Can Termites Survive in Cold Weather?

Many people assume that termites die off in the winter, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. While termites are less active in colder months, they don’t just disappear—they find ways to survive, often by burrowing deeper into the ground or seeking shelter inside warm homes. In this blog, we’ll explain how termites handle cold weather, why winter isn’t termite-proof, and what you can do to protect your home year-round.

Where Do Termites Go in The Winter?

Termites don’t disappear in the winter—they simply go deeper underground or seek warmth inside structures. Subterranean termites, the most common type, dig deeper into the soil below the frost line to stay warm. If they’ve already infested a home, they remain active inside walls, floors, and crawl spaces where temperatures are stable. Drywood termites, which don’t rely on soil, continue feeding within wooden structures, unaffected by the cold outside.

Even though termites slow down in winter, they don’t stop causing damage. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant with termite prevention and inspections all year long.

Do Termites Eat Wood in The Winter?

Termites don’t take a break when temperatures drop; they continue eating wood throughout the winter. If they’re inside a heated home or deep underground where it stays warm, they remain active and keep feeding. Subterranean termites may slow down their activity slightly in extreme cold, but drywood termites inside walls or furniture stay just as destructive as ever.

Winter might seem like a time when termite problems go away, but that’s not the case. If termites have already invaded your home, they’ll keep eating year-round unless properly treated.

What Temperature Will Kill Termites? 

Termites can’t survive extreme temperatures for long. Here’s how temperature affects them:

• Below 25°F (-4°C): Termites start to die if exposed for an extended period. However, subterranean termites survive by burrowing deep underground where it's warmer.
• Above 120°F (49°C): High heat can kill termites within minutes, which is why heat treatments are sometimes used for infestations.
• Indoor or underground shelter: Termites avoid extreme temperatures by staying inside wood, soil, or heated structures, allowing them to survive year-round.

While termites are sensitive to temperature extremes, their ability to find shelter makes them a year-round threat.

Can Termites Survive Being Frozen?

Termites cannot survive being completely frozen for an extended period. However, their survival depends on how quickly the temperature drops and whether they can find shelter.

• Short-term freezing: If termites are briefly exposed to freezing temperatures, some may survive, especially if they are inside wood or soil that provides insulation.
• Prolonged freezing: When termites are exposed to temperatures below 25°F (-4°C) for an extended time, they will typically die.
• Subterranean termites' strategy: These termites burrow deep underground, below the frost line, where temperatures remain stable and above freezing.
• Drywood termites' protection: Since they live inside wooden structures, they are often shielded from extreme cold, especially in heated buildings.

While freezing temperatures can kill termites, they are experts at finding shelter, making them a threat even in winter.

Protect Your Home with Petti Pest Control

Termites are a year-round threat, no matter the season. Even in freezing temperatures, they find ways to survive and continue causing damage. That’s why it’s essential to stay proactive with termite prevention and treatment. If you suspect termites in your home or want to protect your property before they become a problem, call our team at Petti Pest Control. We offer expert termite inspections, treatments, and prevention plans in Winchester, Leesburg, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep termites out for good!