Termites can be a problem all year round, but the majority of problems occur during certain times of the year. Knowing when to be on the lookout for termites can help you avoid costly damages.
So, how long does termite season last? The answer to this question is that there is no specific season for termites. However, in the southern United States, termite season generally runs from February to May.
This isn’t the only time of year when these destructive pests are active. You have to keep in mind that termites, can be active throughout the year.
This is because, unlike other insects and animals, termites do not hibernate. This means that homeowners need to be vigilant all year long to prevent these pests from causing damage to their homes.
How Long Is Termite Season?
The termite season usually arrives with warm weather and lasts through the summer months. However, these little pests can be active any time of year, as long as the temperature is above freezing.
Termite season is simply the time of year when they are hunting for food, mating, or hiding deep down in the ground.
In Spring, Termites Begin to Swarm
This is when new kings and queens leave their nests in search of mates and new territories. After they find a mate, they shed their wings and start to build a new nest.
The Formosan Termite is a type of termite that may swarm during the spring season. This species is not as common in North America as the Subterranean Termite but can be found in some southern states.
This type of termite is slightly larger than other types of termites, and they have a voracious appetite for wood.
As a result, these pests can cause extensive damage to houses and other structures made out of wood. In addition, Formosan Termites are difficult to control because they live in large colonies that can number in the millions.
One of the reasons why these termites swarm in the spring has something to do with the temperature. Spring is the time when the temperature reaches about 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for their reproductive growth.
Another reason for termites to be active in their reproduction in number is that they are huddled up in their nest during the winter season (which will be further explained in the following sections)
Termites emerge in the spring ready to mate and they will look for a place to start a new colony. Swarming is how these termites spread and how new colonies started.
During Summer, the Focus Is on Reproduction
The colony will produce hundreds or even thousands of eggs. The eggs hatch and the nymphs mature into workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites.
In the summer months, termite colonies begin to produce winged males and females, also known as alates.
These alates will leave the safety of their colony in search of a mate, and if they are successful, they will start a new colony of their own. While this process is essential for the continuation of the species, it can also be problematic for homeowners.
According to studies, there are species of termites that are both active during spring and summer and that is the Subterranean termite.
The Subterranean Termite is the most common type of termite that swarms during the summer and spring seasons. These termites live in colonies underground and are attracted to wood that is in contact with the ground.
These termites live in underground colonies that can contain millions of individuals. In the spring, reproductive members of the colony will emerge and mate.
After mating, female termites will return to the colony and begin laying eggs.
The new termites will then mature and emerge the following spring, continuing the cycle. Homeowners can help prevent an infestation by having their property regularly inspected for signs of termite activity.
Early detection and treatment can save thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Fall Is a Time When Termites Gather Food for the Winter.
Fall is a time when termites are busy gathering food for the winter. They will eat wood, leaves, dead insects, and other organic matter.
As the temperatures begin to cool and the days grow shorter, many animals start to prepare for winter. They may build dens or collect extra food to help see them through the cold months.
Termites also make sure to stock up on food before winter sets in.
However, their methods are somewhat different from other animals. Instead of storing food, termites actually eat more during the fall, allowing them to build up their fat reserves.
This extra food is then used to generate heat, helping to keep the termites warm during the cold winter months.
As a result, fall is an important time for termites and one that helps them to survive the long winter ahead.
Read More: What Do Termites Smell Like?
Winter Is a Time of Rest for Most Termites
By the time winter arrives, most termites have already found a warm place to spend the cold months. Some species will tunnel deep into the ground, where the temperature is relatively constant.
Others will build nests in trees or other protected locations.
Termites are particularly vulnerable to cold weather, and a sharp drop in temperature can kill them outright.
For this reason, they tend to remain inactive when the mercury dips below freezing. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Some termites are able to withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them among the hardiest creatures on Earth.
Regardless of their tolerance for cold weather, all termites enter a state of dormancy when winter sets in. This period of inactivity allows them to conserve energy and survive until spring arrives.
Final Thoughts
So, how long is termite season? The answer is that there isn’t really a season for termites. They can be active throughout the year because they don’t hibernate. However, different things happen during different times of the year.
In spring, you might see them swarm as they look for new nesting sites. During summer, they focus on reproduction.
And in fall and winter, they gather food to store for the winter. Keep this in mind if you think you have a termite problem – it might not be just a seasonal issue!
