Why Doesn’t Winter Stop Termites?
Not all insects will die off when winter strikes. Termites are a colony and they continue to work and reproduce as long as their lives allow them to. Because they continuously function, they don’t slow down or need to overwinter in their nests. This is also true because termites will live in areas that protect them from snow and frost. Unlike other insects, they don’t have any kind of biological clock that says, “Winter is coming – shut down.”
In addition to all of this, winters in Florida are milder than they are in other locations where some termites might die off due to colder temperatures. The warmer Florida winters are ideal for termites to continue to live, eat, and expand their nest.
Will I See Termites?
Chances are you aren’t likely to see any termites unless they have created a nest in a location that requires them to enter and exit in a place that might be visible to you. Generally termites like to keep to a safe location, so you aren’t likely to find them out in the open. Termites aren’t like ants so they aren’t going to march into your kitchen and raid your sugar bowl. This is why it is important to get regular termite checks to make sure that a new colony hasn’t tried to gain a foothold in your house.
Termites like to build their colonies in houses because of the abundance of dead wood, the warmth the house can provide, and the potential of being near a water or additional food source. It is important for you to learn about what will attract termites to your home and entice them to stay. Once these issues are addressed, you are much less likely to get a termite problem.
Are Florida Termites Different from Other Termites?
Not necessarily. There are varying types of termites out there, but most of them will act and function in a similar manner. They will swarm during spring and fall, so if you do notice a lot of flying insects rising from the ground during those times, you should be wary and request a termite check on your home to make sure none of them decided your home was a suitable place for a new colony.
Always contact professionals for the best results. A pest control company like Slug-A-Bug, that deals with termites on a regular basis will know precisely what to look for, how to deal with the termites, and be able to instruct you on how to avoid termites in the future.