Do Termites Need Air to Survive?
WouterTermites have evolved to rely on a humid environment, but some species can also survive in cold climates. If the climate is too cold, ice and snow can destroy the colony and kill the termites.
Termites can enter your home through the foundation, through vents, through cracks, and through air conditioning units. They eat wood and wallpaper and use the cellulose in them as their food source. Often, they are the culprits of wood damage, which gets worse as the infestation progresses.
A termite colony consists of three social castes, each with its own physical characteristics. The winged reproductive termites leave the established colony to find a mate. They then form new colonies. These colonies are called satellite colonies.
During the spring and summer, wood termites become active. They can survive in areas with temperatures below freezing, but they will die in winter when the temperatures drop to below 16 degrees Celsius.
These termites can also survive in subterranean environments. Their colonies can be identified by the presence of mud tubes. They can also be spotted by the damaged wood they leave behind.
Several species of termites are found in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington. These states experience high levels of precipitation, making it a good habitat for dampwood termites. They are also seen in parts of the Southwestern U.S.
Termites can enter your home from the outside, through the foundation, through vents, through doors and windows, and through air conditioning units. They can even dig into your home’s walls. The only tools they have are their saliva and their bodies.
