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.

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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

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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.

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