Termites are one of the most misunderstood—and most destructive—pests facing homeowners in St. Louis. While they might be out of sight, they’re rarely out of action. Unfortunately, termite myths often lull people into a false sense of security, delaying treatment and leading to expensive damage.
At STL Pest Control, we believe that the best defense starts with the right knowledge. Let’s break down some of the most common termite myths and separate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: “If I Don’t See Termites, I Don’t Have Them”
✅ Fact: Termites are masters of stealth.
By the time you actually see termites, they’ve likely been chewing away at your home for months—or even years. These pests often hide inside walls, floors, crawlspaces, and insulation. Some species, like the Eastern Subterranean Termite (common in St. Louis), build underground tunnels and go unnoticed until major damage is done.
Signs to watch for:
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Hollow-sounding wood
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Discarded wings near windows
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Mud tubes along the foundation
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Small piles of what looks like sawdust (frass)
Myth #2: “My Brick Home Is Safe from Termites”
✅ Fact: Brick doesn’t stop termites—wood inside your home is still fair game.
Even homes with brick exteriors have wooden framing, beams, subflooring, and interior supports. Termites don’t care about the outside shell—they’ll find tiny cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or any access point to reach their food source: cellulose in wood.
St. Louis homeowners beware: Older homes with damp basements or poor drainage are especially vulnerable.
Myth #3: “Termites Are Only Active in Warm Weather”
✅ Fact: Termites stay active year-round—especially indoors.
While termite swarms usually happen in spring or early summer, colonies are active 24/7, 365 days a year. Subterranean termites build nests deep underground or inside walls where it’s warm and humid. That means even during a St. Louis winter, they could still be quietly damaging your home.
Pro tip: Winter inspections are just as important as summer ones.
Myth #4: “DIY Termite Treatments Work Just as Well”
✅ Fact: Over-the-counter solutions rarely reach the heart of the problem.
Sprays and powders might kill a few termites on the surface, but they won’t reach the nest or queen. Without eliminating the entire colony, the damage continues. Professional-grade bait systems, soil treatments, and monitoring tools are needed to get to the root of the infestation.
At STL Pest Control, our trained technicians use non-invasive, proven methods tailored to your home—no guesswork, no wasted time.
Myth #5: “Home Insurance Will Cover Termite Damage”
✅ Fact: Most insurance policies specifically exclude termite damage.
Why? Because termite infestations are considered preventable with regular maintenance. That makes it even more critical to take action before damage occurs. The cost of a preventive inspection or annual plan is far less than the thousands it may cost to repair termite-related structural damage.
Knowledge Is Your First Line of Defense
Believing myths about termites can lead to inaction—and costly consequences. Now that you know the facts, take the next step to protect your home.
Whether you’re seeing signs or just want peace of mind, STL Pest Control is here to help.
📞 Call STL Pest Control Today
Request a free inspection or preventative service plan:
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