Termite Trouble: Keeping Invaders at Bay During Winter

In our beautiful part of the world, summer is a time to hunker down and rediscover the joys of air conditioning. Meanwhile, the rains of late summer serve as the starting gun for termites keen on causing damage to our homes’ walls and structural supports. Unfortunately, termites can remain active through our mild winters. If you’re not prepared for their annual assault, you could find yourself in dire straits.

When Are Termites Most Active?

In Arizona, subterranean and drywood termites tend to be most active between August and February. However, the exact active period depends on the location, subspecies and colony. Generally speaking, the cooler, moister weather of the monsoon season awakens termites from their summer slumber and encourages them to swarm, mate and expand existing colonies or form new ones.

Unfortunately, this activity can continue into winter. Although swarming is normally complete by the time the coolest part of the year rolls around, termites continue to take advantage of the moisture left over from the monsoon rains and chew through the wooden parts of your home. Since they rely on a network of underground tunnels to remain protected and out of sight, they’re also consistently below the frost line on cold mornings.

Where Do They Go in Winter?

During the dead of winter, cold snaps can force termites to retrench and become less active. However, they may still venture out into the subterranean parts of your home to feed on structural wood. In colder parts of the world, termite colonies may become almost completely dormant in winter. Here in Arizona, you can’t count on them to cease their chewing. This means that you could see mud tubes, sawdust, sagging floors and other telltale signs of an infestation at any time of year.

What If They’ve Been Around for a Long Time?

Termite colonies that have been established for several seasons may be better-established in the home and less susceptible to cold or dry weather. As such, they may remain more active throughout the winter. If you find that your infestation isn’t abating or if you discover additional signs of damage during the winter, you may need to contact a pest control expert.

Learn More About Termites and Pest Control in Phoenix and Tucson

Are you ready for another active season of repelling termites and protecting your home from other pests? If so, Burns Pest Elimination is ready to provide the support you need. For more information about how we can keep your home—and family—safe from unwanted insect invaders, request a no-obligation consultation at your convenience.