Many Bend homeowners think their high desert climate is a natural termite repellent. Average yearly precipitation is a scant 11 inches, and humidity often drops below 30%, so it makes sense that moisture-loving insects would struggle to live here. That assumption has allowed silent destruction to occur at hundreds of properties in Central Oregon.
The truth is even messier and scarier than most people who live here are aware of. Termites in Bend have adapted and are living their best lives, though their adaptations may seem a bit indirect given the dryness. And Bend homes are not immune to the wood-destroying insects that cause millions in structural damage each year across Oregon.
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Modern building methods, concealed moisture sources, and the persistence of subterranean termite colonies have created ideal conditions for infestations. If you believe there might be termite activity or you have not had an inspection in several years, contact pointepest.com immediately.
How Bend’s Climate Is A False Sense of Security
The desert-like climate of Bend creates the false impression of no termite risk. Although the city receives less precipitation than Western Oregon, termites do not need regular moisture outside to form colonies. The insects are super water-efficient, with their bodies and underground tunnels working together to retain water.
Termite colonies several feet below the surface are protected from the dry air above ground and from the extremes of soil moisture, which are essentially stable throughout the year.
Also, the hot summers and cold winters of Bend make termites go deeper underground, where temperatures are more moderate and humidity is ideal for survival. But homeowners who fail to schedule termite inspections based solely on climate are making an incredibly costly mistake that may take years to uncover.
The Secret Weapon of Termites: Subterranean Colonies
Most of the damage to the Bend homes is caused by subterranean termites, which develop their nests and colonies entirely underground. These complicated networks can be 100 feet long and extend farther from a central nest, giving termites access to several buildings from a single area of a colony. It becomes a natural humidifier, helping the soil stay moist so termites can live comfortably even when the surface is bone-dry.
Termites build mud tubes that link their subterranean nests to wood above ground, forming highways that are protected and moisture-retaining. The pipes that go unseen through walls, extend below the foundation, or run along corners in the basement.
A colony can have thousands of termites, working day and night to eat away at the wood framing that holds your home above water, without you even realizing they are there.
Hidden Moisture Sources Around Bend Homes
Irrigation Systems and Landscaping
Most homeowners in Bend have irrigation systems that run throughout the summer months due to the dry climate and the need for water. Drip lines and sprinkler heads near foundations create moist areas conducive to termite infestations, especially when these systems are used. Mulch beds look nice, but they can hold moisture against your foundation and be a ready water and cellulose food source for termites.
Plumbing Leaks and Indoor Humidity
Inside Bend homes, slow plumbing leaks under sinks, around toilets, and within walls create hidden moisture pockets. In many of the city’s older neighborhoods, some built way back in the 1970s, copper pipes are showing their age, with pinhole leaks. Primarily during Bend's cold winter months, condensation collects in crawl spaces without adequate vapor barriers, and soil temperatures can be much higher or lower than air temperatures.
Time to See a Professional!
If all this has led you to want to estimate your home’s termite risk, you are not alone. Unfortunately, many Bend residents learn the hard way that desert climates are not immune to these invasive and devastating pests. A professional termite inspection goes beyond a simple walk-through; specialists know exactly where to look for mud tubes, moisture damage, and the signs that should alert every homeowner to an impending problem. For years, Pointe Pest Control has built an outstanding reputation throughout Central Oregon for providing thorough termite inspections and effective treatment solutions tailored to the Bend environment.
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