What Happens To Termites In The Winter?

Winter is usually a hibernation time for many animals and insects. However, that is unfortunately not the case with termites. Many homeowners think that termites die or go dormant during the winter season, but that is not true. Termites usually remain active also in the winter season. What they do is build a nice, warm nest.

So, if you are not seeing any visible sign of termites being active in your home during the winter season, just know that they are not dead, they have hidden somewhere where the temperature is suitable for them to live.

Termites are usually not as active in winter as they are during the rest of the year. However, that does not mean that they are dormant. The reason why you are not seeing them often is because they have burrowed deeper into wooden structures and soil to stay warm. As long as termites are warm, they will continue to work on their tunnels, which means they will still cause huge damage to your home.

Are Termites More Active In Summer Or Winter?

Termites are more active in warmer climates, meaning they are worse and more active during summer. During the summer season, they don’t have to hide deep underground as is usually the case during winter.

They are also not confined in one particular place as is the case during winter, meaning they are more active during the summer months.

As a result, termites are likely to cause more damage to your property during the summer months when the temperatures are high. However, that does not mean that you should let your guards down during winter because they are also active in winter, but not as much as they are during summer. Their continued activity during winter means that they can still cause a lot of damage to your property during winter.

Do Termites Go Dormant Or Die Off In Winter?

Termites don’t die off in winter, they go dormant. They are much slower in the cold and they don’t forage for food when it’s too cold, however, they do still come out.

The reason why you are not seeing them during winter is because they have hidden deep beneath the ground to escape the freezing temperatures.

So just because you are not seeing them does not mean that they are dead. In fact, they are so active that the queen is still laying eggs. To survive, termites need three things: warm shelter, wood, and water. As long they have warmth, they will work to ensure they get food and water.

At What Temperature Do Termites Die?

Research by the University of California revealed that termites will only die if the wood is chilled to minus 20°F for a minimum of 30 minutes to kill the termites living inside. And if the wood temperature drops to below 25 degrees F, termites will die within a few minutes.

The optimum temperatures for termites range from 75 to 95°F. Temperatures above 100°F or below 25°F will kill these insects in a matter of minutes.

Can Termites Survive Freezing Temperatures?

The cold weather affects these pests. Termites are incredibly resilient and can survive in cold temperatures. When the temperature drops to freezing point (32 degrees F), termites will still survive. They will only be killed if the temperature drops below 25°F.

Unprotected termites that are exposed to freezing temperatures, that is, if the temperature is below 25°F, will die within a short amount of time.

Can You Have A Termite Infestation In Winter?

Termites also pose a great threat during the winter season and you can have an infestation in winter as well. In fact, they pose more threat to your home during winter because they are more likely to seek shelter in your house as they are desperate for a warm shelter.

Unlike during the warmer months where termites are more likely to stay outdoors, they are more likely to invade your house in winter, causing damage to your house. So, if you let your guards down in winter, chances are that you will be in for a rude awakening.

Can You Treat Termites In Winter?

Yes, you can treat termites in winter. Termites are active all year round, including during the winter season. Thus, prevention and treatments are crucial throughout the year.

Winter months are ideal for the implementation of termite treatments because their activities are moderate and more predictable. It is easy to track them and eliminate all of them during this time. It is much easier to destroy termite nests and colonies when they are dormant. The treatment will require less work to do but the effects of the treatment are long-lasting. It is also cost-effective since only one treatment will usually be required.

If you’re concerned that termites could be eating away your property, or just want to take a preventative approach and make sure they don’t ever get the chance, no matter the time of year, Chem Free Exterminating can help! Whatever the case may be, we can protect your home from expensive damage.

So call us today to inquire about our professional termite control services in Orange County, California.