Seasonal Activity for Termites

The winter season here in Pakistan is pretty severe this year. We have experienced a drop in sales for pest fumigation services. It is the same for any other company or person in this field? Do termites hibernate?

I have done a bit of research on this subject. The only reference I found in The United States Department of Agriculture’s ‘Home & Garden Bulletin 64‘ about Subterranean Termites that after the arrival of spring, a large colony results in migration of some proportion of winged termites, in order to start a new colony. This may occur at during the first few warm days of spring, but in case of warm / heated basements, this can also occur during the winters. There is nothing specific about termites remaining inactive during winters.

Orkin is a leading Pest Control Service company and loads of information about pest control on their website. They state on their website that there is change in their daily routine. Specifically termites tend to dig deeper into the soil to avoid cold weather. Food sources which are closer to the surface are abandoned. Termites inside home can also be located which have already found shelter and food in the foundations and walls. These do not retreat back. You can visit their website for loads of more information.
https://www.orkin.com/termites/season/termites-in-winter/

In Seasonal and Daily Patterns in Activity of the Western Drywood Termite, researchers have concluded after performing a number of experiments that activity of subterranean termites is the highest during the summer and decreases relatively in winter seasons. They have also recorded termite activity during different times of day. Termite activity is slow during the morning and evenings and the highest during the late afternoons, when temperatures are high.

I will add to this topic in due time.

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