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Termite Season

What Time of Year Do Termites Appear and for How Long?

Many people think prime termite season is when termites appear in swarms. However, termites that have infested a house can cause damage at any time, regardless of the weather or presence of warning signs like swarms.

Most species of subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day with calm winds after a rainfall. Drywood termites and one particular species of subterranean termite (R. hageni) typically swarm during the late summer or fall months, from August through November.

Since most species of subterranean termites swarm in the spring and summer (and subterranean termite swarms are much bigger than drywood swarms), this time frame is when homeowners are more likely to notice signs of an infestation.

Pile of termite swarmers:
photo of swarmers

How Long is Termite Season?
Since termites are active year round, there is no set length or peak to termite season. In cooler climates, termites may be less active during the winter. However, a home's warmth and consistent temperatures can provide enough protection to keep termites comfortable and warm at any time.

Are Termites Active in the Winter?

Regardless of the temperature, termites can survive the winter in most states other than the furthest northern states. They go deeper into the soil in nature and if they are infesting a house, the outside temperature is irrelevant.

When Do Termites Appear?

Most people think of termite season as the Spring, when the most common subterranean termites swarm or send out reproductives. True, that calls attention to termites but termite colonies are active eating wood year round and 24/7.

When Does Termite Season Start?

There is no set termite season. Most termites are active year around, but the "season" is usually when homeowners see swarmers thus the start of the season. This can vary from species to species but most think of Spring as the start.

When is Most Termite Damage Done?

New termite colonies usually must build up a population of workers or the termites that consume wood before real damage can occur. This can take a year or up to a few years depending on the species. After that, damage can occur quickly.