We all know that termites love damp environments, so controlling moisture in your home is key to effective termite control. However, did you know that there is a strong scientific backing behind this fact?
Here are three interesting facts on the relationship between the two:
- Fact #1: Termites Can’t Survive in Dry Environments. Termites have soft bodies that are inefficient at retaining moisture. In dry environments, they’ll die through excessive moisture loss. That’s why they thrive in humid, moisture-prone areas like damp crawlspaces or wood that is in contact with poorly drained foundations.
- Fact #2: High Moisture Levels Enhance Termite Feeding Behavior. The higher the moisture level, the more voracious their wood-destroying behavior becomes. Wood with a moisture content of about 20% is much more likely to trigger a feeding frenzy among termites. Any part of your home with this level of moisture is a prime candidate for a termite infestation.
- Fact #3: Termites Build Protective Mud Tubes. If termites need to reach wooden structures above ground, they construct mud tubes to provide a humid microclimate as they travel. This behavior is common in subterranean termites, and it protects them from drying out before they infest the wood.
The scientific evidence clearly shows that moisture prevention is the key to effective termite control. By monitoring and regulating dampness in crawlspaces, foundations, attics, and other vulnerability points, you can create an environment unsuitable for termite infestations. And as always, your best bet is working with a pest control expert. Together, you can come up with a comprehensive termite control plan that includes strategies such as:
- Crawlspace renovations to waterproof this area.
- Performing regular wood destroying insect inspections.
- Treating any wood that’s in contact with the soil.
If you’d like to protect your property against termites, get in touch with us today.