Where Do Termites Go During The Winter?

Have You Ever Wondered Where The Termites Go During The Winter?

First and foremost, termites do not just disappear during the cold months. During the winter, some homeowners feel safe against a termite home infestation. Unfortunately, this is a false sense of security. Termites can do a lot of damage year round in south Louisiana.

Termites actually retreat to their nests to ride out the freezing temperatures of the winter.  In general, this means that termites, like subterranean and Formosan termites, go underground. However, if it is a mild winter, like most winters in the New Orleans Metro area, termites will stay closer to the surface. If termites find their way into your foundation, they can be very active. Subterranean termites have even been known to start swarming in the late winter on warm days after it rains.

Areas With Warm Winters Are At Risk For Year-Round Termites

In South Louisiana, our winters are generally very mild, which increases the risk of termite infestations. As a result, it is very important to take preventative measures year-round. One of the biggest problems during the winter is proper firewood precautions. Even though it doesn’t get very cold in New Orleans, many homeowners still enjoy a good fire which means firewood may be stacked near the exterior of the home. It is important to keep firewood far away from the exterior of the home. Firewood should always be stored off the ground too to decrease the likelihood of attracting termites. When firewood is brought inside, it should be burned immediately to avoid bringing termites indoors.

Year-round termite prevention is a necessity in the New Orleans Metro area. These bugs do not care what time of year it is and since our weather is mild, there is not much to slow them down. In the cooler winter months, the may even move indoors, especially if there is water and a good source of food. An entire colony can tunnel beneath a house or business and survive the winter in comfort. Always be on the look out for mud tubes, wings, and damaged wood. If any of these signs are present, even during the winter, call Terminix Termite Control as soon as possible.