Seasonal Changes in Termite Activity During Winter

Often the question comes up – whether the termites are active during the winter. Termites are known to swarm when the warm weather starts approaching. Often the termites go unseen during the cold weather, but they behave in a way that seems they are dormant in the winter. Anyhow, the truth is far different from what is seen. 

But when you are to know whether the cold weather can kill off the termites, then the answer is both yes and no. Just like the other animals, the termites even freeze to death once they have got enough cold. Nevertheless, in their nests, the termites are pretty cozy and warm. The outdoor termite nests are true to this aspect. It is because these nests are often deep underground where termites in large numbers keep themselves warm. In heated homes, the termites have heaven – they are better protected from the freezing temperature. Hence, even if the freezing weather can kill the termites, still you would not depend on the cold snaps to get rid of termites. Hiring a professional termite control team is a must for termite inspections and extermination. 

 

Termites would never swarm in the winter. Only when the termites have left their nest in search of a new nesting location, then the termite swarm takes place. It occurs when the nest becomes uninhabitable. Nevertheless, the termites swarm when the original colony grows in size and fails to get accommodated in its present location. Then, the termites scout out the new locations and go on swarming to them. A number of people believe that swarming is the only termite infestation sign. But if you are to exclusively wait for the swarm then you are sure to miss out on the other infestation signs. 

i. The termite species

ii. The colony location

75ºF is the ideal temperature for all termite species. To keep themselves warm, the individual species will be responding to the weather changes. 

The termites need a considerable amount of food in the colder weather for survival. To survive, the subterranean termites build up their nest in the soil. With the weather getting colder, termites go on digging further into the ground where the temperature is warmer. Even the termite colonies can go at a depth of 40 inches below the ground. Finding them is not easy, but all termite species are not active during the winter months. 

By no means can you ever let your guard down in the winter. Even if the termite signs are not visible, they will need wood, warmth and water to survive. In heated homes, all their needs are met. The mud tubes created from the termite tunnelling, discarded wings of the reproductive caste and damaged wood are the common signs.   The mud tubes are found outside and inside a structure. So, during the colder months, the termites could be less attractive – but you can save your property by hiring professional pest controllers for inspections on a timely basis. If you are suspecting, then use your intuition to your advantage – call the termite control team to inspect and devise ways to get rid of them.  

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