When Do Termites Cause the Most Damage?

Know their peak activity—and how to stop them before it’s too late.

Termites are often called “silent destroyers” for a reason—they work quietly, behind walls and under floors, often unnoticed until major damage is done. But did you know there are certain times of year when termites are more active—and more destructive?

Understanding their behavior and seasonal patterns can help you catch problems early and protect your home before it’s too late.

When Are Termites Most Active?

While termites can technically work year-round—especially in warmer climates like California—their activity peaks during certain seasons:

🐜 Spring (March to May): Swarming Season

This is when most subterranean termites begin to swarm. Winged reproductive termites leave their colonies to find new nesting spots and form new colonies. If you see flying termites or discarded wings near your windows, it’s a major red flag that a colony is close by—and damage may already be underway.

🌡️ Summer (June to August): Active Feeding and Colony Growth

Once the colony is established, termites become more aggressive in feeding. Warm temperatures and humidity speed up their life cycle and make wood softer and easier to chew through. Summer is prime time for structural damage, especially if infestations go unnoticed.

🍂 Fall (September to November): Silent Work Continues

As the weather cools, termite activity may slow slightly on the surface—but underground and inside your walls, they continue feeding. Fall is when homeowners often assume the problem is gone, even though the colony is still active.

❄️ Winter (December to February): Slower, but Not Gone

In colder climates, termites may go deeper underground and slow their activity. But in insulated homes or warmer regions, they continue to feed throughout winter—just less aggressively. Winter is often when hidden damage quietly grows.

When Do They Cause the Most Damage?

The most severe damage typically happens:

• In late spring through summer, when colonies are expanding and feeding at full force.

• When infestations are left untreated for months or years, allowing colonies to grow large and uncontested.

• In homes with high moisture or wood-to-soil contact, which makes conditions ideal for feeding.
  

How to Protect Your Home from Termite Damage

Being proactive is your best defense. Here's how to stay protected:

✅ Schedule yearly termite inspections—especially before and after peak seasons ✅ Eliminate wood-to-soil contact around your foundation ✅ Fix leaky pipes and reduce moisture buildup in crawl spaces or basements ✅ Keep firewood and mulch away from the home ✅ Act quickly at the first sign of swarming or damage

Don't Wait Until You See Damage

By the time termites leave visible signs, they may have already caused thousands of dollars in structural damage. That’s why early detection and regular inspections matter.

Let the experts protect your home before the damage begins. At Attack Pest Control, we know how termites think—and we know how to stop them. From inspections to treatment and prevention, we’ve got your back.

Book your termite inspection today and enjoy peace of mind year-round.