South Holland, IL Pest Control & Exterminators

Pest Control in South Holland, IL

South Holland grew from a Dutch farming settlement founded in the 1840s, and for generations its rich, dark soil made it known for growing onion sets. Those fields gave way to tidy postwar neighborhoods of brick ranches, split-levels and bi-levels, most on generous lawns with mature trees. The Little Calumet River loops along the north side of town and Thorn Creek cuts through from the south, with forest preserve land, including the Sand Ridge Nature Center, bordering residential streets. That combination of old farmland soil, big lawns and wooded waterways means South Holland homeowners see a little of everything: moles tunneling through turf, termites in wood near grade, and wildlife moving out of the preserves.

Dark farm soil and South Holland's lawns

The same loamy ground that once produced onion sets is excellent habitat for earthworms and grubs, and that makes it a favorite of eastern moles. Raised ridges and volcano-shaped mounds across the lawn are the giveaway, most often in spring and again in fall when the soil is moist. Skunks and raccoons also dig in turf here to reach grubs, leaving patches of pulled-back sod. Deer mice and field mice that lived in the old farm fields still turn up in garages and sheds on the edges of subdivisions. A local pro can target moles directly with traps placed in active tunnels, which tends to work better than repellents.

Thorn Creek, Sand Ridge and the Little Calumet

Wooded corridors along Thorn Creek and the Little Calumet River connect South Holland neighborhoods to larger preserves, and animals travel those routes nightly. Raccoons climb into attics through soffit gaps and roof vents, opossums settle under decks, and big brown bats roost behind shutters or in attic spaces near water where insects are plentiful. Low areas near the Little Calumet have also dealt with flooding during major storms, which drives rodents toward higher ground and pushes millipedes and earwigs into basements. Homes close to the water benefit from sealed vents, capped chimneys and tight-fitting door sweeps.

Postwar ranches, split-levels and termites

Much of South Holland was built out from the 1950s through the 1970s. Split-level and bi-level homes often have lower levels set partly below grade, with wood framing, paneling and sill plates close to soil. Eastern subterranean termites, which are native to the area, take advantage of that closeness, along with buried wood, old stumps and landscape timbers. Spring swarms near basement windows or patio doors are a common first sign. A licensed inspector will check the foundation perimeter, garage slab joints and any wood in contact with the ground, and can recommend a soil treatment or baiting system.

Areas served in South Holland: Sand Ridge Nature Center area, Thorn Creek corridor, Little Calumet River area, South Park Avenue corridor, 162nd Street corridor, Cottage Grove Avenue blocks.