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Termite Types: What Missouri Homeowners Should Know
| Jan 29, 2024
Close-up photograph of winged termites on a wood surface; species identification requires assessment of the specimen.
Termite names can be confusing. Subterranean, drywood and dampwood describe groups with different habits; they are not three individual species. Identification matters because inspection and treatment methods differ.
The Missouri context
University of Missouri Extension reports four termite species occurring naturally in Missouri and focuses its homeowner guidance on subterranean termites. Do not assume that every termite pictured in a national guide is established at your property.
How the groups differ
- Subterranean termites: commonly associated with soil and protective shelter tubes used to reach food.
- Drywood termites: infest wood without the same soil-contact requirement.
- Dampwood termites: associated with very moist wood.
- Formosan termites: a subterranean termite species, not a separate category equivalent to all subterranean termites.
Use identification to guide the next step
Photograph suspected insects, tubes or damage and note where they appeared. Tell the inspector about imported furniture, previous treatment, moisture issues and inaccessible areas. A photograph may help, but some findings require a specimen or closer inspection.
Ask which evidence supports the identification and why the proposed treatment fits the structure. Plank can explain Sentricon termite protection for subterranean termite concerns and discuss the selected service and follow-up.
References: MU Extension: Subterranean Termites and UC IPM: Subterranean and Other Termites.
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