You may think that the weather is starting to cool off and there is no need for pest control now. That is far from the truth.
Termites are a pest that shouldn’t be disregarded with the cold weather. Pestcom Pest Management is here to talk about what you can expect from termites during the coldest months of the year.
Do Termites Die in Cold Winter Weather?
Termites are cold-blooded creatures, which means that their bodies can regulate temperature. Whatever their surroundings are, they are going to be the same whether it is the soil or wood they are living in.
This is good news for homeowners, right? If it gets too cold they won’t survive, right?
Actually, they can dig deeper into the soil and stay alive, and the fact that they are cold-blooded makes them able to stay active longer than warm-blooded creatures.
If termites have created a colony in the soil right next to your home, that soil stays warm enough that they can survive all winter long.
Signs of Termites in the Winter
During the spring and summer months, a common sign of termites is the presence of swarmers. They are looking for a place to settle down and create a new colony. You won’t see them during the winter months though.
If you have a termite problem during the winter, it is a colony that was settled there before the weather got cold.
Signs of termite activity in the winter include:
- Damaged Wood: Termites leave a mess in their path. If you have a termite problem, you will be able to see damaged wood.
- Termite Mud Bites:To get to and from your house and their nest which is underground, they build mud tubes on the inside or outside of your foundation.
- Discarded Termite Wings: Like stated above, termites are messy. They will leave behind bits and pieces of wings.
How to Prevent Termite Infestations
To avoid termite infestations, these are some preventative measures that homeowners should be watching:
- Repair Leaks If you have any leaks near your home that could end up damaging the wood your house is made of they need to be fixed. When wood is damaged by water, the conditions are favorable among termites.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: If you have any trees or shrubs that are near your home, trim them. When trees and shrubs are too close to your home, they will increase your chances of a termite infestation. They need to be at least 15 inches away from the foundation of your home.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Keep your gutters and downspout free of debris that can cause water damage to your home.