You’ve probably heard that termites hibernate, but what you may not know is that they can get pretty active during winter. The truth is, there are minor shifts in their routine when it gets colder—they don’t stop eating or building colonies—but it’s still important to keep your home protected year-round if you want to protect yourself against a termite attack.
Believe it or not, these little pests are hard at work even when the temperature outside is chilly. If you're worried about termites, it's important to know what to look for. In terms of pest control, termites are the most common pests that come to mind. Here’s a look at whether these little pests are active in winter and what you can do about it.
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What Are Termites?
Termites are small insects that feed on wood, usually in the form of cellulose. They have no mouthparts, so they cannot bite or chew their food. Instead, they use their antennae to sense vibrations in the ground and then use their mandibles to cut through the wood and then suck out the cellulose.
Termites will eat just about any kind of wood and create tunnels underneath your home or other structures you may have around it. The tunnels will usually contain several chambers where the termites can live together as well as lay eggs each year.
Even when the temperature is below freezing, these little guys are out and about, building their nests and expanding their colonies. In fact, they can even survive in conditions that would kill other insects.
Why do they do this? It all comes down to one thing: survival. Termites are social animals, and they work together to build their nests and protect their colony. They're also incredibly hardy, and can survive in a wide range of conditions.
Should You Be Worried About Termites in Winter?
You're probably asking, “are termites active in winter?”. The answer is yes—termites are active all year round!
Although they might not be as active in the winter, that doesn't mean you can let your guard down. In fact, the colder months are a great time for termites to build their nests and lay eggs, so it's important to be on the lookout for any signs of activity.
Some common signs of termite activity include seeing wings on the ground, hearing them chewing wood and finding mud tubes coming out of the foundation of your home. Termites are active year-round and can actually be found in places like your house even after winter. They live on the ground and are typically found in wood and other organic material. The nests of these insects can be quite large and they tend to nest inside the walls of buildings. These nests can often be extremely difficult to spot because they are built inside the walls of your home.
If you find any signs of termites in your home during winter, contact a pest control company immediately so that it doesn’t spread into other areas of your home or property.
Do Termites Survive Cold Weather?
Many people think that termites die off in the winter, but that's not actually the case. In fact, they become more active as the weather gets colder!
One of the things that make termites so successful is their ability to adapt to changing conditions. When the weather is cold, they stay hidden inside their nests, but when it starts to warm up again, they come out and start foraging for food.
So what do they eat? Termites are omnivorous and will eat just about anything, from vegetation to wood to paper. They're especially attracted to moist environments, which is why they tend to swarm in the springtime.
What Do Termites Eat in the Winter?
Termites are active all year round, so winter doesn't stop them from building their nests. But what do they eat?
When you think of a termite, you probably imagine them scurrying around your home looking for food. But while they may be squirming through your floorboards, they're actually making their homes in the ground.
If you live in an area where termites have already found shelter and food, they will not be impacted by the cooler outdoor temperatures. Termites have a very specific diet that they need to survive. They eat wood, and they need a lot of it to build their colony. So if your home has termites and you aren't sure how long your termite infestation will last, you might want to consider treating it now before the weather gets cold.
How to Prevent Termites in the Wintertime?
Termites are a common cause of structural damage and infestations. They can be a serious problem as they can cause extensive damage to your home and property. If you have termites, you need to act quickly and get rid of them before they do any more damage.
You will need to do a thorough inspection of your house to see where they are located, what type of wood you have, and how much damage they will cause if they start tunneling through your walls and floors. You may need to hire an exterminator or pest control company if you suspect that there is a large infestation present in your home or property. There are several ways you can prevent termites from coming into your home during winter months:
1) Seal all cracks around windows and doors with caulk or spackle.
2) Put down wood fiber insulation in crawl spaces under your foundation slab and between joists on top of it (condensation can lead to mold growth).
3) Place screens over openings where termites could enter (ant entrances) such as windows, doors, vents, etc.
4) Maintain proper moisture levels and make sure there's no water leakage.
5) Keep an eye out for activity around your home and call a professional if you see anything suspicious.
Conclusion
So, are termites active in winter? The truth is that termites don’t actually hibernate at all. Instead, they simply go into a state of suspended animation. Termite workers are still alive and well during the winter months, but they don’t move around much.
If you think you may have a termite problem, it's important to act fast. These creatures can cause serious damage to your home – and they can be tough to get rid of. If you're not sure how to tackle a termite infestation, contact a professional for help. Don’t let termites ruin your winter – stay informed and stay safe!
