Termites are one the most destructive pests that can invade your home. Tens of thousands can form a colony and quietly set about literally eating you out of house and home. Even worse, unless you are extremely aware and know what to look for, the odds are you won't even know that these uninvited guests are in residence.



There are three kinds of reproductive termites in the United States: Subterranean Termites; Drywood Termites and Formosan Termites. Still other types exist in other countries. All three are extremely destructive since their food source is the cellulose that they readily find in the wood used in house construction. Add moisture, which termites require, and a gourmet feast is readily available to them. Paper and cardboard are also on their menu if available.

The Subterranean Termite is the most common species and does millions of dollars in damage to homes. These pests form colonies in the ground outside a home from where they readily travel to the building looking for an entry point where wood meets the soil. Under normal circumstances, they do their damage inside wooden house structures but must return to their nests to secure the moisture they need for survival. If no wood-soil contact point can be found, the termites search around the base of the house until they locate a crack or small hole which they then use as an entry point. Once having gained access, the insects either travel inside the wood they are feasting on or within small, pencil-sized mud tubes that take them to their dining area.

Moisture is a Termite's best friend

Basements, crawl spaces and areas between walls are ideal termite habitants since they are generally cooler and far moister than open household areas. Given the presence of wood, the moisture available is both attractive to them and necessary. It also provides these little enemies with a longer dinner hour by eliminating their need to return to the nest for moisture quite so often. In areas of normally high relative humidity, normal condensation on pipes, wiring and the wooden beams themselves is ordinarily adequate for termites. Any plumbing leaks, no matter how small, also provide needed moisture. Wood plus water is the ideal termite environment.

Make your home less termite-friendly

While the homeowner's first step in reducing termite infestations usually begins outside the building by reducing old stumps, piles of logs and compost/mulch piles near to the home, there are steps that can be taken inside that make a big difference too. First, do away with any obvious leaks at pipe joints and remove any piles of paper, old boxes or anything wooden from basements and attics (yes! Termites can go up too.). Finally, you need to purchase and install one or more dehumidifiers and install them in those areas where moisture is the highest.

Be certain you choose the right dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers come in many sizes and varieties, so it is recommended that you discuss what you need with an expert. Many of the companies that market dehumidifiers will be only too happy to send such a person to 'look over' your home and help you make the right decision. Since these units can get pricey, especially if you need several, it is strongly recommended that you shop around. If you already have a regular extermination service, they can probably help you with this too.

One word of caution is fitting here. Stay away from the appliance dehumidifiers designed for an open room in your home. You probably won't find what you're looking for at any local home improvement store. Normal ratings used on appliance-type dehumidifiers such as energy stars and how many pints of water they remove per day, really won't tell you how effective they will be in a crawl space which is the hardest area to properly remove moisture from. Remember that crawl spaces are probably the most important areas to keep the moisture low in. That's because they generally have dirt floors and are ventilated, which permits warmer air to enter and condense inside them. Also, be sure to remove any wood debris, shavings or sawdust left over from construction in your crawl spaces. This stuff is dinner to hungry termites too.

It is important to install a moisture barrier to seal off any warm, humid outside air from the crawl spaces before you add the dehumidifiers. Most major building supply outlets can help you with this or do it for you. Don't forget that dehumidifiers collect water somewhere. If it is necessary, be absolutely certain to empty the machine's collection pan before it overflows and defeats your purpose. Some self-empty into a drainage pipe so if you have that type, no worries about water buildup.

Have yearly termite inspections

It is really important that you have a professional inspect your home once each year for any new termite problems. Many firms will perform this inspection free in the hope that they will get the job if it is necessary. Use a well-known, reliable company to do this. Many smaller, local outfits have been known to be less than honest with homeowners as to what they need and what it will cost. Be smart. Shop carefully.