Termites are a common issue for homeowners in Missouri, causing millions of dollars in property damage each year. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the most effective prevention and treatment options for Missouri termites, so you can protect your home and save money on costly repairs. We’ll also discuss the signs of a termite infestation, the different types of termites found in Missouri, and when to call in the professionals for help.

Know Your Enemy: Types of Missouri Termites

Missouri has two main types of termites: subterranean and dry wood termites. Subterranean termites live in soil and build mud tubes to travel between their underground colonies and food source, typically the wood in your home. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live directly inside wooden structures and do not require contact with soil.

Identifying the type of termite infestation you have is crucial for choosing the appropriate treatment method. For more information on identifying termites, visit the University of Missouri Extension’s termite identification guide.

Preventing Termites: Tips to Protect Your Home

Preventing termite infestations is always better than dealing with an existing problem. Here are some tips to help you keep termites at bay:

• Eliminate moisture: Termites attract moisture, so make sure your home is well-ventilated and fix any leaks or drainage issues.
• Remove wood-to-soil contact: Termites can easily travel from soil to wood, so keep any wooden structures at least 6 inches above the ground.
• Regularly inspect your home: Check your home’s foundation, exterior walls, and wooden structures for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or damaged wood.
• Keep firewood away from your home: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground to avoid attracting termites.
• Use termite-resistant materials: When building or renovating your home, consider using termite-resistant materials, such as pressure-treated wood or steel framing.

Termite Treatment Options: Which Method Is Right for You?

If you’ve discovered a termite infestation in your home, acting quickly to minimize the damage is essential. There are several treatment options available, depending on the type of termite and the severity of the infestation:

• Liquid termiticides: These chemicals are applied to the soil around your home to create a barrier that kills termites as they come into contact with it. This method is effective for subterranean termites but may not be suitable for dry wood termites.
• Bait systems: Bait stations around your home contain a slow-acting poison that termites bring back to their colony, eventually killing the entire population. This method is effective for both subterranean and dry wood termites.
• Whole-structure fumigation: This method involves sealing your home and filling it with fumigation that kills all termites. This is the most effective treatment for severe dry wood termite infestations but is not required for subterranean termites.
• Spot treatments: In some cases, localized treatments, such as injecting termiticides directly into infested wood, can be adequate for small, isolated infestations.

Choosing the right treatment method can be challenging, and it’s essential to consult with a professional pest control company, like Catch-It Wildlife & Pest Control, Inc, to ensure the most effective and safe treatment for your home.

When to Call in the Professionals

If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, acting quickly and calling a professional pest control company is crucial. DIY treatments are often ineffective and can even make the problem worse. The experts at Catch-It Wildlife & Pest Control, Inc have the knowledge and experience to effectively treat your termite problem using the latest in Missouri Termites: Prevention and Treatment Options.

Don’t let termites cause costly damage to your home.

Contact Catch-It Wildlife & Pest Control, Inc. today to schedule a termite inspection and protect your home from these destructive pests!