Do Termites Need Moisture to Survive?
WouterMost people have a negative impression of termites. However, termites are important ecological agents. They help maintain an ecosystem by returning nutrients to the environment. A termite colony can contain hundreds of thousands of individuals. These colonies pose a serious threat to a structure.
During an infestation, termites create mud tunnels to enter a structure. These tubes are also used by reproductive termites. The mud tube is typically formed in the ground and may travel along the foundation.
The mud tubes usually stop at structural wood, but the termites will continue to forage and feed. The mud tubes allow the termites to reach their food and stay dry while they are in the process.
Besides moisture, termites need wood. These insects will chew away at wood to get at the cellulose, the material that makes many products. Termites feed on decayed wood, fallen branches, and dead trees. They also forage on paper and books.
They can also survive without water for short periods of time. However, they will die if the temperature goes above 100 degrees F. A home that is flooded will not allow the termites to move to a drier area.
The best way to protect your home from termites is to keep it free of wood. When you are storing cut wood, you should store it at least 20 feet away from your home. You should also avoid placing firewood on the ground.
Termites can be very expensive to control. If you have an infestation, contact a pest professional for advice. A monitoring program can also be helpful. If you do not have a program, regular inspections can help you control the problem.
