Kent receives the signature Pacific Northwest drizzle that creates the perfect storm for termite infestations. Penetrating annual rainfalls of about 37 inches and the humidity that is rarely less than comfortable for housekillers make the Green River Valley a natural target. That same moisture that keeps Kent parks green and lush seeps into crawl spaces, attics, and foundation walls, just the type of space that termites love to call home. Those invisible invaders could have done thousands of dollars’ worth of structural damage before you even notice that your floors are sagging or your walls sound hollow.
Suppose you detect any signs of termites or are experiencing abnormal moisture problems around your home. In that case, a licensed pest control such as Saela Pest Control might be able to save you from costly future repairs.
How Moisture Fuels Termite Activity in Kent
-
Kent’s Climate Creates Year-Round Termite Conditions
With mild, wet winters and warm summers, termites remain active almost year-round in the city. In drier regions, termites slow down when the weather turns cold and dry, but since Kent has so much rain, the colonies continue to grow in the fall and winter.
-
Subterranean Termites Dominate the Local Landscape
These moisture-dependent pests live underground and use mud tubes to access wood. Kent’s heavy clay soil holds water exceptionally well, creating the damp conditions subterranean termites require to survive.
-
Rain-Soaked Wood Becomes an Easy Target
The National Pest Management Association says that termites tend to consume the wood with a moisture reading of more than 20%. This level of humidity is standard in crawl spaces in Kent, especially following our rainy season from October through March, when the rain picks up.
-
Poor Drainage Systems Compound the Problem
Many Kent properties are located in lowland areas around the Green River or Lake Meridian. Inadequate gutter systems and poor grading of soil around the house funnel rainwater directly against foundations, providing termites with moisture highways to structural wood.
-
Leaky Pipes Act as Termite Magnets
Often, a tiny plumbing leak can soak the surrounding wood in your Kent home long before you discover it. When hidden moisture damage occurs, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas around the water heater become prime feeding areas.
Why Moisture and Termites Are a Costly Combination
Kent homeowners experience an unexpected financial blow. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage, which you will have to pay out-of-pocket to fix. Termites also consume the structural components of wood through weakened wood fibers that moisture facilitates, such as support beams, floor joists, and wall studs, which become fair game to termites. A $200 repair for a tiny leak today can cost you $8,000 in pest damage and structural repair in two years.
According to research conducted by Washington State University, the home you are living in, in Western Washington, has a 13% chance of being affected by termites in its lifespan, and moisture termites are by far the most damaging.
How to Prevent Termite Infestations in Kent’s Climate
- Fix water leaks immediately – That leaky faucet or running toilet is not only wasting water, but also providing a perfect termite habitat in your walls and floors.
- Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces – Crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to moisture, so make sure they have vents or add a dehumidifier to keep moisture below 50%.
- Remove wood-to-soil contact – Deck posts, stacked firewood, and landscape timbers that rest on the soil provide termites with easy access to food.
- Trim vegetation away from your home – shrubs and tree limbs touching the siding create moisture pockets and a cozy nesting place for termite scouts scouting for entry points.
- Schedule annual inspections – Professional pest control detects early warning signs of colonies before they establish in your structure.
Preventing this is important, but sometimes you will need a professional. Saela Pest Control provides full-service termite management for the environmental challenges unique to Kent. Their methods include a combination of applying liquid termiticides around foundations and focused baiting systems that destroy entire colonies.
