What Happens to Termites in the Fall & Winter?

Termites infest homes in the fall and winter in Atlanta GA - Active Pest Control“Termite season” is, unfortunately, all year long here in Atlanta GA. Many assume that termites go dormant in the fall and winter like some other types of pests, but that’s simply not the case. Termites swarm in the spring, but will still dwell in and infest homes throughout the colder months of the year. They are less likely to be seen, especially since they may tunnel further underground to escape dropping temperatures outside. The bottom line is that termites are able to damage your home 24/7, 365 days a year. This makes it all the more important to know how to look for signs of termites in your property, even in the fall and winter months.

Termite Life Cycle in the Fall & Winter

Queen termites can lay eggs throughout the year, including in the fall. Their reproduction rate makes it easy for the colony to grow without you even noticing it. The more mature a colony is, the more damage can be made to your home. If you have an infestation festering in your property for more than two years, it is very likely to begin to notice the signs of damage, even in the fall or winter.

We can get cold temperatures in the winter time here in Georgia and Tennessee, and termites may burrow deep underground to protect themselves from the cold air. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year. However, it’s still important to keep an eye out for the damage they may be causing.

What are the Signs of Termite Activity?

Termites can go unnoticed in your walls for months before any damage begins to appear, which is one of the reasons why they’re so feared! The following damage manifesting in your property could indicate that you likely have a mature termite infestation on your hands:

  1. Mud tubes
  2. Discarded swarmer wings
  3. Termite frass (feces)
  4. Drywall discoloration
  5. Loose tiles or buckling floors
  6. Bubbling or uneven paint on walls
  7. Holes in drywall
  8. Crumbling wood
  9. Hollow-sounding wood
  10. Sagging sheetrock

Fall Termite Activity in Atlanta

As much as you might wish you didn’t have to worry about termites in the fall and winter, it’s important to stay vigilant about these pests all year long. The termite exterminators at Active Pest Control know how distressing it can be to discover an infestation, which is why we work to prevent them in the first place with our termite treatments. Contact our team today to see how we can keep you termite-free all year long.

Prevent Winter Pests in Your Home

A rodent is one of the many types of winter pests that may invade your GA home in the winter months - Active Pest ControlEveryone knows pests are a problem in the spring and summer months, but what about in the winter? Unfortunately, pests don’t disappear with the colder weather. In fact, many pests will look for ways to enter homes to escape the dropping temperatures, which is why infestations are common in Georgia winters. To protect your property from pest problems in the winter, it’s important to implement pest control and prevention.

Winter Pest Infestations

Certain insects will enter a state of diapause in the winter to wait out the cold months in favor of warmer weather. These include stink bugs, cluster flies, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles. Other pests to be wary of in the winter months include:

  • Rats & mice. House mice and Norway rats in particular are known to squeeze their way indoors during the cold months.
  • Cockroaches. The German cockroach will hitchhike inside in boxes and can spread right under your nose.
  • Spiders. House spiders are typically harmless and can be found in dark, secluded areas of the home.
  • Bed bugs. Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug problems are a threat during the winter.

How to Prevent Winter Pests

To protect your property from winter pests, it’s important to implement preventative measures into your home maintenance routine. This includes thoroughly inspecting your home on a regular basis to locate vulnerabilities. One of the most important measures you can take is to seal cracks and crevices outside your property to keep pests from making their way inside. In addition, you should place screens over vents and chimneys, store firewood away from your property line, promptly fix leaks or broken pipes, and keep a clean home to prevent winter pests.

Is Winter Pest Control Necessary?

Just like you, pests want to escape the cold temperatures during the winter. In their hunt for food and shelter, they may enter your home easier than you want to believe. It’s crucial to implement preventative steps to prevent pests in the winter. Active Pest Control can be trusted to help protect your property from winter pests and other pest problems throughout the entire year. Call our team today to learn more about our winter pest control services!