Why Winter Is Still Termite Season in Texas

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Many homeowners associate termites with spring, especially when winged swarmers begin appearing around windows and doors. While swarm season does bring termites into view, it’s a mistake to assume termites are inactive the rest of the year. In Texas, winter is still termite season — just a quieter one.

Like many insects, termites do not hibernate in Texas. In areas of the US where winters are relatively mild, subterranean termites remain active year-round. They live underground, below the frost line, where temperatures stay stable even when the weather cools.

While surface activity may slow during colder months, termites continue feeding on wood structures below ground and inside homes. This means damage can progress all winter without obvious signs.

Winter conditions tend to hide termite activity rather than stop it. Homeowners are spending more time indoors, but signs like mud tubes, hollow wood, or subtle wall damage are easy to miss when termites aren’t swarming.

Spring swarm season doesn’t mark the start of a termite problem — it usually marks the moment the problem becomes visible. By the time swarmers appear, a colony may have been established and feeding for months or even years.

Termite swarmers are reproductive termites (referred to as "alates") born to leave the established colony to look for a mate and start a new colony. Swarming typically begins in Texas between March and April, depending on moisture and temperature. There will be several swarms from different species of termites in the year leading up to a final "fall" swarm.

Seeing swarmers does not mean termites just arrived. It usually means:

• A mature colony is already present nearby
• Structural damage may already exist
• The infestation has been active long before spring
   

Winter can actually be one of the best times to check for termites. Without the urgency and volume of spring swarm season, inspections can be more proactive and less reactive.

Addressing termite activity before swarm season:

• Helps limit further damage
• Reduces stress when spring arrives
• Allows for more thoughtful treatment decisions
   

In Texas, termites don’t take the winter off. They remain active underground, quietly feeding and expanding colonies while homeowners assume the risk has passed.

Understanding that winter is still termite season helps homeowners stay ahead of problems instead of discovering them at the worst possible time — during spring swarms.

Early awareness is one of the most effective tools for protecting your home year-round.