Fall & Winter Termite Activity

Here in Puerto Rico, we are accustomed to dealing with certain pests all year long. Termites are one of the most destructive pests and, unfortunately, they are active all year long. Many make the mistake of thinking that these pests are only active in the spring and summer, but this is because they’re often seen swarming. A termite colony can infest and continue to chew its way through a structure in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Due to this fact, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about termite prevention all year long. The team at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating is here to help.

Do Termites Go Dormant in the Fall?

Unlike other pests, termites do not go dormant in the colder parts of the year. In fact, they remain as active as ever in the fall and winter. The queens lay eggs year-round and at a steady rate. This means that termite colonies will not only stay active but continue to grow during the fall and winter. Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to four-year-old colony can cause damage in your property any time of the year.

This being said, termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year. However, you can certainly still notice any damage caused by a termite infestation.

Signs of Termite Infestations

If you start to notice termite damage, you likely have a termite infestation on your hands. In the fall, winter, and all other seasons, it’s important to look for the following signs of termite damage in your property:

• Ceiling/wall discoloration
• Termite frass (feces)
• Sagging sheetrock
• Buckling floors
• Loose tiles
• Bubbled floors
• Holes in drywall
• Crumbling wood
• Hollow windows and/or doors
• Shed swarmer wings

How to Get Rid of Termites in the Fall

The best form of termite control is regular preventative maintenance. At Rentokil, our goal is to stop a termite problem before it starts. We have a number of termite treatment options to keep you protected from termites in the fall and all year long. Contact our termite exterminators today to learn more!