Why Water Can Attract Termites

Did you know water and moisture attract termites? When most homeowners think of preventing termites, the first thing they think of is removing wood. After all, the cellulose in wood is their main food source. But water is also essential for a termite, not only for hydration but to also digest cellulose. Subterranean termites love warm, moist, dark places, and these places can be found where you least expect them.

Water-loving Arizona Termites

The most common Arizona termite depends on finding and colonizing moist wood. Subterranean termites are by far the most common and destructive termites in Arizona. This species is about 1/3 inches long. Their wings are almost white with brown veins. In most places, they swarm between January and March.

No Rain Doesn’t Mean No Moisture

You might think you don’t have to worry about how water and moisture attract termites. After all, we live in the desert! What you might not consider is that, even without rain, we can accumulate moisture. Leaking pipes are a major culprit. Check the wood under your shower, toilets, and sinks for signs. Leaks can go almost completely unnoticed for years. Then one day—bam!—you have a major problem.

Stop Moisture to Not Attract Termites

Here are some other tips to prevent moisture from building up and attracting termites:

• Avoid planting bushes and shrubs directly against your house. Plants help the ground retain moisture. Also, mulch is very inviting to termites.
• Check your gutters and downspouts for any signs of damage. Make sure your gutters guide the water directly from your roof and away from your home’s foundation.
• Look for any cracks or holes in your foundation and walls outside. Termites are attracted to warm, moist places, especially during the winter. And cracks are a perfect and safe entryway into your home. Patch up all holes and cracks, even if you think they are too small for termites to enter.

A few other general tips to help you prevent attracting termites:

• After cutting down a tree, remove the stump as quickly as possible. Tree stumps are known to attract a termite colony very quickly, which can then spread to your home.
• Never install wooden trestles directly against the walls of your home. While they might look great to you, they look very attractive to termites as well.
• Clear any woodpiles, such as firewood, especially if they are stacked up against your house. Stacking firewood against a wall of your home is a major termite mistake many homeowners make.

Get Your Annual Inspection Today

If you would like to find our more about what how your home may attract termites, or for more tips to avoid an infestation, check out this article. If you think you have a termite infestation, the best time to stop it is right now. Contact Budget Brothers today for your annual pest inspection.