When is Termite Season in Arizona?

Unlike some other insects that are only active during a certain part of the year, termites are a problem no matter the season. They don’t sleep or hibernate, and while they may slow down when the weather is very cold, they rarely stop working completely. Since Arizona has fairly warm weather all year long, termites are a constant threat to local homes and businesses.

Termites grouped by a pipe outside of a building - don't let termites in with SOS Exterminating serving Phoenix Metro & Northern Arizona

Do Termites Prefer Warm Weather?

Many people assume that termites are only a springtime pest because that’s when reproductives leave the colony to mate. You’re most likely to see live termites on a warm afternoon after rainfall, especially if there isn’t any wind. If you discover swarming termites, it’s important to call a pest control professional to stop these pests before they can establish a new colony on your property.

While it’s true that termites thrive in warmer temperatures ranging from 70 to 100° F, they don’t die off or hibernate if the weather gets colder. Termites can survive fall or winter by burrowing into the soil. If they access a warmed house, they can stay just as active in the colder months as they are in the summer.

How Do Termites Survive the Winter?

To survive cold temperatures, termites have to alter their behaviors. They use a few different tactics to stay alive all winter long:

  • Burrowing deep: When the weather starts to change in the fall, termites will look for wood or soil that they can easily burrow into. When temperature drops really low, the termites will dig deeper to stay warm.
  • Invading our homes: Our homes usually have everything a termite needs – and they’re warm. If a colony establishes itself indoors, it may not need to alter its behavior at all to survive freezing temperatures.
  • Staying hidden: It’s fairly rare to see termites between December and February, even during a mild winter. However, that doesn’t mean these pests have stopped tunneling through wood and reproducing.

Are Termites Seasonal?

Unfortunately, termites are a big problem no matter the season here in Arizona. While you’re most likely to see them in the spring and summer while they swarm and reproduce, these pests can damage your home all year long. Since termites are a constant threat, we recommend investing in ongoing termite control services from a licensed pest control company. At , we can help with everything from one-time termite inspections to long-term monitoring and protection.