The weather in Lynnwood, WA, is very nice. However, we have a lot of rain and high moisture. This damp environment causes big problems under your home. Your crawl space is the most easily damaged area.
Wetness strongly attracts pests that destroy wood. Moisture ants, termites, and other insects that harm wood love wet conditions. Stopping this hidden damage is a key task for every homeowner in the area.
You must take proactive steps to protect your valuable property. You need a strong, local defense tailored to this Pacific Northwest climate. To learn more about local pest control options that focus on prevention, visit saelapest.com.
The True Threat Below: Moisture Ants
Moisture ants are common where we live and are often called yellow ants due to their light color. They are small, about 4 to 4.5 millimeters long, and can only live in very wet places.
Though not termites, they still cause damage by finding wood that is already rotten or water-damaged. They dig tunnels in this wet wood to build their nests, which makes the wood decay much faster.
Finding these ants is a major warning sign. It means you have a serious water leak or moisture problem under your house that needs to be fixed right away.
They sometimes smell like lemon when crushed, earning them the name citronella ants. They fly out in large swarms in the summer, often confusing people who think they are flying termites. They also leave small mounds of dirt in basements or crawl spaces, which look like termite activity.
The best way to get rid of them is simply to remove the dampness and moisture they need to survive.
Winning the War on Water in Lynnwood Homes
Moisture is the main reason ants come indoors. If you stop the water, you stop the ants. This is especially true for your Lynnwood crawl space or basement. Focus your efforts on these key areas.
Inspect and Repair all Plumbing Leaks
Start by checking all your plumbing. Look closely under sinks and around toilets and tubs. Go down into your crawl space to check pipes there, too. Even a small, steady drip can create a huge attraction for ants.
Repair any leaky pipes or fixtures right away. Addressing these water sources removes their most desired nesting spots. This simple step can save you from costly damage later on.
Manage Water Runoff and Drainage
Check your foundation and exterior grading. Make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation. Gutters and downspouts must work perfectly. They should be clear of debris and functional.
All rainwater must be diverted far from the foundation of your home. Water might collect close to your house due to inadequate drainage. Soil saturation and moisture intrusion result from this.
Control Humidity in Subterranean Areas
Use a dehumidifier in any damp area. Basements and crawl spaces often need this extra help, especially in humid months. Consider enclosing your crawl space completely.
This creates a drier, healthier environment under your home. Reducing the relative humidity makes the area uninhabitable for moisture ants and other pests.
Replace and Repair Damaged Wood
If you see wood that is already rotten or soggy, remove it. Moisture ants will be drawn to this decaying material. Replace it with treated wood that resists moisture and decay.
This is especially important for structural wood in damp areas. Addressing existing wood damage is a vital part of pest prevention.
Get Professional Help Today
Saela Pest offers complete pest control services for the Lynnwood area. Their goal is to keep your home safe and dry throughout the entire year. They deal with all types of pests, including moisture ants, rodents, and other local problems.
They use new, effective treatment methods designed for our wet climate in the Pacific Northwest. Contact them right away to get a full inspection of your home and a custom plan to prevent pests.