Termites are a huge problem for homeowners. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a home, and there is no way to prevent them from invading your property. But what happens if the termite colony gets flooded?
This blog post discusses how floods affect termites and some other factors that may be involved with this problem.
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What Happens to Termites When There Is Flood?
You’re dealing with a severe termite infestation, and you’re a bit worried because heavy rainfall has been reported to happen within the week. Termites are known to be creatures that love moisture, but does a flood provide them with the amount of moisture they need to survive?
Termites usually live underground and only come above ground when it’s time for feeding or mating. A flood can destroy their nests, along with all that stored wood they’ve been eating.
Since termite colonies are comprised of thousands if not millions of individuals, just one flooding event probably won’t kill them all, but it may have a devastating effect on the colony as a whole.
However, termites aren’t good swimmers, and they can end up drowning during a flood. These little creatures need to breathe air, so if they find themselves completely submerged underwater for a long period of time, then it’s more than likely that they won’t make it.
Do All Termites Die During a Flood?
Although termites may drown, not all of them will die. You can’t really predict what happens during a flood. Oftentimes, termites might end up in places that are safe from the flood, but you’ll end up seeing them in your house again within a few weeks. After all, your home is still filled with wood, and as long as cellulose is present, termites can survive!
Sadly, sometimes flood can even bring a termite infestation to your home. This is because the termites that are outside the house might just take advantage of this situation and move into your property to escape from being flooded themselves. Another scenario could be the flood water will carry them to your home.
How to Deal With Termites Caused By Flood
So, what happens to termites during a flood? The answer is that it depends! There are many different factors involved.
It’s important to know how long the flooding has taken place and whether or not they’ve made their way into your house before making any conclusions about the situation.
Fortunately, there are still ways to prevent termite infestation when it comes to floods. You could install screens on windows or vents, so they won’t be able to get inside during natural disasters caused by heavy rainfall.
Another thing you can do is check areas near rivers or lakes where flooding might occur because these spots may become popular destinations for displaced insects like termites.
If you fail to do these precautions, you can expect an awful infestation to occur after the flood has passed since water will leave wooden things in your property damp and moist, making it paradise for these little creatures.
Do Termite Treatments Get Affected By Flood?
If you have termite treatments in your home and a flood occurs, these treatments might get affected. For instance, termite baiting systems might end up flooded and stop working. Chemical treatments can even be washed away by the floodwaters.
One thing that’s important to note is that when a flood occurs, you need to contact a professional right away to come and help. The experts will be able to install new baiting systems, chemical treatments or even do drywood termite extermination.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, floods can affect termites in so many ways. These creatures can get harmed by flooding, but they can also find new homes within your property after the floodwaters have disappeared.
Floods are dangerous for people and termites alike. If you’re worried about a potential infestation this year because heavy rainfall has been forecasted, then it’s important to take extra precautions to prevent them from making their way into your home!
If you want more information on how floods affect termites or if you need help with an existing pest problem, give us a call today! We provide free inspections, so don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts.