Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage. They can ruin homes, insulation, paper, and more. They’re one of the most impactful but misunderstood insects of all time.
Spring is the prime time for their activity. That’s when winged swarmers come out to create new colonies.
The answer to the question “can you have termites in winter” is a definite yes. They may not be as easy to spot, but they’re there in the deepest crevices of your yard and home.
Read on to learn the activity levels of termites in the winter and how to get rid of them.
Do Termites Live in the Winter?
The answer to the question “do termites die in the winter because of the snow” is a definite no. It works more like an insulating blanket for them.
Where do termites go in winter? The simplest answer is that they tunnel deeper into the ground. They’ll dig down as far as they can but stay close to their nests.
Termites can also insulate their tunnels. This helps them stay warm enough to live.
What Do Termites Do in Winter?
When it gets cold, termites try to access warmer food sources. They may abandon colder ones.
The worst part is that this makes them more likely to attack your home. The warm soil under and around it seems like a more attractive meal than ever before.
Termites go into a semi-hibernation when it gets cold, but they’re still working. They can keep:
- Building tunnels
- Looking for food sources
- Sending food or messages back and forth to each other
- Eating existing food source
Mature colonies still send swarmers out to create new ones. It’s not as intense as in the spring.
A termite queen can lay 30,000 eggs a day and live up to 25 years. The cold may affect her as well. She may not continue to lay eggs for a while.
How Can I Prevent Termites in the Winter?
Look for the signs that you may have a termite infection, even in the winter. They include:
- Hollow wood
- Cracked or bubbling pain
- Mud tubes
Eliminate any moisture in or around your home. Remove melted snow, clean your gutters, and fix leaky pipes. Don’t pile firewood outside because it can quickly turn into termite food.
If you have an infestation, call a professional right away. It doesn’t matter what season it is; your home depends on it.
Where Can I Go For Termite Treatment In the Winter?
Not all families think they can get termites in the winter, but it’s more than possible. Their colonies get insulated by the snow and will seek the warmest food source around; the wood in your home.
Termites may not be as active in the cold, but they’re not hibernating. They’re digging deep enough to ruin your home. If you notice an infestation, call a professional right away.
Planet Friendly Pest Control can get rid of any pests that are keeping you from enjoying the colder months. Get termite treatment today.
If you live in Southern Maryland, or Northern Virginia and need help please call us now or visit our website here.
