When Are Termites Most Active?
WouterIf you have a termite infestation, it’s important to know when the termites are most active. This can help you decide when to seek pest control treatment.
Termites are the most active during the spring and summer months. These are the times when the colonies are growing and the reproductive termites are starting to swarm. The reproductive termites leave the colony to look for mates and start new colonies.
The amount of activity depends on the species. Some subterranean termites swarm in the winter while other species swarm in the summer. It’s a matter of temperature. Cooler climates have less active winters, while warmer climates have year-round termite activity.
There are three species of termites found in California. These include the light Southern subterranean, the R. hageni species, and the dark Southern subterranean.
The light Southern subterranean termite swarms from August to November. The light Southern subterranean is often confused with ants. Unlike ants, the light Southern subterranean is more sensitive to changes in the weather.
Most subterranean termite species swarm in the spring. These insects swarm on a warm day with calm winds after rainfall.
During the spring and summer, workers and alates emerge from their nests to find a mate. These winged adult termites will build mud tubes and create a new home. They then mate and begin reproducing.
They also eat wood from the inside. This can cause damage to the wood and drywall, and sometimes paint bubbles or cracks.
