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termites cause more structural damage to American homes each year than fires, floods, and tornadoes combined. And they do it silently. Most homeowners in Runnells won’t know they have termites until something gives — a soft spot in the floor, a door frame that crumbles, or a swarm of winged insects pouring out of a wall on a warm spring day.
Miller Pest Solutions has been protecting Iowa homes from subterranean termites since 2007. If you suspect termite activity — or you just want to make sure your home is clear — we’re the team to call.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites work from the inside out, so visible damage usually means they’ve been at it for a while. Catch them earlier by watching for these signs:
- Mud tubes on your foundation walls, piers, or in your crawl space. These pencil-width tubes are how subterranean termites travel between the soil and your home’s wood.
- Swarmers — winged termites that emerge in spring, usually after a rain. You might find them near windows or light sources. They shed their wings, so piles of tiny wings on windowsills are a telltale sign.
- Hollow-sounding wood. Tap on baseboards, door frames, or window sills. If it sounds hollow or papery, termites may have eaten the interior.
- Buckling or bubbling paint on wood surfaces, which can indicate moisture from termite activity beneath.
- Frass or damaged wood that looks layered or follows the grain. Subterranean termites pack mud into their galleries.
Why Termites Are Common in Runnells
Polk County sits squarely in the subterranean termite belt. Iowa’s clay-heavy soils hold moisture well, and that’s exactly what eastern subterranean termites need. They build colonies underground, sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and send workers up into structures to forage for cellulose.
Runnells has a mix of older homes and newer construction, and both are at risk. Older homes may have untreated wood closer to grade. Newer homes can have termites find gaps in the foundation or enter through expansion joints. The proximity to the Des Moines River and the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt means the ground stays damp — prime termite habitat.
Wooded lots and rural properties with stumps, firewood piles, or mulch beds close to the foundation give termites a bridge right to your house.
Our Termite Control Process
We start with a thorough assessment — foundation, crawl space, garage, and any wood-to-soil contact points. We’re looking for active termite activity and conditions that invite them in.
For active infestations and prevention, we install liquid termiticide barriers around your home’s foundation. This creates a continuous treated zone in the soil that termites can’t pass through without picking up a lethal dose. The products we use are non-repellent, meaning termites don’t detect them — they walk right through and carry the active ingredient back to the colony.
We also offer monitoring and baiting systems for ongoing protection. These stations are placed around the perimeter and checked on a regular schedule.
Every situation is different. Some homes need a full perimeter treatment. Others need targeted treatment at specific entry points. We’ll tell you exactly what’s going on and what it takes to fix it. No upselling.
Why Choose Miller Pest Solutions
Termite work requires precision and experience. Joel Miller has been doing this since 2007, and our technicians know Iowa’s soil types, construction styles, and termite behavior inside and out. We’re NPMA members and QualityPro Certified.
We don’t cut corners on termite treatments. When we put a barrier in the ground, it’s done right. And we stand behind our work.
Runnells homeowners get the same level of service we bring to every community in the Des Moines metro. Local company, local technicians, real accountability.
Get a Free Phone Bid Today
Whether you’ve spotted mud tubes, found swarmers, or just want a professional opinion — call Miller Pest Solutions at (515) 329-8801 for a free phone bid. We’ll walk through your situation over the phone and give you honest pricing before we ever set foot on your property. Visit us at millerthekiller.com to learn more.
