There are some in St. Louis who have dedicated their lives to the study of termites and other insects. These folks are called entomologists. We have some of those fine folks working here at Rottler. They could tell you pages of information on these fascinating insects because termites are amazing creatures; but we understand that the study of insects isn't for everyone. So, here is our condensed version of termite facts everyone in Missouri should know.
Facts about Missouri termites:
The most destructive type of termite in Missouri is the Eastern subterranean termite.
These termites are highly destructive to Douglas fir and other common building timbers. They are able to rapidly eat the internal sections of structural timbers, but they mainly focus on the spring wood and leave the harder summer wood alone.
These infested timbers are often left as a thin shell with honeycomb layered hollow sections that are filled with moist dirt.
The Eastern subterranean termite costs United States homeowners over $5 billion each year.
Termite colonies contain different castes including a king, a queen, soldiers, swarmers, and workers.
Eastern subterranean worker termites are the largest caste and are the ones responsible for all the damage caused to structures.
Workers are a creamy translucent color, have soft bodies and, as their name suggests, they do all the work in the colony. They are responsible for constructing tunnels, repairing and enlarging the colony nest, grooming each other, and feeding the soldiers, the king, and the queen. They also care for the young nymphs until they mature.
Soldier termites, on the other hand, are usually the first to be seen when the colony is disturbed. They will rush out to guard the opening while worker termites set about to repair the damage.
Swarmers are winged termites that take flight when a colony is mature. The swarmers purpose is to start new colonies.
How to protect from termites:
Termites need moisture to thrive. Eliminate moisture in your home by repairing leaky faucets or pipes and by keeping water cleaned up around sinks, toilets, and tubs. Also, use fans or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity.
Repair fascia, soffits, and rotted roof shingles.
Make sure weather stripping and mortar around your basement foundation and windows is in good repair.
Divert water well away from your house by clearing out gutters and directing downspouts several feet from your home.
Maintain an 18-inch gap between wood portions of your home and any soil. The use of crushed rock around your foundation works well to keep this area dry.
Store all firewood, building materials, and other wood as far from your home as possible, and keep it up off the ground.
Schedule a FREE termite inspection from Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions.
Termite damage is not covered by most homeowner's insurance policies. If you want to protect your property from these home-destroying pests, we can help, just give us a call. We have the latest and most advanced termite solutions available anywhere AND we offer a $250,000 termite damage warranty! When you need to know for sure that your home is safe from termites, Rottler is the right choice. And, that's a fact.