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Termites are active in 49 of the 50 states in the U.S. Only Alaska doesn’t deal with termites, and we bet you can guess why. It’s too cold! That might sound like good news for us here in Middle Tennessee. Of course, it doesn’t get as cold here as it does in Alaska, but doesn’t it track that termites would also die off, or at least slow down, when it gets cold in Nashville, too? If you’ve been wondering if you need to worry about termites in the winter in Nashville, All-American Pest Control has the answers you’ve been looking for.
Where Do Termites Go When It Gets Cold?
Termites in Nashville don’t die off in the winter. Although they slow down when the temperature gets below 50 degrees, they have several options to help them survive. When it starts to get colder outside in late fall and winter, subterranean termites simply move deeper underground. They can retreat three to four feet underground to maintain access to the warmer environment that is available below the frost line.
This survival strategy allows termites to remain active in the winter. Although they won’t be as active as they are during the hot summer months, they will remain close to your home's foundation so they can continue feeding undetected through winter.
Can Termites Still Damage My Nashville Home in January?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is; termites can damage your house all 12 months of the year. Even though their activity is slower in the winter, they will continue to feed on the wooden structures inside your house, causing gradual damage over time. If termites get into your house, you can expect an ongoing risk of damage to wooden framing, support beams, and subflooring.
It can be difficult to detect an infestation in the winter due to termites’ hidden activity, but you can be certain that your Nashville home provides the warmth and food resources that termite colonies need to thrive, even in the middle of winter.
What Are the Signs of a Termite Problem During Winter?
Termites are difficult to detect because they stay out of sight. Only swarmer termites come out in the open, and they usually only do so in spring when it’s time to mate. To identify a termite infestation, you have to know what subtle signs to look for. Signs of a termite problem in the middle of winter include:
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Finding mud tubes along foundation walls or in crawlspaces. These are about the width of a pencil and made out of soil, termite saliva, and wood particles.
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Seeing discarded wings from previous swarms. This is an often-overlooked sign of an extensive problem.
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Soft or hollow-sounding wood. Knock on exposed beams to check them.
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Paint or wallpaper that bubbles or peels unexpectedly.
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Visible cracks near baseboards or door frames.
Why Are Nashville Homes Especially Vulnerable in Winter?
Nashville winters lend themselves to termite infestations. On mild days, termites may increase their activity, increasing the likelihood of them ending up in your house. Many Nashville homes have wood-framed basements, making them the ideal location for termites to first access your house. Furthermore, your heated home creates artificial warmth that termites can exploit inside wall voids and under floors.
How Can You Protect Your Home from Winter Termites?
Because termites cause so much damage to structural elements of your house when they get inside, and because they’re so difficult to detect, it’s best to prevent an infestation before it begins. There are several DIY steps you can take to protect your home from winter termites:
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Schedule winter inspections to detect silent activity.
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Seal entry points around utility lines, foundation gaps, and vents.
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Keep wood and mulch at least 18 inches from your home’s foundation.
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Fix moisture issues that make your home more attractive to termites.
It’s best to address potential termite issues in the winter instead of waiting until spring. Since spring is the primary mating season for termites, winter termite control allows you to get ahead of issues before they develop and grow.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Homeowners often think of winter as a time off from termites and pest control in general, but the truth is that it’s a critical window for early detection. We recommend contacting a professional if:
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You currently have no termite control plan in place.
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You want to get your home thoroughly inspected to identify issues in their early stages.
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You’ve noticed signs of a termite infestation.
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You want advice about how to protect your house from termites.
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You need your current termite control system maintained.
Give All-American Pest Control a call for any of the situations above and we’ll go over your options to help you choose what’s best for you and your home.
Don’t Let Termites Hibernate Inside Your Home: Contact All-American Today
Termite activity may shift in the winter, but it never truly stops. By staying vigilant through the winter, you can avoid long-term damage and costly repairs for your Nashville home through the spring and beyond. Get in touch with All-American Pest Control to schedule a termite inspection today.
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, College Grove, Grassland, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing, Bent Creek, Bridgemore Village, Kings’ Chapel, Downtown Franklin, The Highlands at Ladd Park, Berry Farms, Polk Place, Rebel Meadows, River Landing, Rogershire, Shadow Green, Simmons Ridge, Southall Heights, Fernvale, Fountain Heights, Ehtridge, Lawrenceburg, Thompson Station, Santa Fe, and the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.