Dehumidifiers: A Weapon Against Termites

Termites are one of the most damaging pests to have in your house. Hundreds of thousands can create a colony and go about silently kicking you out of your own home by eating their way through everything.  And unless you're extra vigilant, you won't even notice them taking up space in your house. 

South Africa is home to two types of termites: Subterranean termites and Drywood termites. Because they feed off of the cellulose found in the wood used in the construction of homes, these termites can cause a lot of damage. When you throw moisture in the mix, they feast like kings. 

The most well-known kind of termite is the Subterranean Termite, which can cause an obscene amount of damage to homes. These termites are known to build colonies in the ground outside your home, and then begin to migrate inside, in search of an access hole where wood meets dirt. They typically cause mass amounts of destruction and then return to their nests which holds the moisture they need to survive.

Termites will move around the base of a home until they find a crack or small hole that can be used as an access point if no wood-soil contact point can be found. They either go into the wood they're munching on or through little mud tunnels that lead to their feeding ground. 

Moisture and termites go hand in hand

Basements, crawl spaces, and spaces between walls are a termite’s best friend and this is because they are often colder and offer more moisture than open areas in the home. Besides the wood, the moisture in these areas is both appealing to them and necessary for their survival. It also gives them more time to feed in that they no longer need to return to their nests for moisture as frequently. 

Condensation on pipes, wires, and wooden beams is optimal for termites in locations with high relative humidity. And if you have any plumbing leaks, regardless of size, these troublesome visitors have all the moisture that they need. 

What can you do to make your space less termite-friendly?

While most people’s first attempt in eliminating termite infestations is to remove old stumps, log piles, and compost heaps near the house, there are some actions that can be taken within the home: 

Check for and seal all leaks at pipe joints. Remove stacks of paper, old boxes, and anything wooden from basements and attics.

Finally, and most importantly, consider purchasing and placing a dehumidifier in the region/s where moisture levels are the highest.

Make sure you choose the right dehumidifier

As you can see, preventing a termite infestation through the use of dehumidification has great advantages. Purchasing a dehumidifier is not only an investment in the well-being of your family but also in the safe-keeping of your home. 

Because dehumidifiers exist in a vast range of sizes and types, it's understandable that it might be tricky to choose the one for you. 

Whether you’re a family living in a large house, or a bachelor on your own, we have a wide variety of options to choose from in deciding upon the right dehumidifier for you. 

Once you feel you’ve made the right choice for your space, head on over to our store and purchase yours today!