Do Termites Take a Break in Winter? Peachtree’s Winter Termite Control Guide!

Pests don’t hibernate every Winter, and that includes termites. When cold weather sets in, they can keep themselves warm by seeking shelter in deeper, more secluded areas. Despite the chilly temps, they will keep foraging for food. Termite queens will continue to lay eggs, and certain species will swarm.

However, the amount of activity depends on the type of termite they are. In the United States, there are approximately 45 different varieties of termites. Certain types of termites can be more destructive than others, including the subterranean and drywood species. Here’s what you need to know about each of those and the signs you need to look out for.

Subterranean Termites (Ground Termites)

Just as their name indicates, these termites live underground and can dig as far as 150 feet deep to find wood. Occasionally, housing foundations serve as a reliable food source for them. Subterranean termites are found throughout the U.S. and reportedly cause close to 95 percent of termite damage in North America.

Believe it or not, just one colony can have over one million members and eat up to 15 pounds of wood in a single week! Not only can they devour home foundations, but they’re also capable of damaging plastic pipes, support beams, insulation, and more.

During colder weather, these termites dig even deeper into the ground. Food sources closer to the surface may be abandoned until the weather warms up again.

Once warm weather returns, they will dig up towards your home’s foundation- if they haven’t already established a colony there already- where they can continue to cause damage.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites live inside wood structures, such as window frames, door frames, and walls. Because they’re typically out of sight, homeowners usually don’t even know they have termites. However, while they aren’t aware, wood could be crumbling from within.

While colder climates normally kill them off, unfortunately, drywood termites can survive mild winters. This is because it takes a much longer period of subfreezing temperatures to kill them. With this in mind, drywood termites pose a risk to homes year-round.

How to Spot Termite Infestations

 

It’s important to look out for signs of termites in your home. One of the most obvious signs is termite droppings. These feces are small, wood-colored pilings that have the appearance of dust or dirt. Typically, they’re left in small mounds by doors, walls, and window frames. While this is the most common indicator of termites, not all termite species leave droppings as a warning sign.

Other signs of termites include:

• Mud-like tunnels raising up from the ground—if you destroy them but they come back, this is a sign of termites.
• Bubbles in walls, floors, or ceilings— termites can cause water damage, which may also carry a moldy smell.
• Holes or damage in furniture or walls—if there are also termite droppings around furniture, this is a classic sign.
• Wings around doorframes, windows, and light fixtures– This points to an active infestation and could mean a large colony living in or near your home.

Professional Winter Termite Control Solutions

If you think your home may have termites, it’s crucial to act fast and call a professional pest control company.

Peachtree Pest Control’s professionals easily take care of termite infestations, year-round. Our comprehensive inspections review areas where termites can enter your home and cause damage. Throughout the inspection, we seal entry points, including plumbing and utility entrances. Additionally, our expert technicians at Peachtree Pest offer a variety of effective termite treatment options, including minimally disruptive treatments that won’t harm your yard.

Take action now: termites won’t rest, not even in winter. Call the experts at Peachtree Pest Control at 855–732-2487 or complete our free estimate form today.