There is no denying that winter is here in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Whether you realize it or not, while we cozy up indoors, so do many pests and rodents. Just because it is winter and we may not see as many pests and insects as we did in the warmer months of the year, doesn’t mean they have all just gone away. There are still pests and rodents to watch for in the winter months in Ohio and Michigan. Termites are one pest that are often not seen and discovered later when a person notices damage to their home or business. Should you keep your eyes peeled for signs of termites in the colder months of the year? How active are termites in the winter?
What are Termites?
While there are different types of termites throughout the country, subterranean termites are the only known type of termite to be found in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Subterranean termites can cause the most damage of any termite species.
Termites are small insects that live in colonies and have distinct castes (eusocial) and feed on wood or other dead plant matter. Reticulitermes flavipes, the eastern subterranean termite, is the most common termite found in North America. These termites are the most economically important wood destroying insects in the United States and are classified as pests.
Subterranean termites build distinctive tunnels, often referred to as “mud tubes,” to reach food sources and protect themselves from open air. They eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Over time, subterranean termites can critically damage a building structure, sometimes causing a total collapse.
How Active are Termites in the Winter?
Being as these pests are extremely destructive and often go unnoticed until damage is already done, you likely want to keep them out of your home or business this winter and beyond. So, how active are termites in the winter? Are they even something you need to worry about during this time of the year?
When the cooler temperatures are present in Ohio and Michigan, termites tend to migrate to homes and businesses to stay warm. During the winter, to guard themselves against the freezing weather, termites will dig deeper tunnels into houses and businesses. In the winter, they become even more active burrowing into wood and foundations of homes and businesses, to get out of the cold temperatures.
The heat of a structure may lead these pests to dig in further so they are not affected by the cold. Your home is the perfect winter getaway for termites because they get wood, water, and warmth.
What Are Some Signs of Termites?
Now that we know that termites are still active in the winter, you likely want to know if you have any in your home or business. You should keep your eyes peeled for signs of termites all year long. These include:
- Crumbling or damaged wood
- Stuck windows or doors (structural damage or warping)
- Damage under paint or wallpaper (bubbling, peeling, discoloring, etc.)
- Termite wings (these are left behind when they are active)
- Mud tubes or tunnels (outside or inside your home)
- Unexplained sawdust
- Seeing a termite (if there is one, there are more)
Like we said, most people don’t even know they have a termite problem until they go to take down a wall or remodel and notice they have or have had these pests in their home or business.
Insect Pest Control in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan
Delving Pest Control is here for all of your insect pest control needs all year round.
We offer a range of discreet home pest control services to help you achieve the results you’re after. From creepy-crawly critters, to stinging bees and wasps, to rodents, or even if you have no idea what is making you itch, Delving is here. Not sure what you need, or what it costs? Contact us and we can come out and we can explain what services are right for you and tell you more about our costs for services.
