Melbourne winters can leave us imagining that termites might just switch into hibernation mode. Property owners often think they can relax during winter, with some thinking cooler temperatures might even kill termites off completely.
The short answer is no. Despite the lower temperatures, termites in Melbourne remain active throughout winter and do not die off. Visible signs of termites may die down over winter however colonies will often remain active feeding behind walls, under floors and within structural timber.The best way to detect hidden termite activity before significant damage occurs is to have a professional termite inspection. Get your inspection booked with Specialist Termite Control today and beat the termites to it.
Instead, they adapt their behaviour to survive. Having dealt with Melbourne homes for over 30 years, Specialist Termite Control knows subterranean termites will continue their feeding behind walls and under floors through winter, benefiting from the stable underground temperatures compared to those above.
By learning how termites survive Melbourne winters, you can prevent costly damage from springing up.
Table of Contents
- Do Termites Die in the Cold?
- What Do Termites Do During Winter?
- Termite Species and Winter Behaviour in Melbourne
- Why Melbourne Homes Are Still at Risk During Winter
- What Temperature Kills Termites?
- Why Winter Is Actually a Great Time for a Termite Inspection
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Cold Weather Doesn’t Stop Termites: Protect Your Home All Year Round
Do Termites Die in the Cold?
Termites do not die or go into hibernation when it gets cold. While termites may be less active in cooler weather conditions, they have found ways to survive during seasonal changes. Many people incorrectly assume termites hibernate through the winter, but they don’t.
Because termites are cold-blooded, like reptiles, their activity is dependent on the temperature of their environment. Rather than staying out in the cold, termites are attracted to your home to seek refuge in protected areas where temperatures don’t fluctuate as much. In Melbourne, termites usually burrow further underground and stay within existing tunnels or feed inside people’s homes and other buildings.
Subterranean termites can continue to inflict damage to your home’s structure throughout winter without ever being detected.
What Do Termites Do During Winter?
Winter doesn’t kill termites, it just alters where they’re likely to be found. Subterranean termites need moisture and relatively consistent temperatures to survive, so as temperatures drop you’ll notice they tend to do one of two things.
They move deeper underground
Temperatures underground are much less variable than those above ground. Even if Melbourne has cold mornings and frost on the ground overnight, underground soil temperature insulates termites against large swings in temperature.
Termite Problems Australia indicates that these nests inherently manage their own temperatures, generally staying between 10°C and 35°C. They often change by less than one degree throughout the day.
They continue feeding inside buildings
The only problem with termites seeking shelter indoors is that, if they’ve already made it inside your home, winter can be a picnic.
Wall cavities, roof spaces, subfloors and timber framing will offer termites warmth, shelter and a never-ending supply of food. As they’re protected from the elements, termites can keep feeding undetected all winter long.
Termite Species and Winter Behaviour in Melbourne
There are many different species of termites, but those responsible for the majority of structural damage throughout Melbourne are well adapted to cold weather.
Coptotermes acinaciformis
This is by far the most damaging species of termite in Melbourne, being the species most likely to damage your home.
Coptotermes nest underground, usually with mud tunnels leading into the building they are infesting. During winter, worker termites simply continue foraging back and forth between the nest and any accessible timber underground, sheltered from the cold.
Nasutitermes
Less common in Melbourne than in warmer climates found further north, Nasutitermes can still make an appearance if the conditions are right. They too, use sheltered nests rather than venturing out in winter weather.
Porotermes
Porotermes termites tend to prefer wetter timber and wood which is already in decay. Although they aren’t responsible for as much damage as subterranean species, porotermes can become active wherever moisture collects over winter and untreated timber remains damp.
Regardless of the species, Melbourne’s winter temperatures are rarely cold enough to threaten an established colony.
Why Melbourne Homes Are Still at Risk During Winter
Melbourne experiences rainfall throughout winter, which can saturate soil around properties. As our soils tend to be clay-dominant, they hold onto moisture for extended periods. High levels of moisture in the soil allow termites to travel underground with less risk of desiccation as they forage further afield for food.
