Signs of Termites

Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the world. In the United States alone, subterranean termites cause over $5 billion in damage every year! Here in St. Louis, we see infestations of subterranean termites and many other termite species all the time.

If you’re worried that you might have termites in your home, read on for the Bug Out team’s advice and identification tips.

What Do Termites Look Like?

There are three primary “castes” of termites in each colony, each of which serves a different role. Workers gather food, soldiers build and defend the nest, and reproductives tend young and eventually swarm away to build their own nests. Members of each caste look different as well:

• Termite workers are the smallest and are generally paler than other types.
• Termite soldiers have pale bodies (similar to workers) but large, darker-colored heads and prominent mandibles.
• Reproductive termites are the largest caste. They have two equally-sized pairs of wings, as opposed to flying ants, whose forewings are longer.
• Each nest will also have a king and queen termite responsible for producing offspring. The king is larger than all the other castes – but still significantly smaller than the queen.

Types of Termites in St. Louis

There are thousands of termite species in the world, but only about 45 in the US – and only 4 known to naturally occur within St. Louis. The most common species of termite in St. Louis is the Eastern Subterranean Termite.

Signs of Termites in the House

Termites can be hard to spot. You can easily go months or years without knowing your home is infested. This is because termites prefer to stay hidden – inside your walls and floors or underground.

The earlier you notice termite damage, the easier it will be to fix. Be on the lookout for these signs of termites in your home:

• Small holes: Tiny, pin-sized holes may appear where termites have eaten through your drywall to your wooden structures.
• Discoloration or disfiguration: Your walls may look yellowed or stained appearance when affected by termite damage. They may also warp, making it harder to close windows and doors.
• Hollow sounds: Walls and floors may sound hollow if termites are present.
• Musty smell: Termite colonies give off a damp, moldy smell.

It’s important to remember that you might not see any of these signs – even with a full-fledged infestation in progress. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional for regular inspections, especially here in St. Louis, where we are at an especially high risk of termite infestations.

Termite Control with Bug Out

If you suspect an active termite infestation in your home, there’s no time to waste. Reach out to your local pest control company right away. Here at Bug Out, we use only the top pest control products and strategies in the industry, prioritizing efficient removal, eco-friendly products, and educating our customers to prevent future infestations.

For a free quote or more information on our termite extermination services, contact us today!