Termites are a huge problem in many areas of the world. They can cause all sorts of problems, such as structural damage and food contamination, especially if you don’t have a termite control program in place.

It is important to know how to control them, but what happens if it rains? Can rain stimulate termite activity? This blog post will discuss whether or not rain actually stimulates termite activity, and provide some tips on how to prevent that from happening.

P.S. Need help with termite infestations? You can click this link to learn more about our termite control service.

Can Rain Stimulate Termite Activity?

Base on countless research and tests, rain is not one of the factors that stimulate termite activity. Termites need moisture to survive, but it’s their food that causes them to wake up from their dormant state and start eating. So rain might be a factor in dangerous termite infestations if there are leakages or wet wood nearby because this will provide more water for the creatures.

Here are some other ways rain can stimulate termite activity:

Rain Can Lead to Damp Wood Which Attracts Termites

Rain can cause the wood to become damp, which is a termite’s favorite food. For this reason, it is essential that you always check your home for any leaks or other sources of wetness during rainy weather because these are signs of where you might find an infestation first.

If constant rain occurs, wood foundations such as walls, stairs, your patio, and even your deck will become damp and will be easier for termites to consume.

Termites Are More Likely To Move Indoors When It’s Raining Outdoors

The rain will get inside through vents in your roof or even cracks in windowsills which can give them access into your house as well. If they happen to make their way indoors while there’s still enough moisture around, then they’ll have plenty of new areas from which to consume more wood.

Once they’re inside, you might not even discover them until it’s too late.

Moisture Levels That Attracts Termites Increases With Rain

Termites cannot retain water because they lack an internal circulatory system. They absorb it from their food and moisture in the air, meaning they’ll be attracted to anything that has higher humidity levels. These are usually places where there is a lot of wood or other organic material for them to eat and drink from.

Since rain will dampen wood, they will have enough nourishment to start reproducing and increase the population of their colony. This can lead to an out-of-control infestation.

Termite Treatments Can Be Affected By The Rain

Another downside of rain when dealing with a termite infestation is that treatments can be less effective if they’re not applied in time. This is because rain will wash away the chemicals and detergents that you use to clean your home from termites, making it easier for them to come back.

Therefore, if there’s heavy rainfall coming, then try to get any treatment done after the event so they don’t get washed off or diluted by other sources of water like gutters.

However, if you’ve got termite treatments already set up and rain occurs, it’s best to call in a professional to come and handle the situation for you.

Rainfall Can Encourage Termite Swarmers

Swarmers are termites that have developed wings. These swarmers emerge from their colonies to mate and start their own colonies. When rain season is in, these swarmers activate and fly off to start mating.

Termites don’t like the heat and cannot travel if the sun is out. With the rain and cloud blocking the sun’s rays, they can find it easier to fly off and start colonies.

You should always check your home for any signs of swarmers, especially if you live in an area where rain is common. These are some ways that rain may stimulate termite activity.

The New Realizations

Termites can cause damage to property and can lead to health hazards as they feed on wood materials such as furniture, doors, or flooring.

If you have any suspicions that your home may be infested with termites, please give us a call today!

Our specialists will come to inspect your home and provide an estimate of how much it would cost to treat them.

We also offer affordable rates for termite control services so we hope you’ll consider our team next time you need help keeping these pests away!