Where to look for conducive conditions for termites

Dr. Bob Davis, BCE,
Technical Services Representative, BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions

“Conducive conditions” for termites are areas that have enough food, water and shelter to support termites and are at risk of termite infestation. Inspections can locate termite activity, damage and conducive conditions. Exterior termite conducive conditions include wood-to-soil contact, excessive moisture, debris under/around structures, expansion joints, cracks in slabs and foundations, excessive foliage by structure, firewood by foundation, and more.

Interior conducive conditions include bath traps, shower drains, plumbing penetrations, moisture issues, interior joints, cracks and foundation anomalies, etc.

When recommending treatment options to property owners, use conducive conditions to your advantage. Pest management professionals (PMPs) can apply per label directions to control and prevent termites that may be associated with conducive conditions. One example would be applying finished dilution where buried wood is associated with the foundation.

If you’re installing a termite bait system, efficacy is improved with proper station placement. Placing stations near conducive conditions allows termites to find and feed upon the bait and transfer the active ingredient into the colony faster, so colony elimination is quicker.