Termites are a pest that can cause significant damage to a home. Termites will eat away at the wood and leave behind a pile of sawdust. They do this all year long, but they have fewer food sources for their colonies during winter, so they need to find homes to live in.
Because termite infestations happen outside where it’s cold, there is an increased risk of them entering your home through cracks or other openings that the naked eye could not see. Termites typically come out during warmer months, so it’s essential to ensure that your house is safe from these pests before winter hits.
This blog post will discuss what you should know about termite treatment during winter, as well as prevention methods for keeping your home free from these pests!
Do Termites Go Dormant in the Winter?
Termites can become dormant during the winter season. They do this to survive the colder weather conditions. The termite colony does not have a dedicated building but instead uses any voids that are available in the structure. These include wall studs, wiring voids, joists, and plumbing pipes or vents.
As a result of this lack of a proper shelter, they rely on natural materials as insulation from cold temperatures as their primary defense against frostbite.
This way, they can survive temperatures as low as -2 degrees Celsius. However, even if the temperature goes below this level, small populations of termites can still be found clinging to their shelter.
If the termites get exposed to below-freezing temperatures, they go into a phase of inactivity. In this state, their metabolic rate reduces significantly and thus creating less heat. Therefore, even if the temperature rises again after being lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, they will not be able to resume their normal activities. Only if the temperature remains below freezing for an extended period will they die. However, the colony does not die off completely until the temperature drops to -8 degrees Celsius or lower, where it is too cold for them to function correctly.
If the termites survive the winter, they soon come out of their dormant stages and start rebuilding their colony.
Signs that Termites Are Active on Your Property
Termites are small, soft-bodied creatures found in many parts of the world. They are known for their destructive habits, damaging wooden structures and other organic materials. There are several signs that termites are active on your property, and it’s important to be able to identify these signs so that you can take appropriate action.
Some of the most common signs that termites are active on your property include:
- The presence of mud tubes on the exterior of your home or building
- The presence of wings or shed wings near windows or doors
- The presence of damage to wood, such as holes or tunnels
- The presence of droppings, which are tiny pellets that look like sawdust
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to contact a professional termite inspector right away. They will determine whether or not you have a termite infestation and recommend the best course of action. Ignoring the problem could lead to extensive damage to your property, so it’s essential to take action as soon as possible.
The presence of termites can be quite expensive to treat, especially if the infestation is widespread. However, quickly taking action will help prevent further damage. In addition, early treatment will likely save you thousands of dollars compared with treating a termite infestation that has already done extensive damage to your property.
Termite Treatment In Winter
Termites are a significant pest and can cause severe damage to your home, so if they attack during the cold months, it’s essential to take them seriously and get them taken care of before they can do any permanent damage.
Here is what you need to know about termite treatment during the winter months:
1. Termites can still damage your home during winter. They don’t stop attacking and causing damage to homes just because the weather outside is cold. They may be a little faster than usual, but they will do whatever they need to to find food and shelter to survive. So don’t take them lightly!
2. There are different ways to treat termites during winter. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that you can’t use traditional termite treatment methods. Many people find that these methods are more effective in the winter since the weather already slows down the termites. In addition, a few new methods can be used during the winter, such as thermal imaging and freezing.
Thermal imaging is practical because it allows experts to find out exactly where the termites are hiding to be treated.
Freezing works by making the termite workers cold so that they don’t have much energy for working and feeding their troops while also discouraging them from coming back.
- Fumigation is more effective than liquid termiticide as it dries out the colony and kills more insects at once.
- You should also seal off all entry points at ground level.
- Do not use coal or wood as these will provide warmth for insects and encourage their growth.
- Be sure to check wood framing, sill plates, and flooring for any visible evidence of termites.
3. You should always consult with a professional before treating termites. It’s essential to consult with a professional before trying to treat termites on your own, especially during the winter. They will know the best way to take care of the problem and will be able to help you avoid any severe damage.