Termite Activity During Winter Months
When Winter comes along and the temperatures drop, lots of homeowners wonder; do termites hibernate like some bugs? In reality, termites don’t hibernate – they remain active throughout the year, even during the cold months!
What Are Termites Doing in Winter?
You may not see them swarming, as in the warmer seasons, but termites continue to labor silently. They can also recede into the soil or retreat inside wooden elements of your home where they can consume their fill and cause damage without much noise. The fact that you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t chomping away at your property’s structure.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Termites in Winter
You should never ignore termites in the winter. They can damage your floors, walls, and support beams, which can be costly to repair.
One big mistake people tend to make is assuming termites that are active in the summer enter a dormant period in winter, so they put off the work of getting an inspector around to conduct treatments. But termites don’t take holidays, and waiting too long to get care can give infestations time to spread and worsen, leaving you with a bigger headache (and bill).
Signs of Termites to Look for in Winter
Mud Tubes: Dirt tunnels that termites construct to shield them while they are on the move back and forth from their nests to their food. Look around the foundation of your home for these pencil-thin tubes.
Earth Mounds: Small clumps of dirt around the base of your home might indicate termites working underground to move soil.
Termites on the Ground: Occasionally, particularly as temperatures warm slightly, you will see termites moving on the outside of the structure.
If you see any of these, it’s critical to contact a pest control professional immediately. They’ll examine your house and advise you on how to get ahead of the issue before it escalates.
How to Protect Your Home from Winter Termites
Inspect Your Home’s Exterior: Check for cracks, gaps or damaged seals on windows, foundations, and panels. Keeping these repaired prevents termites from slipping in.
Inspect Wood Surfaces: You should be on the lookout for wood that’s discolored, soft or shows signs of rotting, especially under decks, patios and other exterior wooden constructions.
Look for Mud or Dirt Mounds: They may indicate termite tunnels just under the surface.
Prune Trees and Shrubs: The further away that plants are from your house, the less chance termites have of entering your home through roots or branches.
For Wood: Paint or seal wood with borate-based products to create a barrier that termites will not invade.
Talk to the Experts
Never let termites win, any time of the year! It is recommended to schedule termite inspections once a year, or more frequently if you live in a high-risk area. Sign up for our yearly termite extermination program and your house will be guaranteed a termite free year. Call today to schedule your inspection!
Elite Termite Treatment Yokine offers all pest control services in Yokine and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6275 6584 or visit our website:
