Do Termites Need Water to Survive?
WouterTermites are an ecologically important group of insects. They have been around for over 200 million years. They have survived ice ages, dinosaur extinctions, and floods. They have also made contributions to world ecosystems.
Termites are found in a variety of habitats. They will seek out moist areas to build colonies. They prefer 75 deg F to 95 deg F, and will not survive in temperatures below 25 deg F.
Termites are hardworking insects. Depending on the species, they can live between 16 hours and two weeks without food or water. They can be difficult to kill. To avoid having a termite infestation, make sure to keep your home dry and free of standing water.
The best way to prevent a termite infestation is to remove dead wood, debris, and fallen branches. You should also clean gutters and check for leaks. If you have a roof with a leak, get the roof repaired immediately.
If your house has a crawlspace, you should install an enclosure to avoid mold and moisture. You should also have the drain pipes near the crawlspace drained and the spigots re-directed away from your home. If your house is under a heavy load of rain or snow, you should consider installing a dehumidifier.
Some species of termites, like the dampwood termite, can survive on moisture contained in wood. Other species, such as the drywood termite, need to find a source of water in order to thrive.
