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.
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!
This is the 3rd time they have been out and they are very attentive in trying to figure out how the mice are getting in my attic. All 3 young men have been very professional.
Response from the owner: Hi, Mckenna. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
J came to my house and was very thorough with his termite inspection. I had others come out but never any real explanation of things. J did great and even pointed out termites and explained the process of removing and getting the active ones out. Great experience and happy to work with them.
Response from the owner: Hi, Laelle. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
J Kesterson came out and did a thorough job inspecting and explaining our situation to us. Termites are a serious issues and we were in a hurry to get a solution started. Highly recommend Titan and J Kesterson, thank you!
Response from the owner: Hi, Laura. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
We have used Titan for over a year since replacing the company our builder had us using. They have deliver better and more consistent results and ANY time we have had an issue outside of our normal service they’ve been quick to respond and assist.
Response from the owner: Hi, Ben. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
I purchased Samuel Berton Distillery 5 weeks ago. And one of the hoops we had to jump through was a pest inspection, treatment and plan moving forward. Titan got on it. And in a weeks time all is well! Look forward to long term service and Jake was very professional and as thorough as can be. Very satisfied!!!
Response from the owner: Hi, Tony. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
I highly recommend Titan. Great service and affordable. We have an older home and Jacob Routt was a big help in making sure our needs were addressed and explaining the process.
Response from the owner: Hi, Dylan. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Completely trust this company! Very professional and it is evident they know what they are doing. They are honest and explain what they find and what they recommend. However, there is absolutely no pressure tactics used to try to get you to do anything. They just explain things and leave it to you. I highly recommend this company!
Response from the owner: Hi, Betty. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
After the initial service inspection, I was impressed with the thoroughness of the inspection. The primary problem I had reported which was infestation of moles in our back yard had been addressed. I'll just wait until the next visit after 2 weeks to see if the problem is resolved.
Response from the owner: Hi, Tony. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
Ethan H. and the staff at Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions saved the day for us this past weekend! They worked hard to find someone to come to our house very last minute and find the source of the smell close to our home. Ethan was friendly, pleasant and very knowledgeable. I would recommend this company to anyone- they are fabulous!
Response from the owner: Hi, Mindy. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
We had a wasp problem. John and Andrew came right away. They were so thorough and made sure to inspect everywhere. They treated and took care of the problem. Plus they were both so friendly! Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Hi, Christina. We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
The guys at Titan Pest and Wildlife Solutions are GREAT. They come when they schedule an appointment! They answer questions and are extremely willing to be helpful
Response from the owner: Hi, Mary. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Both gentleman who came out to our home, Jay and Nathan were very professional, and he answered her questions. give them a shout out. They’re worth the call.:)
Response from the owner: Hi, Christine. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
Jay was quick to respond and was easy to schedule an appointment with, our call to help address our pest problem. He was knowledgeable and thorough in his work, explaining everything he was doing and answering all of our questions. We felt confident in his abilities and appreciated his professionalism. We highly recommend Jay for anyone in need of pest control services.
Response from the owner: Hi, Miss. We appreciate the kind words and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience!
We are very pleased with our service this far. Jeremiah K came to our home and did a full inspection and assessment. He explained everything very well and presented us with options for a service agreement. He was professional and courteous. I have not experienced such a high level of quality service as Jeremiah provided with any other company. Jeremiah can service me anytime!!!
Response from the owner: Hi, Richard. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience. We truly appreciate it!
Jay K and his crew did a fantastic job taking care of a bat problem in our chimney when we were out of town. Quick to the response, effective and great follow up when we returned. We can’t say enough about their customer service and professionalism. Many thanks.
Response from the owner: Hi, Jerry. Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
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.
Response from the owner: Hi, Kaitie. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
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.
Response from the owner: Hi, Dusty. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
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.
