Why is Fall a Critical Time for Termite Inspections, and What Steps Can You Take to Protect Your Home?
As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, homeowners in Missouri shift their attention to fall maintenance. One essential task frequently overlooked is checking for termites. Although termites are usually associated with warmer weather, fall is an ideal time to assess your home for these destructive pests and take preventive measures.
Best in the Biz! Ken is a fab technician & I haven’t seen a single 6- or 8-legged friend since they’ve serviced my home over the years. Three thumbs up!
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Jenn was fabulous. I called in to set for someone to come out and help me with the rats in my wood pile. I goofed up on the day and she was so kind and helpful.
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Highly recommended, called titan pest to help me get rid of the cave crickets in my basement, when Cameron came over he was very friendly, and very professional, solved the problem i would definitely use them again in the future
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When I called I was really panicked and the young woman on the phone was marvelous. She managed to assure me that the problem could be handled by the experts and it was!
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Jennifer is a sweet and amazing person, she helped me with all the questions I was asking about receiving general services from them. Thank you so much Jennifer keep up the great work you do with your awesome personality!
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Andrew came out to our new home and helped us evict Jerry the uninvited guest and set up deterrents so hopefully he and his friends don’t return. Thank you!!
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J Kesterson came and inspected our house. We discovered raccoon and mice activity in the attic. Jay and I went up and had a look to see the damage as well as him taking pictures of the damage. We went around the house and inspected the outside to look for potential openings, and found 3 entry points. J was very professional and genuine when discussing options and inspecting the house. It was nice to be included and shown where specific activity was taken place in person and in pictures as well as see where those entry points are. He answered all our questions and broke things down so they were easy to understand. He fully explained the benefits for each treatment option and the prices. We appreciate the wholistic assessment.
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Brandyn at Titan Pest & Wildlife is our go to guy for all our wildlife issues for all our properties. Both Brandon and this company communicate well with their clients. Titan has a great team and offer reasonable prices especially compared to other local wildlife companies. I have no reservations or hesitations referring this company to my family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers.
Response from the owner: Hi, Carol. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Cristian did a great job with my pest control treatment this week. He answered all my questions and was thorough in inspecting and treating my house. Thanks Cristian!
Response from the owner: Hi, Mary. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
J did an excellent assessment of the issue and took him time to understand my concerns and goals. I feel like I’m in good hands to resolve my pest issue.
Response from the owner: Hi, Christine. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Worked with Jay and Christian from Titan over the last two years. Treated the yard over the summer (great, effective sprays), and most recently contracted them for indoor pest/rodent control. Very comprehensive customer service + responsive communication. Prices seem appropriate for great valued services! Will use them for any service that the home needs.
Response from the owner: Hi, Jack. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
I really like J he was really kind and nice and he took the time out to really look through the house and make sure that he pointed out everything as far as where the bedbugs could be thanks for you guys service and I will see you guys really soon to start getting these bed bugs really took out this house
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Jay promptly answered the phone and answered all my questions in professional manner and the whole team is very customer focused with reasonable quality service
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Ken is very thorough and professional and respectful of our property. Personable too. I highly recommend him for any of your pest control needs. Liz and George
Response from the owner: Hi, George. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Cristian, our technician, is awesome. He has been so helpful and informative! He seems to have solved an issue with spiders we were having on the exterior of our home.. which have bothered me for years. He is proactive in getting those pests. So thankful for his great work m, helpful tips to keep the bugs away, and kind demeanor.
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I initially used Titan to get rid of my mole problem, but I just upgraded to additional pest protection. The tech that came out, J Kesterson, was professional and knowledgeable, and he explained clearly the additional services I’m getting. I’m very pleased with Titan Pest and Wildlife and highly recommend them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Ellyssia. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
We had a multiple types of pest issue in our attic and yard. Jay made the 2+ hour drive up to our house and did a thorough inspection, after which he walked me through all the areas they could address on our 3 acres. The technician, Christian, showed up on time for the initial and follow-up treatment of our attic (mice, squirrels, and raccoon evidence) and our yard (loads of mole tunnels throughout the property). He was very professional, thorough, and always asked if there was anything more I needed him to check out/look at. Titan is also spraying and treating the inside and outside of our house for spiders, bugs, etc. - which I have seen a major improvement in! I am very happy so far and look forward to their monthly treatments - peace of mind for me and my family!
Response from the owner: Hi, Barbie. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Ken Husser did an amazing job at my apartment. He is a kind a professional gentleman and I cannot thank him enough for his service. He is the best!!!!!
Response from the owner: Hi, Joseph. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
We had concerns over one in our household being bit periodically each month. We made an appointment and J came out that same day. He helped us decipher what our problem was and came up with a plan.
Response from the owner: Hi, Cindy. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
I really really loved how Jay came to my rescue with the pest 🪳 in my house and he really made me and my family truly happy 😁😄 so thankful for Jay thank you titan 🙏❤️
Response from the owner: Hi, Jeanette. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Jay came out for a walkthrough and inspection today. I appreciated the in person quote. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was very thorough in his explanations. I would recommend.
