Do You Have Termites?
I have decided to write a series on how to create a crawl space that is uninviting to termites and other pests. Pests like cockroaches, cave crickets (camelback crickets), ants and even mammals like field mice, rats, opossums and raccoons. Please keep in mind that this information is not a substitute for termite treatments, traps or other ways to address active problems because sometimes you must call a professional to eradicate termite colonies and other pests.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
We are not a pest control company but we do come across termites regularly during our work in crawl spaces, basements and even attics. Just recently, we found an active termite colony in a customer’s crawl space. He called me and thanked us for bringing the termite infestation to his attention early so he could call an exterminator and have them eliminated before the termite colony could cause even more damage. The termite treatment will cost our customer around $3,000 to repair and it sounded like that was about average with not a lot of wood damage to repair.
Mold and Termites
Many times when we see termite tunnels in a home there is a mold problem and we are there to perform mold removal. Termites and mold seem to thrive in the same conditions. Wet crawl spaces or water damaged basements are great places to find mold and termites. Another time to be aware of termites and mold in your house is after a flood. Any type of water damage where a company was called to remove water should be checked. It is very difficult to dry a house in less than 48 hours and mold needs 48 hours to grow.
What Conditions Attract Termites?
Crawl Space Humidity Must Be Controlled!
High humidity in a basement or crawl space is one way to attract termites. Termite colonies prefer a moist environment where high humidity is absorbed by wood. Wood moisture levels are always high in a humid environment. Mold also grows in a humid crawl space or basement. A good dehumidifier installed in your crawl space is a great way to control humidity and keep wood dry. The Santa Fe Brand of dehumidifiers is ideal to control humidity in a crawl space or basement.
Click here for our next installment of Termites, Termite Control in Crawl Spaces.
2 thoughts on “Termites, Termite Control in Crawl Spaces Step 1”
Can a termite treatment cause mold? We had no mold whatsoever until after the termite treatment was done. It is horrendous now & after spending a large amount of money on the treatment, we have nothing left to spend on professional removal of the mold. Very upsetting!
Marsha,
Can definitely understand how that would be upsetting, although we haven’t seen where termite treatment can lead to mold but it doesn’t mean it cant either. We understand budgets and thats why we started diy.crawlspaceninja.com we have specialist that can help you get what you need at a pace you are comfortable with. Hope this helps!