Pest Guide · Lake of the Ozarks
Termites: how they live, why they invade & how to get rid of them
Eastern subterranean termites are the quiet, expensive pest. They eat 24/7, work out of sight, and the first sign is often damage that's already done. At the Lake, moisture-rich crawlspaces, decks, and dock structures make conditions ideal - which is exactly why a real-estate termite inspection matters here.
How termites live
Subterranean termites live in large underground colonies and reach wood through pencil-width "mud tubes" that keep them hidden and humid. Workers feed on cellulose - framing, flooring, decking, stored paper - and never stop. Once a year a colony sends out winged swarmers to start new colonies; a spring swarm indoors is a red flag.
Why they come into your home
They're drawn to moisture and wood contact with soil: leaky gutters, poor drainage, mulch against siding, wood decks and porch posts, and damp crawlspaces. Any spot where wood meets damp earth is an entry point, and lake-country humidity keeps the pressure high.
Signs of a termites problem
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, or in the crawlspace
- Wood that sounds hollow or gives way when tapped
- Discarded wings near windows and doors after a swarm
- Buckling paint or floors, or tiny "kick-out" holes
How to get rid of termites
Termites are not a DIY pest - over-the-counter products don't reach the colony, and a missed area keeps the damage going. Professional control means either a liquid soil barrier (termiticide) around the structure, a baiting system that eliminates the colony, or both, plus documentation for real-estate transactions. The right approach depends on your foundation and the extent of activity.
How to keep them out
- Keep gutters clean and grade soil to drain away from the foundation
- Keep mulch, firewood, and lumber away from siding and posts
- Fix leaks and ventilate crawlspaces to cut humidity
- Maintain a gap between soil and any wood - decks, posts, siding
- Get a termite inspection before you buy, and monitor yearly
Dealing with termites at the Lake? All American has treated them since 1971 - local, licensed, and using no-odor products that are safe around kids and pets. We'll identify what you have and put together a plan that actually solves it.
Request Service →Ready for a straight answer and a real person?
Family-owned since 1971 · Serving the Lake of the Ozarks