Do Termites Die Off During Winter in Washington DC and the SIlver Springs MD area
If you live in Silver Springs, Maryland, or the Washington DC area, you know our state has its fair share of termite problems. In fact, there’s a moderate-to-heavy probability that the average DC home here will get a Termite infestation in Silver Springs, MD, or the DC area at some point.
If you’re hoping winter will provide some relief from termite woes, unfortunately, you will be disappointed. These insects have survival strategies for outlasting the cold, and unlike other insects, termites don’t hibernate.
What Happens to Termites During Winter?
It’s a common belief that most insects die off during the winter. This is because many people typically see a large decrease in visible insect numbers and activity. In reality, many Silver Springs, Maryland, or the Washington DC area insects survive the cold by going dormant and spending winter underground, under leaf litter, inside fallen logs, or inside warm, cozy human homes.
Termites, however, not only survive winter intact, but they also remain active. Each termite’s survival strategy will depend on what species it is:
1) Subterranean termite colonies typically will tunnel deeper underground to avoid extreme temperatures.
2) Dry wood and damp wood termites tend to nest inside dead trees and stumps for protection.
In some cases, termites will seek shelter inside a home, such as in the attic or crawl space or inside the walls. These insects thrive at a temperature of 75°F. If you’re keeping your home warm and cozy throughout winter, you may be providing termites with an ideal cold-weather refuge.
