The humble termite is actually a pretty amazing little powerhouse if you consider it objectively. The sheer scope of what termites can do is kind of incredible. Environmental science actually considers them a beneficial creature (if you can believe that!) because of the role they play in breaking down dead and decaying tough cellulose fibers into new soil. However, none of that will make them a welcome house guest. Termites don’t take any time off – they don’t even sleep – so termite season never really ends.
Winter
Termites don’t hibernate in the winter, though many homeowners assume that they do. They really just go a little deeper into their subterranean homes when the weather gets colder. In colder areas, they will dig down below the frost line where the temperature is more stable. Since it stays temperate all year in Brevard County, pest control service here means keeping a watchful eye on termite activity all winter.
Spring
Spring is usually when termites swarm, looking for mates and new nesting sites. Mature adults called alates will fly into the air where females will release pheromones to attract the males. When two alates become a mated pair, they will break off their wings, select a spot for their new home, mate and become the king and queen of the newly formed colony. In the first year, the queen can only lay up to around 20-some eggs (later she will be producing at a rate of 1 every 15 seconds) so it’s important to discover and eradicate the nest while it’s in this formative stage.
Summer
Termites can swarm into the early summer if the conditions are right. Humidity and temperature have a lot to do with swarming and our year-round warmth means termite control services are needed regardless of the season. The summer is perhaps the termite’s most active season. They will be foraging and building up reserves as well as increasing the size of the colony. However, that doesn’t mean they’re more visible. Termites bore into the wood with small openings and then tunnel through it. You won’t see much on the outside of the wood but if you give it a tap, you’ll hear how hollow termite-damaged wood sounds.
Fall
You might still see the occasional fall termite swarm here in Florida since conditions are so favorable. One species, the light Southern subterranean (R. hageni) is known to favor fall for its mating season. A warmer than normal summer or an early, hot or dry spring can push the mating ritual into a later season for other species as well. Fall is a great time to implement a year-round termite and pest control plan. The insects are still active enough to take baits back to their queen and there is hope to destroy the colony before the next swarm happens.
Termite season is never completely over. Be sure you are protecting your property all year long.