How Cold Can Termites Survive?
WouterTermites seem to disappear when the weather gets cold. Termites are a cold-blooded insect, and they can’t survive temperatures below 25 degrees F. The optimal temperature range for termites is between 75 and 95 degrees.
When the weather gets very cold, termites tend to go underground, in search of warmer soil. They may also burrow inside your home. If they can find a warm spot to live, they will set up a nest. If the nest is located in an area that is heated, termites will continue to be active all year.
Subterranean termites will survive extreme cold, but they will not forage for food when the soil is too cold. These insects can stay under -20 degrees for two days or longer, depending on the species.
Various authors have documented termite feeding in winter in the midwestern states. In these areas, the termites will seek out food close to their nest. If they cannot locate this food, they will move deeper into the ground to find it.
Some property owners assume that the termites hibernate when the weather is cold. However, this is not true. In fact, subterranean termites have been known to swarm in late winter.
While some species of termites can survive very cold conditions, others can’t. When the temperature drops below 12 degrees C, wood termites die. If the temperature is above zero, dampwood termites hibernate.
Subterranean termites have been known swarm in the winter, but they are still active throughout the year. In buildings that are heated, they can remain active for the entire winter.
