Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Termites
Damage You Can’t See Until It’s Too Late
Termite Control in Rolla, MO and Central Missouri
Termites are silent destroyers that often go unnoticed until they’ve caused significant structural damage. In Rolla and across Central Missouri, these wood-destroying pests are a serious threat to homes, commercial buildings, and even newly constructed properties. Termites feed on wood, drywall, and cellulose-based materials—weakening foundations, support beams, and framing from the inside out. Left untreated, termite infestations can result in costly repairs and major safety risks. At Plank Termite & Pest Control, our termite control and elimination services are designed to identify the problem early and eliminate the colony from its source. We proudly serve Rolla, Osage Beach, Lebanon, Waynesville, Camdenton, and surrounding Central Missouri communities with expert termite inspection, prevention, and treatment.
Termite Identification
Knowing which termite species you're dealing with is crucial for proper treatment. Here are the four main types of termites found in Missouri:
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 schedule your termite inspection with Plank Termite & Pest Control. We’ll identify the source and stop it before costly damage sets in.
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
- Small piles of frass (termite droppings)
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick or won’t close properly
- Visible swarming termites inside or outside
Even one of these signs could mean a larger issue—don’t wait to get help.
Keep Termites Out for Good
How to Prevent Termites in Central Missouri
Prevention is the key to long-term protection. Taking the right steps early can stop termites from ever reaching your home:
- 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
Plank Termite & Pest Control also offers preventative solutions through our Perimeter Guard Pest Control Plans, designed to protect your home year-round.
FAQs About Termites
How fast can termites cause damage?
A mature colony can consume a significant amount of wood in just a few months. Serious structural damage may occur within a year if left untreated.
Do termites bite or harm people?
No, termites don’t bite or sting humans. The real danger lies in the damage they cause to your home’s structure.
Can I treat termites myself?
DIY treatments may kill some termites but rarely reach the entire colony. Professional methods like baiting systems or termiticides are more effective and longer lasting.
When is termite season in Missouri?
Swarming typically occurs in spring, but termites are active year-round. Preventative inspections are recommended annually.
Will homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?
In most cases, no. Termite damage is considered preventable with routine maintenance and is usually not covered.
We Stand Behind Our Work
All of our termite treatments come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Trust Plank Termite & Pest Control to protect your home or business from the ground up. Call or text (573) 368-3333 to schedule your termite inspection today.
Chris Kallaos
Plank always does a great job for us. They show up when they say they will, and their treatments are effective.
Vickie
Thanks for doing an excellent job of debugging my house. I hate spiders, ants and wasps!
Steven Doyon
Excellent Service.
Katie Steelman
The staff is very responsive to messages. Even though we had to be rescheduled a couple times due to rain, they didn’t just drop us. They took care of us when the weather cooperated. Very good to work with! Price is very reasonable too.
Joel W Eland
Josh was very professional and willing to work hard - including getting dirty in a crawl space. He also provided practical evaluation of our buildings and next steps.
