Termites: Phoenix’s infamous winter pest packs a bite

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona. In the winter, the weather is gorgeous. Summer pests like roaches and bark scorpions are gone or are in hiding. Sounds like a pest-free paradise, but there’s one pest that it hard at work inside your home this winter: the termite, Phoenix’s infamous winter pest.

Termites in the winter

For those new to the Valley, the concept of having to deal with termites in December might seem ludicrous. After all, in most parts of the country, termites are a summer problem. Let’s review why that’s not the case in Phoenix:

What does “winter pest” mean?

Like most insects, termites are actually a bit more active in warmer weather, and are susceptible to colder temperatures. In most of the country, that means that termites are active in the late spring, summer, and early fall, and then start to slow down with the coming of freezing nights and snow.

We have neither of those things here in Phoenix, and our wintertime temperatures present termites with a tremendous advantage: not only can they still work throughout the summer, but our wintertime highs are perfect for them.

You need to keep an eye out for termites and termite problems all year. But, we call termites a “winter pest” because they’re still active, even when other pests are gone. Your home needs protection, January through January.

How can termites remain so active in the winter?

Our daytime highs in the winter are nice, and our nighttime lows rarely drop below freezing. That’s great termite weather. Even on the nights where things get a little cold, already-established termites in your home are riding out the weather inside of an insulated, warmed space, such as your interior walls or your attic.

Unlike bark scorpions—who partially hibernate because their prey is gone or inactive—termites don’t rely on other insects for food. Their food supply is there when they want it, in the form of your home’s structure and wood beams.

What is the best way to deal with termites?

You need to keep an eye out for the signs of a termite infestation. If you even remotely suspect you have termites, you should give our team a call for a free inspection and let us know what you’ve found. Our technician can look in all kinds of places for evidence of termites.

Beyond our professional assistance, there are things you can do to make your home less friendly to termites. Termites are attracted to wood that is at ground level, and that can include firewood—popular here in Phoenix during the winter. Try to keep wood inside your home, and away from inside spaces. Use wood regularly to prevent outdoor exposure.

Call KY-KO for your free termite inspection

Give yourself an early holiday present: the peace of mind that comes with knowing the truth about termites in your home this winter. If you have termites, dealing with them effectively and early can save you a lot of headache later on. If you don’t have termites, our technician can walk you through steps on how to watch out for signs of them.

To get started, contact KY-KO to schedule your free termite inspection. You’ll be glad you did. Termites are not a winter pest to be trifled with.