The winter termite myth.
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about termites is that they hibernate or die off during winter. This false sense of security leads many homeowners to postpone inspections and treatments until spring—a decision that could cost thousands in preventable damage.
The truth? Subterranean termites remain active year-round in our region. While surface activity may decrease during colder periods, these persistent pests simply move deeper into the soil where temperatures remain stable. From these protected depths, they can continue to access and damage your home’s foundation and structural elements.
Why termites love our regional winters.
Our climate in Eastern NC and Tidewater VA creates ideal conditions for year-round termite activity for several reasons:
- Mild winter temperatures rarely drop low enough or stay cold enough to significantly impact termite colonies.
- High moisture levels from winter precipitation provide termites the humidity they need to thrive.
- Heated homes create warm zones in the soil around foundations that allow termites to remain active even during cold snaps.
These factors combine to make our region particularly vulnerable to winter termite damage, with colonies continuing to feed, grow and expand their territory throughout the season.
Winter: the hidden damage season.
While you’re celebrating the holidays, termites could be silently feasting on your home. Here’s why winter termite damage can be especially problematic:
- Reduced outdoor activity means homeowners are less likely to notice exterior signs of infestation.
- Holiday decorations and storage boxes can conceal evidence of termite presence in attics, basements and crawl spaces.
- Lower humidity indoors from heating systems can mask mud tubes and other moisture-related termite indicators.
- Damage progresses undetected until spring, when the colony may already be well-established.
By the time swarm season arrives in spring, a colony that’s been active all winter could have already caused significant structural damage to your home.
Signs to watch for this winter.
Despite their stealthy nature, vigilant homeowners can still spot winter termite activity by knowing what to look for:
- Mud tubes along interior foundation walls, particularly near heating sources
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped, especially around baseboards and window frames
- Tight-fitting doors or windows that suddenly stick
- Bubbling or peeling paint that resembles water damage
- Tiny piles of frass (termite droppings) that look like sawdust
- Discarded wings near light sources, even in winter (some species may swarm indoors during winter months)
Finding any of these indicators warrants an immediate professional inspection, regardless of the season.
Why winter is actually the perfect time for termite protection.
Contrary to popular belief, winter can be an ideal time to address termite concerns:
- Technicians can more easily access areas often blocked by landscaping during growing seasons.
- Treatment before spring swarm season prevents new colonies from establishing in your home.
- Winter inspections often reveal hidden problems while they’re still manageable.
- Preventative treatments have time to create a complete barrier before peak termite season.
- Peace of mind throughout the holidays and beyond is the gift that keeps giving all year.
The year-round protection plan.
Smart homeowners recognize that effective termite control isn’t a one-time event but a continuous process. Terminix’s comprehensive protection plans provide the ongoing vigilance your home deserves:
- Regular inspections by certified technicians trained to spot the earliest signs of activity
- Customized treatment protocols tailored to your specific property and the regional termite species
- Preventative measures that stop infestations before they start
- Documentation of protection that can be valuable during real estate transactions
- The security of knowing your largest investment is defended against these destructive pests
Don’t wait until spring swarms appear.
The worst time to discover you have termites is when you see swarmers in your home—by then, the colony has likely been established for years and damage may be extensive. Winter protection provides the proactive approach that truly saves homes.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of termite peace of mind. Contact our team at 800-BUGS-911 or fill out a quick contact form to schedule a winter termite inspection and learn about our year-round protection plans. When pests show up, so do we—even in the middle of winter.