Are Termites Attracted To Water?: Termites & Water Compatibility Tested

We are all aware that most termite species are attracted to wood and even have their preferences, but are termites attracted to water?

Wood makes up a great part of the termite’s diet, and a mere mention of these pests will definitely spark the thought of wood in your head.

Are termites attracted to water? Let us now find out!

 

What are the Types of Termites?

We must first know the types of termites to be able to determine if there are termites attracted to water. Below are the 3 common termite types that may likely invade your house:

• Subterranean termites
• Dampwood termites
• Drywood termites

These termite species are usually attracted to the house for different reasons, which we will soon be finding out as we proceed below.

The subterranean termites infest in large numbers, live in the ground, and create mud tubes that channel them from their colony to the wood source.

The drywood termites and the dampwood termites, on the other hand, live in the wood that they infest and do not need to leave the wood.

 

Read also: Termites In Las Vegas: What Is Their Business With the City Of Nevada?

 

Are Termites Attracted to Water?

Are termites attracted to water? Yes, termites are attracted to moist and humid environments. Of the 3 types of termites earlier mentioned, 2 will thrive in humid environments, and they are:

• Subterranean Termites:

This termite species requires moisture (water) for the majority of its survival. To thrive, they must be surrounded by water.

• Dampwood Termites:

Dampwood termites prefer to live in water-logged wood. Wood that has been damaged by water will allow these termites to thrive comfortably.

Having poor airflow and even leaky pipes will definitely create a humid atmosphere that will be very conducive for these pests to thrive.

Water (moisture) creates a very comfortable habitat for termites, and with this environmental condition available, they will thrive and do more damage to the wood they infest.

 

What are Termites Attracted to?

Are termites attracted to water? Well, by now you are aware that water does attract termites, but what else are these pests attracted to? Let us now find out in the list of mentions below

• Firewood:

This one is obvious, isn’t it? Of course, it is wood, so termites ought to be attracted to it.

Keeping stacks of firewood around your house will definitely attract termites. It is advisable that if you must keep wood stacks around your home, then it should be kept at a reasonable distance from the walls of your structure.

• Mulch:

 

Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil to conserve soil moisture and improve the health of the soil.

We had earlier agreed that there are termites attracted to water. If mulch retains water, then termites are definitely attracted to it.

Keeping mulch above 16 inches from your foundation is advisable to prevent termite infestation. Also, it is good to frequently check your mulch for pest activity, as this will notify you of any pending infestation.

• Wood:

This should have definitely been the top pick but we decided to keep it for last. Wood must have been on everyone’s mind, of course.

Termites are greatly attracted to wood and each species has its own preferences. Below are the different termite species and their wood preferences:

• • Drywood Termites:

These termite species prefer dry woods.

• • Dampwood Termites:

These termite species prefer moist wood.

• • Subterranean Termites:

These termite species prefer wood that is close to the moist soil from which they infest. Since they are allergic to the air, they usually construct mud tubes, which they link from their colony (moist soil) to the food source (wood).

Unlike the other termite species, they do not construct their colonies in the wood but move to and fro the wood via the mud tubes.

 

What are Termites Not Attracted to?

If you plan on building a home, you must know that there are a couple of materials, including wood types, that termites are not attracted to.

Well, now that we know that there are termites attracted to water, below are things that these termites are not attracted to:

• Composite Materials:

These are materials used to make a combination of products that termites cannot process, hence, they are not attracted to these materials and will not infest.

Such combinations include wood fiber and plastic. Termites can definitely not digest these products.

• Pressure Treated Wood:

In one of our previous articles (link below), we explained how these woods are being made and how termites are not attracted to them.

In these woods are injected preservatives that definitely deter termites. These preservatives prevent (slow down) the wood from getting rotten, hence inviting termites.

Using these woods for the most part of your construction process will definitely deter termite infestation.

• Cypress Wood
• Redwood
• Cedar

 

Read also: Pressure Treated Wood Termites: How Termites Bypass This Wood In 2024

 

What are the Signs that Show that there are Termites Attracted to Water in Your Home?

• Mud tubes
• Cracked paints
• Hollow sound when you gently tap on the wall
• Discarded termite wings
• Termite feces
• Wood damage (definitely)

 

How are Termites Attracted to Water in Your Home Controlled?

Inspection is key in eliminating any pest activity in your house. Below are key steps to take if you suspect that there are termites attracted to water in your home:

• Reduce moisture points in your home:
  • Purchase and use a dehumidifier from Amazon
  • Fix plumbing leaks
  • Repair leaky AC units
  • Regularly clean gutters
  • Divert rainwater
• Cover exposed wood that may be in contact with the moist soil.
• Seal cracks and crevices.
• Fix window screens that may have been broken.
• Treat woods that may have been infested (or likely to be).

 

Read also: Termites In The Walls: The 5 Signs To Look Out For In 2024

 

Conclusion

It is now certain that there are termites attracted to water, as moisture makes up part of their requirements to survive in an infested area.

It is important that, while carrying out the above prevention and control tips, you also hire the services of renowned pest control experts, as they will apply their years of expertise and tools to totally curb these pests.

What else do you think termites are attracted to besides water and the few materials we have mentioned above? Do let us know via the comments section below!

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