Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Termites
Understanding Termite Activity
Termite Identification in Central Missouri
Subterranean termites can damage structural wood while remaining hidden. Mud tubes, swarmers or damaged wood may prompt an inspection. Learn about termite treatment options and Sentricon termite protection, or read the MU Extension subterranean termite guide.
Termite Identification
Workers, soldiers and swarmers are different forms within a termite colony, not separate species. The examples below explain those roles and introduce eastern subterranean termites.
Worker Termite
Worker termites are the most numerous and responsible for feeding the colony, building tunnels, and caring for the young.
- Appearance: Pale, soft-bodied, and about ⅛ inch long
- Found: Inside wood, behind walls, and in underground tunnels
- Evidence: Mud tubes, wood damage, and hollow-sounding walls
Soldier Termites
Their job is to defend the colony from predators like ants or rival termites.
- Appearance: Larger head with strong mandibles, pale body
- Found: Guarding tunnel entrances and active feeding zones
- Evidence: Found alongside workers in wall voids or under flooring
Winged Reproductive Termites (Swarmers)
Swarmers are responsible for starting new colonies and are often the first visible sign of infestation.
- Appearance: Dark-colored with long wings, about ½ inch long
- Found: Near windows, doors, and lights, especially in spring
- Evidence: Discarded wings, sightings of flying termites indoors
Eastern Subterranean Termites
The most common and destructive termite in Missouri.
- Appearance: Pale workers and dark-brown or black swarmers
- Found: Underground near foundations or inside wall studs
- Evidence: Mud tubes, blistered wood, sagging floors or ceilings
Worried About Termite Damage?
Call or text (573) 368-3333 to discuss possible termite activity and inspection options. The findings help guide treatment recommendations.
What to Watch For
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Most termite damage starts from within, making it hard to spot without a professional inspection. Here are some signs that termites may already be in your home or business:
- Mud tubes on walls, crawlspaces, or foundations
- Discarded wings near windowsills or door frames
- Hollow-sounding wood or sagging floors
- Mud-lined galleries in damaged wood
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick or won’t close properly
- Visible swarming termites inside or outside
These signs can have more than one cause. An inspection helps assess the evidence and the areas needing attention.
Reduce Conditions That Favor Termites
How to Prevent Termites in Central Missouri
Moisture management and reducing wood-to-soil contact can help lower risk. Prevention measures do not replace inspection or guarantee that termites will never enter.
- Eliminate excess moisture around your foundation
- Repair leaky pipes and poor drainage near the home
- Keep firewood, mulch, and soil away from the foundation
- Seal cracks in concrete and utility lines
- Schedule regular professional inspections and treatments
Termite protection can stand alone or be part of a selected Perimeter Guard combination. Your estimate specifies the system, scope and any monitoring or maintenance.
FAQs About Termites
How quickly does damage develop?
The rate and extent vary. Appearance alone cannot reliably date damage; inspection is needed to assess the property.
Are workers and swarmers different species?
No. They are forms with different roles in the colony.
What treatments are available?
Options can include bait systems or liquid treatments. Suitability, installation and monitoring depend on the property and selected approach.
When do termites swarm?
Eastern subterranean termites commonly swarm in spring in Missouri. Activity inside wood may be less visible at other times.
Is damage covered by insurance?
Ask your insurer to review your specific policy. A pest inspection does not determine insurance coverage.
We Stand Behind Our Work
Plank Termite & Pest Control has served Central Missouri since 2000. Discuss the inspection findings, treatment choices, maintenance and follow-up so you understand the proposed service before work begins.
Anne Chida
Very nice people to deal with. The treatment was odorless and really reduced my unwanted guests. Happy to find their company.
JP Maxwell
I can't recommend Plank Termite & Pest Control enough! They came to our house within 2 days of scheduling and the service was incredible. Great customer service with very thorough treatment using non-harmful chemicals to us or our pets. Plank always delivers and they're locally owned!
Carolyne Simpson
They are a small family owned local business and very pleasant always. They keep me on track by reminding me that it's time to spray every 6 months. They do a very thorough job for a reasonable price.
Vickie
Thanks for doing an excellent job of debugging my house. I hate spiders, ants and wasps!
Teresa French
Jacob was fantastic. Super nice. Listened to my babbling and concerns.