How to Keep Termites Away from Your Home This Winter

Termites are often thought of as a year-round threat, but many homeowners in Taylor, AZ may not realize that winter can also be a prime time for these destructive pests. While termites tend to be less visible during the colder months, they are far from inactive. In fact, they may burrow deeper into your home’s foundation to stay warm, causing damage that can go unnoticed until spring. At Neff Exterminating, we understand the dangers that termites pose year-round and offer solutions to help protect your home from termite infestations this winter.

Here’s how you can keep termites away from your home and avoid costly damage throughout the colder months.

Why Termites Are a Threat During Winter

While termites are most active during the warmer months, they don’t simply disappear in winter. In Taylor, AZ, where winters tend to be milder, subterranean termites remain active beneath the ground, feeding on wood and damaging the structure of your home. These termites build elaborate tunnel systems underground to access food, which allows them to continue their destructive habits even when it’s colder outside.

Winter also provides an opportunity for drywood termites, which live inside wood rather than in the ground, to burrow further into your home’s wooden structures. Because termite activity can be more subtle during winter, infestations can go unnoticed, giving these pests time to cause extensive damage before being detected.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Because termite activity may not be as obvious in winter, it’s important to watch for subtle signs of an infestation. Some signs to look out for include:

• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and food source. These can often be found on exterior walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.
• Hollow-sounding wood: If you tap on wood in your home and it sounds hollow, it could indicate termite damage.
• Bubbling or uneven paint: Termites can cause the paint on walls or wood to bubble or peel as they tunnel underneath the surface.
• Frass: Drywood termites leave behind small, wood-colored droppings known as frass. If you notice piles of frass near windowsills or baseboards, it’s a sign of an infestation.
• Discarded wings: When termites swarm, they shed their wings. If you see piles of discarded wings near windows or doors, it could indicate that termites have entered your home.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact Neff Exterminating for a termite inspection and treatment plan.

How to Keep Termites Away from Your Home This Winter

To keep termites from damaging your home during the winter months, it’s important to take preventative steps. Here are some effective strategies to protect your home from termites:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps in Your Foundation

Termites often enter homes through cracks in the foundation, especially subterranean termites that build their colonies underground. Sealing any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation is a key step in preventing termites from gaining access.

How to Seal Cracks:

• Inspect your foundation for cracks or gaps: Walk around the exterior of your home and inspect the foundation for any visible openings.
• Use caulk or concrete sealant to close off any cracks or gaps you find.
• Check for gaps around utility lines and pipes, and seal them with caulk or expanding foam.

By sealing these entry points, you create a strong barrier that keeps termites from entering your home through the foundation.

2. Reduce Moisture Around Your Home

Termites, especially subterranean termites, are attracted to moisture. Ensuring that your home is free from excess moisture can help deter termites from making themselves at home.

How to Reduce Moisture:

• Fix leaky pipes and faucets: Check your plumbing for any leaks and make sure faucets aren’t dripping.
• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly: Blocked gutters can cause water to pool near your home’s foundation, creating a moist environment that attracts termites.
• Ensure proper drainage around your home: Make sure water is directed away from your foundation and that there is no standing water near your home.
• Use dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture, such as basements and crawl spaces.

Reducing moisture around your home will help make it less attractive to termites looking for a food source and a place to nest.

3. Remove Wood and Debris from Around Your Home

Termites are drawn to wood, so it’s important to keep any wood piles or debris away from your home’s foundation. This includes firewood, mulch, and construction debris, all of which can provide termites with an easy food source close to your home.

How to Manage Wood and Debris:

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home: Keep firewood off the ground and away from your foundation to prevent termites from using it as a bridge to your home.
• Avoid using wood mulch near your foundation: Instead, opt for gravel or rubber mulch, which doesn’t attract termites.
• Remove any dead trees, stumps, or construction debris: These can provide termites with an easy food source and encourage them to move closer to your home.

By keeping wood and debris away from your home, you reduce the chances of attracting termites to your property.

4. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

Even with preventative measures in place, the best way to protect your home from termites is by scheduling a professional termite inspection. A termite expert can detect early signs of an infestation and recommend treatment options to eliminate the problem before it gets worse.

Benefits of a Professional Termite Inspection:

• Early detection of termite activity, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment.
• Customized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of your home.
• Peace of mind knowing your home is protected from termite damage throughout the winter.

At Neff Exterminating, we offer comprehensive termite inspections and treatments designed to keep your home safe from termites year-round. Schedule your winter termite inspection today by contacting us here.

Taylor, Arizona Pest Control

While termites may not be as visible during the winter, they remain a serious threat to your home. By sealing cracks in your foundation, reducing moisture, keeping wood and debris away from your home, and scheduling a professional termite inspection, you can protect your home from costly termite damage this winter.

Don’t wait for termites to cause serious damage to your home—contact Neff Exterminating today to request a termite inspection and keep your home safe all season long. Click here to get started.

For more information on our services or to schedule an inspection, visit our website or call us at (928) 536-6862. Let us help you protect your home from termites this winter!