Structures can also provide all the elements that termites need to thrive throughout winter. Properties exposed to the elements often have timber framing, leaky plumbing, damp subfloors, poorly ventilated crawl spaces and garden beds or mulch right up against external walls. These protected areas in your house are the most active and allow termites to feed undisturbed, out of sight.
If termite activity slows during winter or goes unnoticed, problems can develop for months before you discover signs of termites in your home. This is why winter termite treatments are so important in order to protect your property from damage before the activity becomes more evident.
If you’re concerned about termite activity in your Melbourne home this winter, don’t wait until you notice damage. Book a professional termite inspection with Specialist Termite Control on 1300 695 949.
What Temperature Kills Termites?
Temperature preferences of termites vary from species to species. However, termites are most active at around 24° C and exposure to temperatures below -4° C for extended periods of time can be deadly. As you may have guessed, very hot temperatures from 49° C and above will kill termites.
These temperatures only prove lethal to termites if they’re directly exposed. Colonies with well-established nests deep underground are insulated from wild temperature fluctuations. Termites found indoors can hide behind timber framing, wall cavities and inside subfloor areas where temperatures don’t fluctuate as wildly.
Here in Melbourne, we very rarely get extremes of temperatures cold enough to kill termites. Winter days often range between 6 °C and 14 °C. While this might slow down termites from above ground it will not kill colonies located safely underground or inside your home. This is another reason why you should have your home inspected in the winter months.
Why Winter Is Actually a Great Time for a Termite Inspection
When spring arrives, many homeowners decide it’s time to organise a termite inspection. However winter is one of the best times to inspect your property. During the winter months, subterranean termite activity may not be as obvious as the damage in the summer months, but don’t be fooled. Colonies will still be active throughout winter and are often in homes seeking warmer conditions.
You can also identify potential problem areas with moisture around your property during the winter, including damp sub-floors, bad drains or timber that may be susceptible to attack come spring. Fixing any issues before warmer weather sets in will help decrease the chances of termites becoming more active on your property during spring and summer.
At Specialist Termite Control, our team has over 30 years of combined experience protecting homes throughout Melbourne. We know how Melbourne’s termite species act at all times of the year. Termite inspections will allow us to find early signs of activity and prevent small problems from becoming serious and costly structural damage.
If termites are found on your property, we can discuss the most appropriate solution for your home. This can include targeted termite treatments, termite chemical barriers and even ongoing protection plans which are all designed to help keep your home safe from termites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do termites die in the cold in Australia?
No. Termite species found in Australia won’t die off just because it’s winter. During cold weather, termites keep active underground or inside houses where it is warmer.
Are termites active in Melbourne during winter?
Yes. Though you’re unlikely to see termites above ground, colonies will still be feeding throughout winter inside houses, underground nests and sheltered timber.
What temperature kills termites?
Prolonged exposure to temperatures below roughly -4°c or above 49°c will kill termites. However, your local termite colony is probably safe inside their nest or a building.
Can termites survive inside my walls during winter?
Yes. Inside wall cavities termites will have access to warmth, shelter from the cold and tasty timber feeds. Termites can remain active all year round inside wall cavities.
Is winter a good time for a termite inspection in Melbourne?
Definitely. Scheduling a termite inspection during winter will help find any active termites before Spring. The earlier you can locate termites, the better chance you have of minimising damage.
How do I know if I have termites during winter?
Signs of termite activity include mud tubes, hollow-sounding timber, blistering paint, moisture stains or timber that sounds ‘hollow’ when tapped. If you’re unsure, have your home inspected by a professional termite technician.
Cold Weather Doesn’t Stop Termites: Protect Your Home All Year Round
The assumption that termites go away during winter could not be further from the truth. While cold weather will not kill a termite colony that has already become established and it most certainly will not stop termites from feeding inside Melbourne homes and buildings. What happens is that termites will move into concealed areas where they will continue to do damage unseen.
If it has been over 12 months since your last termite inspection or if you have noticed any signs of moisture or timber damage, then winter is a great time to organise a professional termite inspection of your property.
Get in touch with Specialist Termite Control today for professional advice and a thorough termite inspection before the small things turn into big repairs.
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