The last thing any home or business owner wants is a colony of termites that have made themselves at home in your space. Termites are dangerous and destructive to your wood and walls causing costly repairs. In the winter, it is important to be proactive in keeping termites clear from your Arizona or Las Vegas home or business. Burns Pest Elimination is here to explain termite’s winter habits and how you can protect your home from a termite invasion during the winter time.
Signs of Termites
Due to the damage that termites can cause, you will want to catch a termite infestation early on by watching for any signs. Termites will construct mud tubes on the surface of your home that are easily found, or you may notice that parts of the wooden structure of your building or outdoor deck are hollowed out. Another telltale sign of an infestation are termite droppings, which look similar to a pile of sawdust. Knowing the signs of termite activity is especially important in the winter as it may be harder to spot.
How do Termites Spread?
Once several termites have found your home suitable for creating a colony, it isn’t long before more arrive. Termites will lay many eggs on the inside of your building’s wooden structure, which quickly hatch into larvae and grow the colony substantially.
If you see a termite swarm in your home, it is not a good sign. This means that the colony has already begun to expand, reproduce, and spread. Even finding one termite in your home is a sign that their colony is not too far away and that you should call for professionals to get the job taken care of.
Are Termites Active in Cold Weather?
Now that we have a better understanding of what a termite infestation looks like, you might be wondering if termites are active in the winter. Unlike many other pests, termites do not die or hibernate during the cold weather months. Termite colonies need the warmth of your home or business to survive, and will dig deep tunnels where it is warmer to continue to find food and create damage. This means that termites are still active in the winter time, being just as destructive.
It might be harder to spot signs of termites this time of year because you are not looking around the outside or foundation of your home as much in the colder weather. Make a practice of inspecting your home every couple of weeks, keeping an eye out for mud tubes, fallen wings, and termite poop.
How To Avoid Termites In The Winter
One way that you can avoid termites in the winter is to remove any wood debris and firewood around the base of your building. This debris gives termites easy access to your foundation, and clearing it will eliminate a source of food that makes your home attractive to this pest. Additionally, a great way to keep your business or home safe is to get regular inspections and services performed by professionals when needed. These professionals have trained eyes and know what signs to look for when it comes to termites, and can help you spot an infestation sooner.
Choose Burns Pest Elimination This Winter
This winter season termites in Arizona and Nevada won’t be going anywhere, which is why it is important to properly defend your property. Avoid expensive repair bills in the future by calling Burns Pest Elimination for residential and commercial pest control. If you have termites in Arizona or Las Vegas, we can help with termite control and treatment. Request a free quote today to see how we can help!