Are Termites Active In The Winter?

If you deal with pests during the summer, you might breathe a sigh of relief when the winter weather rolls in. Cockroaches and other critters are typically less active when it’s cold out. Termites are a different story. These destructive insects may alter their daily routine in the winter, but they don’t become dormant.

Termites Tunnel Deeper In The Winter

Although termites are active throughout the year, they might not be as visible when the temperatures drop. That’s because subterranean termites dig tunnels deep into the earth to find warmth. They also stay closer to their nests instead of foraging far away for food.

Termites prefer temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature falls below 25 degrees, termites that are near the soil’s surface may die.

You Might See Termites In Your Home In Cold Weather

Termites that already live in the walls of your home may not be affected by low temperatures. That’s because the heat in your house keeps them active.

Therefore, the signs of termite activity, including shelter tubes, damaged wood, tapping sounds and piles of termite frass, can still be present in the winter. You probably won’t notice swarms of termites or discarded wings between December and February.

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Termites Lay Fewer Eggs In Winter

The queen increases the size of her colony by laying eggs regularly. The eggs are cared for by worker termites until they hatch. Queens that are exposed to the elements may produce fewer eggs in the winter. They may continue their steady egg production if they’ve moved their colony within your home, though.

How To Check For Winter Termites

Subterranean termites come into your house from the ground. They prefer cool, damp, quiet places, such as bathrooms, basements and closets. Inspect these areas regularly. Look for mud tubes that meander up your interior walls.

Drywood termites live inside the walls and often create exit tunnels to push out waste products. If you have drywood termites, you might see piles of feces that look like grains of pepper on windowsills and next to floorboards.

Clicking sounds inside of your walls can also indicate that you have a termite. These insects tap their heads on surfaces to communicate with each other.

If you notice any of these signs of termites in the winter, contact Eden Advanced Pest Technologies. We can help you tackle the problem before spring comes and kicks termite activity into high gear.