites work silently inside walls, floor joists, and foundation timbers. Most homeowners don’t notice them until significant damage is already done. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Mud tubes on foundation walls — Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes to travel between their underground colonies and your home’s wood. Check your foundation, garage walls, and crawl space.
  • Swarmers in spring — Winged termites emerge in April and May to start new colonies. If you find discarded wings near windows or doors, that’s a strong indicator of an active colony nearby.
  • Hollow-sounding wood — Tap on baseboards, door frames, and window sills. If they sound hollow, termites may have eaten the wood from the inside out.
  • Bubbling or peeling paint — Moisture from termite activity can cause paint to blister on walls and trim.
  • Sagging floors or doors that stick — Structural damage from termites can shift door frames and weaken floor supports over time.

Why Termites Are Common in Johnston

Central Iowa’s soil composition is a big factor. The heavy clay soils throughout Johnston retain moisture well, and subterranean termites need that moisture to survive. Spring rains and snowmelt saturate the ground, creating perfect tunneling conditions.

Johnston has also experienced significant residential growth over the past two decades. New construction disturbs soil and can actually push existing termite colonies closer to homes. Plus, many newer homes use wood-framing techniques that put untreated lumber close to grade level — which termites love.

Homes near Beaver Creek and the greenway trails have additional risk. The wooded areas and mulch beds common in these neighborhoods provide food sources that attract colonies closer to structures.

Our Termite Control Process

We take termites seriously. A colony can contain hundreds of thousands of workers, and they don’t stop eating. Here’s how we handle it:

Thorough assessment: We check your foundation, crawl spaces, basement, garage, and exterior perimeter for signs of activity. We’ll identify entry points and assess any existing damage.

Liquid barrier treatment: We apply professional-grade termiticide around your home’s foundation to create a continuous barrier. Termites that pass through the treated zone carry the product back to their colony, eliminating it at the source.

Monitoring stations: For ongoing protection, we can install in-ground monitoring stations around your property’s perimeter. These give us early warning if termite pressure returns.

Damage documentation: If you need documentation for insurance or a real estate transaction, we provide detailed reports of our findings and treatment.

Whether your home is a 1990s build near Pioneer Parkway or a brand-new construction off NW Beaver Drive, we tailor the treatment to your property’s specific needs.

Why Choose Miller Pest Solutions

Termite work isn’t something you want to trust to the cheapest bidder. It’s your home’s structural integrity on the line.

  • QualityPro Certified and NPMA Member — We meet the highest industry standards for training, safety, and business practices.
  • since 2001 — Joel Miller built this company on doing the job right. Not upselling. Not cutting corners.
  • Des Moines metro experts — We know Johnston’s soil types, construction styles, and termite pressure patterns. This isn’t guesswork for us.
  • Free phone bids — Call us, describe your situation, and we’ll give you an honest estimate before scheduling anything.

Get a Free Phone Bid Today

Don’t wait until you see damage. Termite prevention is always cheaper than termite repair.

Call Miller Pest Solutions at (515) 329-8801 for a free phone bid. We’ll walk you through your options and get your Johnston home protected. Visit millerthekiller.com to learn more about our services.

Serving Johnston and the greater Des Moines area.