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When is Termite Season in East Tennessee?

Unlike some seasonal pests, termites are a year-round pest problem in Eastern Tennessee. However, because reproductive termites tend to swarm and build new colonies in the spring, many people tend to believe termite season is limited to the warmer months. 

Regrettably, termites have a life cycle that allows them to be more or less active throughout the entire year, making them a threat to homes year-round. Even if you don’t detect swarming termites in the spring or summer, they are still active in the fall and winter, feeding and reproducing. This makes termites one of the few pests that are active all year long in Eastern Tennessee.

A cluster of termites around a pipe outside a building - keep termites away from your property with Johnson Pest Control in TN

What Weather Do Termites Prefer?

Termites cannot survive in freezing temperatures and generally prefer daytime temperatures between 70 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Subterranean termites thrive in wet climates which makes Eastern Tennessee’s humid weather an ideal environment for termites. Termites typically swarm on warm afternoons with calm winds after rainfall, making spring and summer in Eastern Tennessee their perfect swarming environment. 

Where Do Termites Go in the Winter?

Termites remain active throughout the winter months, even in the cold weather:

  1. When temperatures dip in fall, termites will burrow in wood or build underground tunnels in soil locations to protect themselves from colder weather.
  2. To avoid freezing temperatures, they will dig deeper into the soil, although the cellulose-rich interior of your home has everything termites need to survive through the winter months.
  3. The queen termite can continue to produce and lay eggs on mild days, even during the winter.
  4. Even though swarmers are not typically seen between December and February, termites are still actively reproducing and tunneling through wood.

Are Termites More Dangerous in the Spring and Summer?

Termites pose a year-round threat to property owners in Sevierville. Visible termites are seen during the spring and summer as they take flight to reproduce, however, they can infest and feed on wood in or around your home at any time of year. Considering that termite activity can take place for years without being detected, it is suggested to perform routine inspections on your property year-round in order to uncover an infestation before it starts.

Termites can cause a lot of damage so if you notice termites or signs of termites, contact your local termite exterminators right away!

When is termite season in Eastern Tennessee? in Sevierville TN

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