No matter what the weather outside is like; subterranean termites are always on the move, looking for the next big meal to feed their colony. But termites do have a fondness for rain. Rain creates the ideal conditions for termites to mate, forage and feed.
So if you thought that rain might be harmful to termites, think again.
Termites Hunt for Wet Wood After Rain
Obviously, when it rains, any wood on your property will get soaked unless it is covered. Termites prefer wet wood to dry wood because it is softer and easier to chew. Not only that, but wet wood provides termites with the moisture they need to survive.
As a result, you need to ensure that you don't leave any wood lying around near your home. You should also ensure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. If a buildup of leaves from last autumn has clogged up your gutters, rainfall could pool on your roof causing it to rot. As you already know, wet wood attracts termites, and so too does a wet roof.
Termites will also feast on moist, rotten leaves in your gutters after heavy rain. And no matter how high your gutters are, termites can still reach them. They do this by building mud tubes that originate at the soil level and end at their food source. These tunnels keep termites safe from sunlight and predators, such as ants, while providing them with moisture and heat.
If termites get this close to your home, getting rid of them may prove a monumental task unless you hire a pest control expert.
Termites Swarm and Mate After Rainfall
On warm autumn nights after it rains, swarms of winged termites called alates leave their nests to mate. You can often see these winged termites flying around light sources. If you see a swarm of termites after it rains, then you can be sure that there is a nest somewhere nearby. This would be a good time to close your windows as termites will head enter brightly lit rooms if they can.
If you spot termites in your home in large numbers, this could mean that there is a termite nest somewhere in your house. However, they may also have gotten in through an open window, attracted by the light.
After flying around clumsily for a short time, winged females and males will eventually select a mate and head for a suitable nesting spot in the soil. The last thing your property needs is another termite nest. This would be the ideal time to call a pest control service.
Have you noticed termite activity after recent rainfall? Get a termite inspection before the invading termites can cause any further damage.
When the cold days of winter start to strike, you may be lulled into thinking that pests go into hibernation at this time of year. However, I can assure you that this is not the case. In fact, if anything, you are more likely to see pests in your home during winter because they are looking for somewhere warm to hide. My blog is all about pest control. I share my thoughts on topics like how to spot if you have a pest problem, and how to stop pests getting inside. If you are looking for some pest control tips and tricks, then check out my blog posts.