Termites Do NOT Hibernate in Winter So Your Home Is Still at Risk

People who live in California do not experience the kind of bitterly cold winters that those in the Northern states do. That said, there is still an appreciable difference between summer and winter temperatures. The lower winter temperature is often enough to make many homeowners think that the danger of termites has disappeared until the arrival of warm weather.

The assumption is based on having been told that insects hibernate in winter. This is not completely true and the reality is that while termite activity may be slower in cold weather, these insects do not hibernate. In other words, the threat of termite infestations remains, even in winter. There is no “off-season” for termite extermination in California.

Also Read: Never Skip a Pre-Purchase Termite Inspection

Where the Termites Are

There are different species of termites and they can all do serious damage to your home. The subterranean and Formosan varieties go underground when the weather becomes too cold for them. They do become less active, but they do not hibernate. If it is an unusually cold California winter, the termites go deep underground, but once the cold reduces, they return to a level just below the surface. Being below the surface is when they are a danger. From here, the insects can find their way to the building foundations. The small cracks that exist there offer a warmer and more comfortable environment for them and from the foundation, access to the rest of the structure is easy. The less cold it is, the faster it will spread through the house.

Drywood and dampwood termites also slowdown in colder weather, but they too do not hibernate. They make their nests in trees or stumps in winter. If there is any wood or other cellulose-based material that offers them a channel from their nests to the house, they will use it to get to a more comfortable environment. From here, they can spread to the rest of the building. Even if there is no direct path from their nests to a house, the termites will become more active as the weather warms up and transfer themselves to the nearest building, which could be your home.

Termites Do Not Take Winter Vacations

Termites, like humans, enjoy being warm and cozy indoors when it’s cold outside. After a while, they become restive and hungry and start searching for wood or anything else that contains cellulose to eat. While you enjoy the winter, the termites are getting down to the work they do best – damaging your home.

Do not make the mistake of thinking your home is safe from termites in winter. The risk is often higher because being under the impression that the termites are hibernating, people let their guard down and often do not notice the signs of an infestation that they may otherwise see and act upon. You need to keep your home safe from termites all year round. The only way to ensure that you are fully protected is by using a reputed termite control company to inspect your home, remove any infestation that may be present and do termite prevention treatment to keep your home safe in the future all your round.