Termites in the winter?
Are termites still active in winter? Is it necessary to perform a termite treatment in winter? What is the best time of year to perform termite control? These are just a few of the questions we get asked quite often regarding termite control. So, it is for that reason, we want to give some clarity and guidance regarding termite control in winter.
First, yes, termites are active in the winter. They may not be near the soil surface chewing on an exposed log in twenty-degree temperatures, but they are still foraging and eating cellulose, if they can find it in protected areas. The termites simply keep themselves below the frost line or other protected areas in a structure so they don’t freeze.
What does this meen for the homeowner? Well, if the temperature under your house is above freezing and the temperature inside your walls is above freezing, then the obvious answer is that your house, business, garage, or storage shed are all still at risk.
The average Eastern Subterranean Termite colony has an average of 100,000 workers. That is a lot of mouths to feed, so if they can find food in winter, they will certainly continue to feed. Not to mention, termite control in winter is important to be pro-active for the spring and summer months to come. If you treat your house early, then you won’t have to worry about the swarms in the spring or summer and the destruction they cause. Most of us forget to do these things until it’s too late, so don’t put of termite control in winter because you think you’ll do it later!
The product our company normally uses for termite control will last for 10 years according to it’s manufacturer. That being said, it really doesn’t matter what time of year you treat for termites, just make sure you get it done so you don’t wake up to a nightmare in your wall later on. There are two kinds of houses in SC; the ones that have gotten termites already, and the ones that will. Please let us know what other question and comments you might have about termites and we will continue to provide the best and most up-to-date information available.
