Little Elm residents have a lot to love about the area surrounding Lewisville Lake – gorgeous sunsets, weekend fun on the water, and a slower-paced lake-living lifestyle. But there are unintended drawbacks that some homeowners do not anticipate: the moisture that comes with living on a lake creates a perfect habitat for termites 12 months a year.
Many Texas cities face challenges with termites, but in Little Elm, the natural environment, being next to the water, allows these wood-destroying pests to stay active for longer into the year, resulting in additional devastation.
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The warmth that allows grass to grow also enables termite families to thrive and feast. You should call romneypestcontrol.com when you find mud tubes in your basement or hollow wood.
Typical Termite Hotspots in Lake-Adjacent Homes
Not all of your house suffers from the effects of lake moisture. Termites attack places concerned with moisture accumulation and wood poring:
Crawl spaces and basements – These areas, located below ground, can trap moisture from the lake’s water table, so they make ideal termite habitats
Wooden deck posts and supports – Subterranean termites can more easily access your outdoor living areas because they can make direct contact with the damp earth.
Window frames and door jambs – Weak spots created by wood rot from morning lake fog and condensation invite termites.
Bathroom and kitchen walls – Due to plumbing leakages and ambient lake humidity in walls near bathrooms and kitchens
Firewood storage areas – Having wood stacked against the outside of your home serves as a buffet and travel routes for termites into your structure
Why Little Elm’s Lake Climate Extends Termite Season
Year-Round Humidity Levels
With Lewisville Lake’s eastern shore running through Little Elm, relative humidity levels are maintained throughout much of the year. The town, based on local climate data, has an average humidity of 65–70%, much higher than that of inland Texas communities. In the drier areas, they go dormant over the winter months, but with this constant moisture, termites are active year-round.
Mild Winter Temperatures
Little Elm has a natural thermal regulator in the lake. In winter, water temperatures are warmer than air temperatures, immersing lakeside properties in the annual microclimate. In Little Elm, the average winter low does not even drop below 35°F , so that is not cold enough to bring those termites to a halt. Subterranean termites remain active as soil temperatures exceed 50°F, and the ground, moderated by the lake, is still unlikely to freeze.
Extended Swarming Seasons
Little Elm's population is approximately 23,000, according to census data, and the new housing developments, with some moisture from the lake, often lead to extended periods of termite swarming. Typical North Texas areas experience termite swarms in the spring; however, you may see swarming activity in Little Elm from February to October, nearly three times as long as the typical swarming season.
Preventive Steps for Little Elm Homeowners
Install vapor barriers in crawl spaces – Place large sheets of plastic to keep moisture from the ground from entering wooden floor joists and beams
Maintain proper drainage around your foundation – Gutters, downspouts, and grading must come away from the house, not toward it
Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your house – Raise wood above dirt racks and never leave it directly on the dirt where termites travel
Fix plumbing leaks immediately – Even tiny drips contribute to the moisture issue and lure termites to susceptible places
Schedule annual termite inspections – Professional eyes may help catch signs of termite activity before they cause structural issues
Trim vegetation away from your home’s exterior – Adding moisture and creating bridges to your home for termites
Do Not Let Lake Life Invite Termites In!
Experience the lake lifestyle in Little Elm without infesting your most significant investment with termites. Romney Pest Control is well aware of the challenges this community faces, particularly those unique to waterfront and lake-adjacent properties. Their experience working with hundreds of Little Elm homeowners enables them to design pest-prevention and treatment plans tailored to your home and the local moisture content.
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