Termite Season Is Here: How to Spot the Signs Before It’s Too Late

As termite season begins, homeowners in St. Louis should be on high alert for these destructive pests. Termites are silent invaders that can cause serious damage before you even know they’re there. From mud tubes to attic infestations, being able to recognize the warning signs could save you thousands in repair costs.

In this post, we’ll walk through what termites look like, common signs to watch for—like termite holes, nests on walls, and activity in your yard or attic—and what causes infestations in the first place.

What Do Termites Look Like?

One of the reasons termites are so sneaky is because many people confuse them with ants. Termites typically have:

• Soft, pale bodies

• Straight antennae

• Wings of equal length (in swarmers)

• No defined waist like ants
  
  

Swarming termites, also called alates, appear during spring and early summer. These winged termites are often mistaken for flying ants, but unlike ants, they’re not just annoying—they’re the first sign of a growing colony. The EPA offers a helpful termite ID guide here.

Termites in Yard: Early Signs Around Your Property

Many infestations start with signs of termites in the yard. Termites love moist, soft wood, which means mulch, firewood piles, tree stumps, and even garden borders can attract them.

Check for:

• Mud tubes along foundations or walls

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Swarmers flying near soil

• Damaged fencing or outdoor woodwork
  
  

If you suspect termite activity outdoors, it’s wise to act fast before they find their way inside. Schedule a free termite inspection with Pure Pest + Lawn to catch the problem early.

Termite Holes & Nesting Clues

As colonies grow, termites start leaving behind small but distinct signs. One of the most common indicators is the presence of tiny holes in drywall, wood, or baseboards. These holes may be used by termites to push out frass (termite droppings) or to ventilate their tunnels.

You may also spot:

• Discolored or sagging drywall

• Bubbling paint

• Crumbling wood when touched

• Patterns that resemble water damage
  
  

In some cases, you might even notice a termite nest on a wall—a visible bump where a colony has settled behind the surface. According to PestWorld.org, wall nests are often associated with Formosan termites, a highly aggressive species.

Termites in the Attic? Here's What to Know

Though less common than ground-level infestations, termites in the attic do happen—especially in homes with wood framing and roof leaks. Moisture from poor ventilation or damaged roofing can make the attic an ideal feeding ground.

Signs of attic activity may include:

• Tunnels in wooden beams or rafters

• Soft spots in the ceiling

• Sawdust-like material on attic floors
  
  

When in doubt, let the experts investigate. Check out our post on signs of termites in your home for more helpful tips.

How Do People Get Termites?

Termites aren’t drawn to mess—they’re drawn to opportunity. Whether you live in a brand-new home or a historic fixer-upper, you can still fall victim to termites.

Here are some common ways infestations start:

• Soil-to-wood contact near your foundation

• Leaky gutters or poor drainage around the home

• Stacked firewood or mulch too close to exterior walls

• Unsealed cracks in concrete or brick

• Humidity in crawl spaces or attics
  
  

In short: if termites find wood and moisture, they’ll move in. The University of Missouri Extension offers a great breakdown on termite behavior and prevention for Missouri homeowners.

✅ Termite Prevention Checklist: Protect Your Home Year-Round

Don’t wait until you see damage—stop termites before they move in. Use this checklist to stay ahead of termite season and keep your property protected.

Exterior Tips

• Keep soil and mulch at least 6" below siding

• Trim back bushes and trees that touch the house

• Store firewood 20 ft away and off the ground

• Seal any foundation cracks or wall openings
  
  

Moisture Control

• Repair leaking spigots, gutters, and A/C units

• Ventilate crawl spaces and attics properly

• Grade soil away from your foundation
  
  

Home Maintenance

• Inspect decks and fences for damage

• Watch for bubbling paint or sagging drywall

• Replace water-damaged wood

• Schedule an annual inspection
  
  

The Power of Sentricon®: Termite Protection You Can Trust

At Pure Pest + Lawn, we don’t just treat termites—we eliminate them at the source using Sentricon®, the gold standard in termite control. In fact, we’re proud to be the only pest control company in the St. Louis area licensed to use the Sentricon® System.

What makes Sentricon® different?
✅ It uses scientific baiting technology that targets and destroys the entire colony
✅ It’s non-invasive and eco-friendly—no drilling, no trenching, no hassle
✅ The system provides ongoing protection and is monitored by our licensed technicians year-round

Sentricon® is trusted to protect the White House, the Statue of Liberty, and millions of homes across the country—and now, it can protect yours too.

If you've spotted signs of termites—termite holes, nests on walls, damaged wood in the attic, or signs in your yard—don’t settle for surface-level solutions. Choose the system proven to eliminate colonies completely and prevent them from coming back.

📍 Schedule your free termite inspection today and ask about the Sentricon® difference.🛑 Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually. Don’t let your home be part of that statistic.