7 Signs of Termites in a Missouri Home You Should Not Ignore

Subterranean termites are the termite group native to Missouri, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Because they live in soil and can travel into structures through protected routes, a homeowner may not see the colony itself.

What you may see are the clues it leaves behind.

If any of the following seven signs appear, a professional termite inspection can help determine whether termites are actually responsible.

1. Mud-like shelter tubes

Subterranean termites need protection from drying conditions as they move between soil and food sources. They can build narrow mud-like tubes across foundation walls, piers and other surfaces.

A tube is not decorative dirt. If you find one, photograph it and avoid destroying every trace before an inspector can see the location and pattern.

2. Winged insects emerging indoors

A swarm of winged insects inside a home is one of the most attention-grabbing warning signs.

The complication is that winged ants can be mistaken for termite swarmers. Termites generally have a broader waist, straighter antennae and two pairs of wings that are more similar in size. Winged ants usually have a pinched waist, elbowed antennae and unequal wing pairs.

Use our flying ants vs. termite swarmers guide for a side-by-side explanation.

3. Piles of shed wings

After swarming, reproductive termites can shed their wings. Homeowners may notice a collection of delicate wings near windows, doors or other light sources.

A few outdoor insects are one thing. Repeated indoor evidence is a reason to investigate.

4. Wood that sounds hollow or feels soft

Termite feeding can weaken wood from the inside while the outside surface remains partly intact. Wood may sound different when tapped or feel soft when probed.

Do not start dismantling framing to prove a termite theory. Damage can have other causes, and structural materials should be evaluated carefully.

5. Blistered, rippled or unusual surface changes

Termite activity close to the surface can sometimes create visual changes in wood, trim, flooring or painted surfaces. Moisture damage can look similar, so this clue is not diagnostic by itself.

The important point is that unexplained surface change plus moisture or other termite evidence deserves inspection.

6. Persistent moisture near structural wood

Moisture is not proof of termites, but it can create favorable conditions and hide damage.

Look at:

• leaking plumbing
• crawl-space moisture
• poor drainage
• damaged gutters
• wood siding too close to soil
• damp basement framing

Correcting moisture protects the building whether or not termites are present.

7. Previous termite history or unexplained repairs

If the property has a known termite history, old treatment evidence or repaired wood with no clear explanation, do not assume the issue is permanently resolved.

Ask what treatment was performed, whether there was a service agreement and when the property was last inspected.

What termite signs do not tell you

A homeowner can recognize warning signs, but visual clues alone may not tell you:

• whether activity is current
• how extensive damage is
• where the colony is accessing the structure
• whether another insect caused the evidence
• what treatment is appropriate

That is the value of an inspection.

Carpenter ants can complicate the picture

Carpenter ants also nest in wood and can create structural damage, but they excavate rather than eat wood. Coarse sawdust-like debris and large ants may point in that direction.

Read carpenter ants vs. termites in Missouri if you are seeing wood debris or large ants.

When to call

You do not need all seven signs. One credible termite warning sign is enough reason to investigate, especially when swarmers, shelter tubes or damaged structural wood are involved.

Around The Clock Pest Control performs termite inspections throughout Greater St. Louis and provides termite treatment options when treatment is warranted.

Frequently asked questions

What is the clearest termite sign?

Shelter tubes, confirmed termite swarmers and visible termite-damaged wood are strong reasons for inspection, but no single sign should substitute for professional evaluation.

Can termites be active without visible damage?

Yes. Subterranean termites can remain hidden while traveling through soil, concealed spaces and wood.

Are termites active only in spring?

Swarming is seasonal, but colonies exist beyond the brief period when winged termites are visible.

Should I remove a termite tube to see if termites rebuild it?

It is usually better to document the tube and let an inspector evaluate the area rather than destroying the evidence before service.

Call (314) 303-7240 or schedule a termite inspection.

Local source

University of Missouri Extension: Subterranean Termites, extension.missouri.edu.