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Termites are a common household pest that feasts on cellulose in wood found in homes all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. It is easy to see why these pests wouldn’t survive the colder climate of Antarctica but it may leave you wondering if they survive normal winters.
If you’ve wondered whether or not winter climates will stop termites, we have provided a guide that contains useful facts. Some insects may not survive colder temperatures, so it’s best to know if termites will no longer pose a problem as the seasons change.
If you suspect an infestation, read through the information provided and contact a pest control specialist or pest control company. As with any pest, it is always better to be safe than sorry so that you can take control of the situation.
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What Are Termites?
If you live in a region that has a warm climate, then you have probably heard of termites before. Termites are insects that invade your home using tunnels burrowed underneath the soil. They colonize areas and feast for years as they forage and defend against other insects and they do not bite humans.
Termites are social creatures that work together to build tunnels, feed each other and defend the colony. They thrive by eating cellulose in wood. Foraging worker termites feed on the wood and store it in their gut to later feed other termites in the nest.
Termite infestations occur in many cases without any visible signs of damage. You may not notice the infestation because these insects are subterranean in nature. Because of this, once the termite king and queen begin creating their colony, they can live underground for the remainder of their lives.
Where Do Termites Live?
Termites tend to live in warmer climates and are found in most of the United States with the exception of Alaska. They will burrow underneath the soil and create tubes mud which they use to defend their colony and feed their young.
Termites are common in the southern and western United States. As the temperature increases, so does the likelihood of an infestation of these resilient insects.
With climate change on the horizon, many have speculated that the termite will migrate to other areas not previously affected by infestations. Termites can die off in temperatures below 48 degrees F, but they are more likely to burrow deeper and go into hibernation under the soil’s surface.
Can Termites Survive Winter?
The short answer to this question is yes, termites can survive winter temperatures. They may burrow deeper under the surface, as one of their survival strategies but will thrive if the tunnels have moisture as they can be cold blooded.
Termites prefer an environment that is warm, dark, and full of moisture. Through termite tubes, these insects tunnel in and invade your property. In the winter, winter termites who as they are cold blooded are not dormant but do experience a decrease in activity.
In colder months, a well-established winter termite colony that can maintain a moist connection to the soil will see no decrease in activity. Termites are less likely to colonize your home in winter months. However, already established colonies will continue to remain active all throughout the year.
It is important to remain vigilant throughout the year. However, Winter termites infestation can still damage your home while you remain completely unaware.
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What to Look For In Your Home
Even in the winter time, it’s best to be aware of the signs of termite infestation. Save your home from costly damage and repairs by learning the signs before it becomes a problem. Take the following steps to learn more about identifying an infestation, completing a termite inspection and getting the help you need to eradicate the problem.
- Swarms – Look for winged termites swarming the property. This is an indicator of infestation.
- Capture a Sample – Buy a small jar or container and put rubbing alcohol inside. Capture a sample of the insect in order to have it analyzed by an exterminator.
- Look for Mud Tubes – these tubes are moist tunnels that worker termites use to forage, defend and feed the colony. Look inside these tubes to determine if these termites are present especially in any crawl spaces.
- Inspect Water Damaged Areas – Damage caused by termites is similar in appearance to areas affected by water damage as well as any wood damage on foundation walls.
- Nests – Look for nests in trees that are close to your home. Be sure to trim all branches and trees that may be subject to a termite nest. There may be tree wood damage present.
If a termite infestation is suspected, it is best to seek the help of a qualified professional. Your home can be termite-free with the experience that hiring an exterminator provides.
There are many DIY treatments on the market today but they cannot replace the advice that a professional pest control company can give you. Termites are resilient insects that cooperate with one another to forage on the foundation of your home.
Being able to first recognize the signs of an infestation is the key to eradicating it and preventing future infestations. You are your home’s first defense against these unwanted invaders. If you live further south in the United States, your likelihood of being infested by termites is increased.
Termites Are Around The Year Workers
If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter months, it is common to think that termites may die off or lay dormant. In some cases, this can be true. In colder climates, these pests are known for lessening their activity levels.
Termites are not likely to swarm in the winter months as they prefer the spring and fall months for colonization. You may think that you are safe from infestation from termites because of the cold temperatures. Nonetheless, it is always best to remain vigilant.
As the temperature outside drops, termite workers have a tendency to burrow further beneath the soil’s surface. Termites do this so they can maintain a warm body temperature.
Termites are year-round workers and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. You should act fast in the event that you suspect a termite infestation. Utilizing the help of a qualified exterminator early on will save you a lot of money in the long run.
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What Will It Cost To Hire A Pest Control Company?
Not only will an exterminator from a pest control company be able to eradicate a termite infestation, but they will also be able to provide sound advice in dealing with future problems. Termites may not bite you, but they will take a large bite out of your bank account if you don’t work to protect your property.
Before we discuss the cost of a termite treatment, let’s take into account how it is that these pests are responsible for billions in damages. They attack homes and businesses across America every year–a problem many people cannot afford to deal with on their own! The cost of termite control depends on several factors including the size of the structure, the type of construction and the severity of the infestation.
The good news? It doesn’t have be this way-termites can make your life much more comfortable by fixing up those pesky holes they leave behind when you see them coming before anything too bad happens. However, there’s no shame taking on preventative measures instead like getting protection services such as yearly inspections or monthly treatments so you will not have so much to fix should you be caught off guard by a termite invasion.
DIY Termite Prevention Options & Tips:
If you want to keep termite workers out of your home, it’s important that moisture levels in and around the house are reduced. Here is a list on how:
1. Eliminate or reduce leaky faucets by repairing any cracks with caulk or foam.
2. Make sure water pipes aren’t exposed so they don’t drench anything below them (this includes siding)
3. Patch up exterior AC units if needed–they’re usually pretty easy fixes! Failing this step could result in poor air quality for everyone inside since these machines help control temperature changes within rooms through evaporation.
4. Repair rotted shingles on roof, soffits and fascia.
5. Store any wood of firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
6. Insect damage originating from wood-boring is not covered by homeowners insurance. Therefore you should schedule an annual inspection to deter termite infestation or termite activity.
7. Routinely check all foundations and crawl space for any signs of termite infestation or any termite activity.
8. Routinely check all exteriors of you room including windows, doorframes and skirting boards of any termite infestation damage or termite activity.
