What You Need to Know About Termites in Missouri
From Kansas City to Springfield, termites are a prevalent concern for Missouri homeowners.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- How to tell if you have a termite infestation
- Are termites a problem in Missouri?
- What to do if you have termites
- How to save money on homeowners insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
While
Missouri
is less susceptible to termite swarms than other states, experts still consider the potential for termite damage in the Show-Me state significant.If you own, or plan to own a home, in Missouri, learning the basics of termite identification and treatment is a must.
Dealing with termites is an unwelcome burden for all Missouri homeowners, but being able to identify an infestation, knowing when to expect a swarm, and what to do if you find termites in your home, can save you thousands of dollars worth of damage.
On the bright side,
car insurance
broker app Jerry
is here with a step-by-step guide on everything you need to know about termites in Missouri. Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
How to tell if you have a termite infestation
Noticing that termites have entered your home is half the battle when it comes to eradicating these minuscule pests. Early detection is the fastest way to save yourself money on possible termite damage.
Familiarizing yourself with these early warning signs of a termite infestation is a must for all Missouri homeowners:
- Blisters in wood flooring: subterranean termites can cause damage to your home’s subfloor by feeding on the wood below. This often results in the floor looking blistered or as if it has water damage.
- Hollow or damaged wood: One of the most telling signs that you might have termites is the presence of hollow or damaged wood in your home. If left unchecked this can lead to extensive damage.
Other common signs that you might be experiencing a termite infestation include discarded insect wings, mud tubes, peeling or bubbling paint and tiny round holes in drywall to name a few.
Are termites a problem in Missouri?
According to
Termite Infestation Probability Zones
(TIP Zones), Missouri is categorized as a TIP Zone #2 state, meaning that Missouri homes are at moderate to heavy risk for termite damage. Due to the considerable risk of termite damage, Missouri homeowners should be aware of some of the state’s most common termite species and when to expect seasonal swarming.
Eastern subterranean termites
Entering Missouri homes through their foundations, eastern subterranean termites leave little trace of their unwanted presence besides small mud tubes along the foundation.
This particular species is most likely to swarm on warm days between March and May.
Dark southeastern subterranean termites
Swarming for this subterranean species typically occurs on warm, sunny, and windless afternoons between March and June.
Like the eastern subterranean termite, this species can be identified by the tell-tale mud tubes they leave along a home’s foundation.
Light southeastern subterranean termites
Similar in most ways to their dark counterparts, the light southeastern subterranean termite is one of Missouri’s few termite species that swarms in the fall as opposed to the spring, with swarming most likely to occur between August and October.
What to do if you have termites
Luckily for Missouri homeowners, there is an arsenal of tactics to employ to eradicate a termite infestation.
Some of the most popular professional termite treatment options include:
- Bait stations: like with any other unwanted household pest, exterminators can install small plastic containers in and around your home that will attract and kill termites. While this option is the least invasive, it frequently takes much longer to eradicate an infestation than alternative methods.
- Physical barriers: If you want to avoid the use of insecticides in and around your home, you can install a physical barrier, like steel mesh, to keep termites from getting into your home in the first place. This precautionary measure typically needs to be installed during the home’s construction.
- Fumigation: If all else fails, fumigation is a fool-proof (although invasive) method for termite extermination. You and your family will be required to vacate your home for 24+ hours while exterminators pump your home with a termite-killing gas.
How to save money on homeowners insurance
Many homeowners insurance policies do not include coverage against termite damage, making termite education and prevention vital for all Missouri homeowners.
However, homeowners insurance is necessary for protecting you and your home from other threats. This means that having the best policy possible is a must. Thankfully, insurance broker app Jerry can help you get the best deal on the homeowners insurance you need while also saving you big money on
car insurance
!Jerry
is a genius when it comes to pairing you with the best deals on your insurance policies. By downloading the app and entering your information, Jerry can match you with personalized quotes from 50+ of the top insurance providers in less than a minute. Save time and money with Jerry by letting them handle all the paperwork while you rake in the savings!
“I love thatJerryauto fills everything, that I got multiple quotes from multiple insurance companies, and most of all, that I saved $82/month!” – Justine P.
6 Ways to Cope with Income Loss due to Coronavirus
The Coronavirus pandemic has led to income losses for many, but there are 6 ways that help you cope
7 A.I. Companies That Can Save You $7,000 a Year for Free
Emerging A.I. technology is powering a revolution that allows people to save like never before.
Geico Policyholders Use This App to Save $853
Can a crusading app based on artificial intelligence stop insurance companies from Rickrolling? The answer: Yes.
FAQs
Do most Missouri homes get termites?
Unfortunately, yes. Termites are present in every US state besides Alaska, and with Missouri falling in a TIP Zone #2, it is likely that many homes in the state will deal with a termite infestation at some stage.
How often should I be treating for termites in Missouri?
Regular inspection and treatment are recommended, but vary according to your selected method of treatment and prevention. While bait stations will need to be replaced every few months, solutions like a liquid barrier treatment are more permanent.
Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance
Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!
4.7
.webp&w=384&q=75)
