Do Termites Go Away in the Winter?
Termites are active throughout the year, but they do not disappear in the winter. Rather, they continue to feed and lay eggs. Some species will even forage for food, but they will spend less time doing so. Regardless, termites still pose a serious threat to your home.
In cold climates, subterranean termites will forage for food deeper in the soil. Their colonies may also move deeper underground in the winter. If you suspect that your home is infested with these pests, you should hire a professional termite inspector to inspect your property.
Termites prefer warmer weather, but they can live through freezing temperatures. Wood termites, for example, will not die if they are buried in wooden logs or stored near heating ducts. However, they will die when the temperature falls below 16 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, these termites will swarm. Termites will seek out warm places to hide from the cold, and they may end up in your house.
Workers can be found carrying wood back to the colony, and they will burrow into tunnels in the soil. They will also forage for food in close proximity to the nest. This may reduce the amount of time they need to spend foraging for food, as they will have to travel a shorter distance.
When the temperature drops, subterranean termites may look motionless. They will forage for food and build new colonies to replace old ones. In the winter, they will spend less time foraging for food, as they will be searching for shelter.