Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Moisture & Termites

Moisture can be a home danger zone for termites.

The type of termite which causes the most damage in North America is the subterranean termite.

Illustration of Subterranean Termite

Illustration of Subterranean Termite

It is important to understand home danger zones for termites. These are areas more likely to be vulnerable to infestation by these termites. Homeowners who understand the home danger zones can take corrective action to reduce chances of infestation by termites.

Since the subterranean termites require ample moisture in order to thrive, areas of proven moisture are more hospitable to these termites. Couple that with a food source which contacts moist areas or the soil, and there are ideal conditions for infestation. In order to reduce the chance of infestation, homeowners can know the home danger zones for termites and can take corrective action so that conditions are not ideal for termites.

Earth to wood contact

Probably the most common danger zone for termites is earth/wood contact. Some people call this moisture to wall contact. This condition is where non-pressure treated wood material is in direct contact with the soil.

When this condition is present, there is adequate moisture, adequate food, and adequate protection for the termites. This is a condition conducive to termite infestation.

Lumber & Wood

Sometimes it is difficult to determine if the lumber used for supports is pressure treated. Generally pressure treated lumber is marked with the type of treatment received at the mill. If the wooden material is not marked, assume that it is not treated. Wood goes beyond lumber; critical materials can be wooden siding or composite materials and these are just as palatable to termites as lumber.

Excessive moisture pooled around wood based materials can also be a condition which leads to termite infestation. Moisture around the foundation of a home might be due to poor grading, bad drainage, or faulty gutters.

Both earth/wood contact and excessive moisture should be corrected to reduce chances of infestation. Homeowners should periodically inspect areas for these defects.

Termite Moisture Meters

When determining if a structure has subterranean termites or whether there is a potential for subterranean termite infestation, moisture meters are commonly used. Moisture meters provide a moisture reading of building materials so that the inspector can determine if there are conditions which might lead to termite infestation. Subterranean termites thrive in conditions where the moisture level in the building material exceeds that of the levels commonly found in these materials.

Think you might have termites in your home? Schedule an appointment to get a free termite inspection.

Resources

Dig Deeper on Termites

Do Termite Bait Stations Work | Termite Control

What Are Termite Mud Tubes | Signs Of Termite Infestation

How Long Does a Termite Live?

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Are round holes in tree from termites?

Q

There are perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled into the base of the tree. I am told that the moisture is just the water seeping out of the tree! Is it termites?

Where Do Termites Come From?

How do I get rid of termites in my house?

Q

How do I get rid of termites in my house?

Can termite dust make me sick?

Q

I am a renter and am constantly vacuuming up termite dust. Can this make me sick?

What does a termite larva or termite eggs look like?

Q

What does a termite larva look like? What do their eggs look like?

How do you treat barn wood for termites?

Q

We would like to install an old barn beam in our home. How do we check, treat, or pretreat for termites?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now