What does excessive moisture refer to in the context of wood-destroying organisms?

Excessive moisture in the context of wood-destroying organisms specifically refers to moisture present on the wood or wood products themselves. This moisture creates an ideal environment for various wood-destroying organisms, including fungi and insects, which thrive in damp conditions.

When wood absorbs moisture, especially in amounts greater than its equilibrium moisture content, it can become soft and susceptible to decay or infestation. This is why maintaining proper moisture levels in wooden structures is crucial to avoid damage from organisms like termites and wood rot fungus.

While humidity in the air surrounding a structure, water leakage in the foundation, and moisture trapped beneath floorboards can contribute to conditions favorable for wood-destroying organisms, they are not as directly linked as the moisture present on the wood itself. The focus on the wood or wood products highlights the immediate source of concern for structural integrity.