Are Termites Active During Winter in Boise & the Treasure Valley?
Many homeowners assume that once temperatures drop, termite activity stops. Unfortunately, that’s not how termites work. In Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and across the Treasure Valley, termites can remain a threat year-round—especially subterranean termites that live in soil and stay protected from surface cold.
Even when it’s freezing outside, termites may continue feeding in hidden areas like crawlspaces, basements, sill plates, or any wood that stays damp or protected. Knowing what to look for in winter can help you catch a problem early—before structural damage spreads.
Do Termites Die in Cold Winter Weather?
Termites are cold-blooded insects, so cold weather slows them down. But “slow down” doesn’t mean “gone.” Subterranean termites survive winter by staying where temperatures are more stable—often deeper in the soil or close to heated foundations and slabs. That’s why winter is not a guaranteed break from termite risk.
If a colony is already established near a structure, the soil around foundations and the protected voids under/inside buildings can remain warm enough for continued activity.
Signs of Termites in Winter
You typically won’t see big swarms in winter. If termites are active during colder months, it usually means the colony was already established before temperatures dropped. Watch for these signs:
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or wood that feels soft/weak in the same spot repeatedly
- Blistered or bubbled paint that looks like moisture damage (especially near baseboards or window trim)
- Mud tubes on foundations, basement walls, crawlspace piers, or garage stem walls
- Fine soil or grit near cracks, seams, or sill plates (often near where tubes connect)
- Old discarded wings near windowsills or thresholds (leftover from earlier swarming seasons)
Tip for Treasure Valley homes: Crawlspaces and any area with moisture (leaks, poor drainage, clogged gutters, snow melt draining toward the foundation) increase risk and can make winter activity more likely.
Why Winter Termite Problems Get Missed
Winter termite damage is easy to overlook because:
- Termites work inside wood, so damage can be hidden
- Homeowners expect pests to “die off” in cold weather
- Moisture issues (leaks/condensation) are common during winter and can disguise termite-related symptoms
If you’re seeing repeated “moisture” symptoms in the same area, it’s worth ruling out termites—especially if the home has a crawlspace or older wood-to-soil contact points.
How to Reduce Termite Risk During Winter
Winter prevention is mostly about moisture control and access control. Focus on:
- Repair leaks (pipes, hose bibs, water heaters, crawlspace plumbing, irrigation shutoffs)
- Keep gutters and downspouts flowing and direct water away from the foundation
- Reduce wood-to-soil contact (don’t let soil, mulch, or debris touch siding/trim)
- Trim vegetation back so it doesn’t trap moisture against the home
- Store firewood away from the house and keep it elevated
Winter is not a break from termite risk. Because activity can continue out of sight, early detection and prevention remain critical for protecting your home year-round.
Related pages: Termite Control | Pest Resources | Contact Us