Response from the owner: Hi, Kippi. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
J came out to my house, did a complete assessment, explained their program and all the cost. They captured a raccoon that was destroying my yard, then took it and released in a safe location. Thank you for your help!
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J. Kesterson came to my house and did a thorough inspection of my exterior and interior of my house including the attic and basement. He provided pictures of the areas of concern and I was able to set up a program to address these issues. Nice gentleman!
Response from the owner: Hi, Marie. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Called early in morning and got an answer. They were out here in less than 30 minutes later to relocate Racoon that had been getting into my coop. Even got a snip of the gps where it was relocated.
I was having a recurring ant infestation around my windows. No matter what I tried they kept coming back. After Titan came by, no more ants. They were very professional and on time. Took care of the bugs with great service.
Everyone I've interacted with has been great, and the price is good, too. The mice that had moved in have been evicted, and I haven't had any issues since. The guys that come out to my house have been quick and non-intrusive while I work from home as well. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Hi, Logan. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
They done a good job explaining everything they would do for the termite problem we had and done a good job on the follow up. The technician we had was very professional and answered all our questions.
Response from the owner: Hi, Glenn. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
These guys are awesome!! We had a few mice in our house we bought (it was built in the 50s). They quickly came out, found the access points, and sealed those points of entry. Very reasonably priced and the gentlemen who came out were great! 10/10 recommend.
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I was so impressed with the responsiveness I experienced using Titan. Everyone was so friendly and professional from my initial consult down to the numerous panicked phone calls I made during the catch period. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and if necessary, I would definitely use them again. Who knew raccoons could create such damage?
Response from the owner: Hi, Sharon. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
My appointment period was estimated to be between 1&4. Unlike most businesses that give you a range, he showed up at 130 after a quick call. He answered all my questions, gave me several options to pick from and a firm estimate. I agreed to get it done asap and he had the equipment available to do it right then. The whole appointment took about 1 1/2 hrs and he was done. The estimate was better than most other’s that I’ve gotten. Very happy with the experience.
Response from the owner: Hi, Justine. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
AJ and David hung our Christmas lights on the front of our house and did a great job. They were very friendly and professional. I highly recommend them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Sandy. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Hung Christmas lights, did a wonderful job!! So pleased with how it looks and these 2 young men were so professional and courteous, I expected I will call them for other things. Will definitely tell everyone who did this.
Response from the owner: Hi, Laura. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
This was my first time using Titan and they far exceeded my expectations! I contacted Titan as we discovered we had 2 very large, guinea pig looking animals in our garage. We had seen them go in and out of their hiding place and no clue what they were. I figured I would have to wait to get someone out, and they put me on the schedule the same day. David came out and looked around and talked about our wildlife/rodent problem....appears to be two pack rats. He explained in detail what he was going to do with the traps and all. Typically they leave and send you an estimate and, once approved, they come back to do all the work. I asked if he could go ahead and put the bait and traps out now, and I would sign and pay, or whatever was needed. as we were just anxious to get these rodents taken care of, due to the inconvenience and damage they have caused (including eating through my husbands turn signal wire on his car). He took the time to contact the office to see if he could do this, prepare the estimate for my signature, go over in detail the terms of the contract and warranty, and then I paid over the phone. Very easy. I was so appreciative of his willingness to try to get this done quickly for us, even though it isn't their usual policy. He then set everything out and told me if I felt like I needed service before my scheduled 7 day time to just call and they would work with me. I loved the experience, or as much as you can love having 2 very large pack rats in your garage (think guinea pig size, lol). David was very timely, knowledgeable, and respectful. When he left he even shook my hand. Titan has definitely earned any future business of mine and I will definitely be recommending them to others!**Update: After no movement on the camera for almost 72 hours (and they set off the camera pretty much every 5 minutes prior to Titan coming out so we were cautiously optimistic they both had died), one resurfaced at 3am this morning, the one that has had a trap stuck on him for that entire 72 hours, and he can't get into the only food source, aka the bait trap, because of the trap being stuck on his head. So, I contacted Titan this morning just to see if anyone could come back out before the scheduled Thursday time, figuring I probably would be out of luck. The lady that answered said that while David's schedule was pretty full, she would have him out sometime today, just couldn't say when.I wish more businesses operated this way.
Response from the owner: Hi, Haley. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
We had so many brown recluse this year, response time was fantastic. Allen was very friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable. They handled the problem and now i can finally sleep again. Will forever recommend Titan to all our friends and family.
