Termite Treatment & Prevention

Termite Species in St. Louis

Termites are responsible for an estimated $5 billion in property damage across the United States every year — more than fires, floods, and tornadoes combined. The St. Louis metro area sits squarely in the highest-risk zone for subterranean termite activity. Missouri’s clay-heavy soils, warm humid summers, and mild winters create ideal conditions for colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

Eastern Subterranean Termite

By far the most common and destructive species in the St. Louis area. Workers are small (1/8 inch), pale, and soft-bodied. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to travel between the soil and the wood they feed on. A mature colony can consume 5 grams of wood per day — enough to cause serious structural damage over months and years.

Swarm Behavior

Winged termites (swarmers) emerge from mature colonies, typically February through May in the St. Louis area. Swarm season peaks in March and April. Seeing swarmers indoors almost always means the colony is in or under your structure. Swarmers are often confused with flying ants — termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a broad waist.

Warning Signs of Termite Activity

• Mud tubes on foundation walls, basement walls, or crawl space piers — pencil-width tubes that termites build as protected highways
• Winged swarmers emerging indoors, especially near windows and light sources during spring
• Piles of small, translucent wings near windows or on window sills after a swarm event
• Hollow-sounding wood when you tap on baseboards, door frames, or window sills
• Buckling or bubbling paint that resembles water damage but has no moisture source
• Soft or crumbling wood in basements, crawl spaces, or around exterior door frames

Important: Termite damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance. Proactive protection is the only defense.

Treatment Options

Roberts Pest Control is a Certified Sentricon Specialist (CSS) — one of a select group of companies authorized to install and service the Sentricon Always Active bait system. We also offer Termidor HE liquid barrier treatment.

Termidor HE Liquid Barrier

The gold standard in termiticides. Applied around the full perimeter of the foundation, Termidor HE creates an immediate chemical barrier that eliminates termites on contact through a transfer effect — termites carry the product back to the colony, spreading it to nestmates.

Sentricon Always Active Bait System

The most researched termite bait technology in the world. Stations are installed at 5-6 foot intervals around the structure, providing continuous 24/7 monitoring and protection. When termites find the bait, they share it with the colony, eliminating the queen and collapsing the colony. Learn more about Sentricon →

Dual Protection (Recommended for Active Infestations)

For active infestations, we recommend both: Termidor HE liquid for immediate colony elimination, plus Sentricon bait stations for ongoing 24/7 protection. The liquid stops the current attack; the bait system prevents the next one.

Prevention Tips

• Eliminate wood-soil contact — Fence posts, deck supports, and form boards should not touch the ground.
• Fix moisture problems — Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and damp crawl spaces attract termites.
• Manage mulch — Keep mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation and avoid piling it against siding.
• Maintain gutters — Clean gutters and extend downspouts to direct water away from the foundation.
• Store firewood properly — At least 20 feet from the house, elevated off the ground.
• Schedule annual inspections — Especially before and after swarm season (February-May).

For comprehensive termite protection, see our dedicated Sentricon Termite Protection page.