As the weather starts to turn and the leaves are changing color, many people are feeling relief that the insects are hopefully going to slow down. One of the most destructive pests that most homeowners worry about is the termite. These colonies can cause significant damage to any structure if the problem isn’t caught early enough. In the winter, you may be wondering if these pests are still alive and thriving. Stewart Termite & Pest Control is here to talk about termites and winter so you know what you can expect as the weather takes a colder turn.
Termites Are Cold Blooded
Termites, even though they aren’t reptiles, are still cold blooded creatures. They don’t have the ability to regulate their own body temperature. If the weather is drastically changing outside, they can’t generate any body heat to keep themselves warm. The termites that live in the ground will dig deeper into the ground in an effort to stay warm. Termites have been known to dig up to 40 inches below their nests to protect themselves.
Do Termites Go Dormant in Winter?
While these termites that live beneath the ground are said to become dormant in the winter, it isn’t totally true. Their activity will definitely decrease and they will not be moving as fast, but the biggest factors in a termite’s activity during the winter involves the size of the colony, the type of termite and the proximity to their food source, wood. They have to have access to three main things to thrive in the winter months: heat, food and water. Unfortunately, these three things are all available to them in your home.
Signs of Termite Infestation
It is important that even when the weather cools off, you are still aware of the signs that indicate a termite problem. Their activity will likely slow down during these colder months, but they will still eat away at your home if you had an infestation before the winter hit. Following are some of the signs that you should be watching for at all times, no matter what time of the year it is:
– Mud Tubes: These can be found on the walls and on the floor. It is the way that termites travel to and from your home.
– Sunken Surfaces: If you have any surfaces that look sunken and look as if they are a crater, you could have a termite problem.
– Shed Wings: Anytime you notice that there are bits and pieces of wings or other parts of a termite’s body, you should start to worry.
– Wood Powder: Wood powder would be present near small pinholes on the surface of wood.
Termite Inspection & Treatment
If you are worried that you have a termite problem, you can count on the pest experts at Stewart Termite & Pest Control to help you get rid of them. Don’t hesitate to have your home inspected the moment that you are suspicious of termite damage in an effort to avoid costly repairs. Call us today!