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David did a great job of ridding my flea issue! He is very knowledgeable and very professional!! I would recommend Titan Pest and Wildlife Solutions if you have any kind of pest you want gone!!! 👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Response from the owner: Hi, Lori. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Response from the owner: Hi, Garrett. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Why Fall is the Perfect Time for a Termite Check
Termites are most active in spring and summer but don’t hibernate when the weather cools. Fall offers prime conditions for termites to continue feeding and expanding their colonies, particularly in areas with mild or temperate climates like Missouri. Here are a few reasons why fall inspections are vital:
Termites Can Thrive in Fall Conditions
Moisture is a critical factor in termite survival. Fall brings increased moisture from rain, and as you prepare your home for the colder months, excess moisture around the foundation can provide the perfect environment for termites to thrive. Without proper attention, fall could give termites a much-needed lifeline to continue their infestation into winter.
Late-Term Activity
Termites remain active year-round. During the fall, subterranean termites, the most common species in Missouri, retreat deeper underground as temperatures drop, but they don’t stop feeding. If an established colony is near or inside your home, termites can continue damaging wooden structures even as they prepare for winter.
Identifying Damage Before Winter
As winter approaches, termites become less visible, making detection more difficult. By performing a thorough termite inspection in the fall, you can catch signs of infestation before the colder months, making detection and treatment more challenging. Additionally, termites will often exploit weaknesses in your home’s foundation or structure that worsen during winter, such as cracks or wood that is already damp from fall rains.
Signs of Termite Activity to Look For This Fall
While termites can be elusive and hard to detect, several telltale signs can help you identify a potential problem. During your fall maintenance routine, keep an eye out for the following indicators of termite activity:
Mud Tubes:
Subterranean termites construct mud tubes to travel between their colonies and food sources, often wood structures in your home. These tubes, about the width of a pencil, can be found on exterior walls, foundation slabs, or crawlspaces. If you see these mud tubes, it’s a strong sign of termite activity.
Wood Damage:
Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving it hollow and fragile. You might notice wood that sounds hollow when tapped or appears blistered. Inspect wooden beams, window frames, and exposed wood in basements or attics for signs of damage.
Discarded Wings:
Termites shed their wings when they settle into a new location, especially during the swarming season (which often occurs in spring but can extend into fall). Piles of discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures can indicate that termites have entered your home.
Termite Droppings:
Drywood termites, although less common in Missouri, leave behind tiny, pellet-shaped droppings known as frass. If you find these near wood surfaces or under furniture, it’s a sign of termite infestation.
Buckling Floors or Sagging Ceilings:
As termites hollow out structural wood, you might notice spongy or uneven floors. Sagging ceilings or cracked walls can also be signs that termites have weakened the structural integrity of your home.
Why Termite Prevention is Essential in Fall
Preventing termites in fall can save you thousands of dollars in potential repair costs. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that termites cause over $5 billion in property damage yearly in the United States alone. Here’s why you should make termite prevention a priority as part of your fall home maintenance:
Avoiding Costly Repairs:
Once termites infiltrate your home, they can cause significant damage to wooden structures, including support beams, flooring, and framing. Regular fall inspections help catch infestations early before they result in costly structural damage. By addressing potential issues now, you can avoid a much bigger headache (and expense) in the future.
Fall is a Good Time for Professional Inspections:
Many homeowners schedule pest inspections in the spring or summer. Still, professional pest control companies like Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions are available year-round to inspect your home for termites. Fall is often a less busy time for pest control services, so it’s a great opportunity to schedule a thorough termite inspection without long wait times.
Preventing Termites from Entering During Winter:
Termites can survive winter if they have established colonies near or inside your home. Sealing cracks in your foundation and addressing moisture issues during fall make it harder for termites to find entry points and food sources in your home during the colder months.
Tips on Prevent Termite Infestations During Fall Maintenance
There are several practical steps homeowners can take during their fall maintenance to reduce the risk of termites:
Seal Entry Points:
Check your home’s foundation, windows, and doorframes for any cracks or gaps where termites could enter. Seal these areas with caulk or other appropriate materials to prevent termite access.
Remove Excess Moisture:
Termites thrive in moist environments. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water from accumulating around your home’s foundation. Fix any leaks, especially in basements or crawlspaces, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity.
Store Firewood Away from the House:
Firewood is a magnet for termites. Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet from your home, and elevate them off the ground if possible. This will reduce the chances of termites migrating from the woodpile to your home’s wooden structures.
Keep Mulch Away from Your Foundation:
While mulch is a popular landscaping material, it can attract termites when placed too close to your home. To reduce the risk of termite infestation, ensure that mulch is kept at least 15 inches from your foundation.
Regular Inspections:
Even if you don’t suspect an infestation, it’s a good idea to schedule regular termite inspections as part of your home’s maintenance routine. Professional termite inspections can catch early signs of activity and provide targeted treatments to prevent future infestations.
Contact us Today to Protect Your Home
Fall is the perfect time to check your home for termites. As you perform your seasonal maintenance tasks, don’t forget to include a thorough termite inspection on your list. By staying proactive and addressing potential issues early, you can protect your home from these destructive pests year-round.
Don’t hesitate to contact Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions. Our team is ready to provide termite inspections and treatments to keep your home safe and termite-free.
