Can Termites Damage Recreational Vehicles?

Can Termites Damage Recreational Vehicles?

Termite damage is always costly, especially when they damage hardwood floors. Termite infestations are feared by homeowners for good reason, but termite damage is not just limited to the wood in homes. Termites can also damage recreational vehicles (RVs). It may be surprising to know that termites can damage living spaces that do not appear to contain wood. RVs, also referred to as motorhomes, are often outfitted with plastic materials or imitation wood. Since termites feed on the cellulose within wood and plant matter, then how can termites damage interiors that are seemingly made of non-wood materials?

Motorhomes are made with many materials, such as fiberglass, plastics, aluminum and/or a variety of other non-wood materials. Although many motorhomes appear to be free of wooden materials, they almost always are not. The interior walls, as well as the subflooring within motorhomes are often made of wood. These areas of a motorhome are vulnerable to termite damage. The belly of a motorhome can contain laminate panels. These laminate panels can also become infested with termites. Termite infestations within motorhomes are particularly hazardous to human safety. For example, when termites damage the structural integrity of a motorhomes flooring, a serious accident can result.

If you should find termite damage within your motorhome, then you will need to determine what type of termites are causing the damage. Contacting a pest control professional is often a necessity, especially if your motorhome is not being moved regularly.

Subterranean termites require a reliable source of water, and they will seek out moist conditions for signs of  water. Since motorhomes are outfitted with showers, toilets, and sinks, then an abundant water supply is always located within a motorhome’s structure. These water supplies are ideal for a termite’s needs. Subterranean termites will travel between the ground soil and the water source on a motorhome.

Sometimes simply traveling with your motorhome will cut access to the ground that subterranean termites need. As a result, the remaining termites infesting your motorhome will eventually die. Drywood termites, on the other hand, are a different matter, and they will infest the wood within your motorhome even if you are driving your motorhome frequently. Luckily, termite infestations within motorhomes are usually spotted quickly by pest control professionals, making eradication a simple matter.

Have you ever owned or resided in a camper, mobile home, or an RV that had become infested with termites? If yes, then where was the infestation occurring?