DO TERMITES HIBERNATE DURING THE WINTER?
People most time think the cold weather will slow down termites’ activities till it is spring. Hence, lower down their pest control management. Some animals may take pleasure in hibernating in the winter, but termites don’t take a break. Unlike many insects, termites continue to look for food even in the colder months.
Cold weather does slow and restrict termites’ activity, but they are still active since their nest maintains at close to 30 degrees Celsius and 90% humidity. They may encounter obstacles away from the nest; the temperature will hinder their activeness, but it is business as usual inside the timbers in your heated or air conditioned home. Learn why you shouldn’t let your guard down for termites in winter.
Most homeowners are aware of termites’ activity during the warm seasons. They may, however, be oblivion of termites’ activities in the winter. Most property owners spend time landscaping and gardening and make repairs to the furniture in their home during warmer weather.
It is during this period that they are most likely to invite termites into their homes. Home owners could miss the signs of termites’ activities in the winter months because they are not as active outside as they are in the warmer months.
The question is, do termites die or hibernate in the winter? The answer above is an NO! That you are not seeing the signs of termites’ activity in the winter does not mean they are dead. What determines termites’ activity in winter depends on two factors: the location of their colony and the species of termite. 75 degrees Fahrenheit is still ideal temperature for all species of termite and individual species respond to changes in weather differently to stay warm.
Just like human beings, termites need food to survive, even in winter. Termites exist in the cold weather as well but remain in the deep underground in most cases.
For instance, subterranean termites build nests in the soil. As the weather gets colder, they burrow further into the ground, where temperatures remain warmer. In some cases, proof of termite colonies has been found at a depth of 40 inches below ground. They will not be as easy to find, but all species of termites are still active in the winter months.
Although signs of termites might not be as visible in the winter time, there is nevertheless the possibility you have an infestation. To stay alive, a termite requires three items: water, wood, and heat. In a heated home, their needs can be met. Modern signs of a termite invasion include mud tubes made from the tunneling termites, damaged wood or discarded wings of the reproductive caste. Mud tubes can be found both inside and outside a structure.
How do you then prevent against termite infestation? The following pest control techniques will save you from termites’ activity in the winter.
Position Monitors around your Backyard garden whenever Weather Becomes Warm
Property owners can control termites by placing monitors around their home. Termites looking for new food sources are highly prone to find the monitors. The more you have spread around, the likely they are to locate one. As soon as you notice their “we’ve arrived” sign, add household-safe bait to the monitors and keep on replenishing until the termites are killed.
When termites frequently feed at the monitors and then you no more see activity after a month or two, you should know that the bait has done its job of eliminating the colony.
Inspect your house for Termites in March and September
Pest control activities include inspecting your property inside and outside for insects, including termite for at least twice a year. March and September inspections allow you to do the job to your comfort.
