Termites and Termite Damage
Termite control measures in and around Joplin
Termites are the most expensive pest in the world today. Each year they are responsible for millions of dollars in damages to homes and businesses, just in the US. They strike often without detection or warning. In our part of the country the only threat is the sub-terranean termite, which needs contact with moisture and soil to survive. Other areas in the U.S. don’t have as much luck as they are prone to other destructive types.
Usually in the spring, following a warm rain, swarmer’s will begin to appear. This is a sign termites are near, maybe not in your house but, close. If you find “winged ants” in your house, you should call a professional pest control operator, before it costs you hundreds if not thousands in damages. We are familiar to the subtle differences between termites and ants, and the things to look for that can or will support a termite colony. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and an annual inspection is reasonably affordable and gives peace of mind.
We offer a number of ways to handle termite treatments. One way is the most well known, a chemical barrier treatment of the soil surrounding your home. We use ONLY Termidor brand chemicals for soil treatments. Termidor brand chemicals back a 10 year guarantee of protection and have a track records that goes beyond that. It is the best, and best known chemical today for this type of termite treatment.
Another way is to treat the wood and siding before insulation is installed with a boride chemical. This is sometimes considered a “pre-construction” termite treatment. The borite is dyed a color, green or blue, and sprayed on the wooden surfaces. This treatment prevents the termites from devouring the wood and even prevents them from making their mud tubes on wood or concrete. We use only BoraCare brand for this application, sometimes dyed, sometimes not, it’s your preference. I’m told it last forever…….does anything really last forever?
Finally, our third option for termite treatments is not really a treatment as much as a preventative measure. Termite bait stations or TBS. TBS’s are devices installed in the ground surrounding the property you wish to protect. They must be monitored often, 3 to 4 months at a minimum. Ours has a cellulose capsule and a wooden block to attract termites. When checked and the station has a “hit” then the cellulose capsule is replaced with an active ingredient capsule. When termites feed upon the A.I. it is transmitted through the colony by their feeding and grooming duties, killing them….slowly.
It’s debatable which termite treatment is the best, and on occasion all three are used. A certified pest control operator can help you determine which is best for you if you need a termite treatment. Termite control is one of the best investments you can make on what is most likely your largest investment. Call JELCO Pest Solutions in Joplin for your options in termite control. Feel free to contact us for more information. Or click here to visit our services page for termites
Why Termites Are So Destructive
Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage every year in the United States. Unlike many pests, termites feed directly on wood and cellulose materials, which are found in structural components of homes such as framing, flooring, and support beams.
Because termites work behind walls, under floors, and inside wooden structures, infestations often go unnoticed until serious damage has already occurred.
Subterranean termites, the most common species in Missouri, build underground colonies that can contain hundreds of thousands of termites. From these colonies they construct mud tubes to reach food sources inside homes and buildings.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Many homeowners do not realize they have termites until the damage becomes visible. Some of the most common warning signs include:
Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, or crawlspaces
Hollow sounding wood when tapped
Discarded wings near windows or doors after a swarm
Soft, blistered, or darkened wood surfaces
Tight-fitting doors or windows caused by moisture damage from termite activity
If any of these signs are noticed, a professional inspection should be scheduled as soon as possible.
When Termites Swarm
Termite swarms typically occur in spring when temperatures warm and humidity increases. During this time, winged reproductive termites leave the colony to establish new colonies nearby.
Seeing flying termites indoors often means there may already be a mature colony inside or near the structure. These swarms are sometimes mistaken for flying ants, but termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and thicker waists.
Conditions That Attract Termites
Certain conditions around a property can increase the likelihood of termite activity. These include:
Wood-to-soil contact around foundations
Excess moisture from leaking pipes or poor drainage
Mulch or firewood stored against the house
Cracks in foundations or slab construction
Untreated wooden structures such as decks or fences
Reducing these conditions can help lower the risk of infestation.
Why Professional Termite Control Matters
Termites are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional treatment. Over-the-counter solutions typically kill only visible termites and do not eliminate the colony.
Professional termite treatments may include:
Soil treatments around the foundation
Termite baiting systems
Wood treatments in affected areas
Ongoing monitoring to prevent reinfestation
A professional inspection helps determine the best treatment method for the specific structure and infestation level.
Quick Termite Facts
You can add this as a short “Did You Know?” section:
Termites work 24 hours a day, constantly feeding on wood.
A single colony may contain 100,000–1,000,000 termites.
Termites cause more structural damage annually than fires, floods, and storms combined.
Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover termite damage.
Subterranean termites must stay moist, which is why they build protective mud tubes.
Want more interesting facts about termites? Check this link form the MDC