Many homeowners think of termites as a spring problem because that’s when swarmers appear — winged termites emerging to start new colonies. But the truth is that termites are active 365 days a year in the Bay Area, and the structural damage they cause happens continuously, not seasonally.
Why Bay Area Termites Don’t Rest
The Bay Area’s mild climate is one of the main reasons our region has such significant termite pressure. Unlike areas with harsh winters where termite activity slows substantially, Northern California’s temperatures rarely drop low enough to significantly reduce colony activity. Subterranean termite colonies in our area remain active and feeding throughout the year.
Rainy winters actually increase activity because moisture-loving subterranean termites benefit from increased soil moisture and expanded foraging opportunities. Warm, dry summers drive termites deeper and more aggressively into wood as they seek moisture. There is no “off season.”
The Cost of Waiting
Termite damage is cumulative. A colony that has been active for 3 years has caused 3 years worth of structural damage before it’s discovered. The sooner an infestation is identified and treated, the less damage occurs and the lower the repair costs.
Year-Round Protection Options
ATCO offers several options for ongoing termite protection:
- Annual inspections for high-risk properties (older homes, crawlspace foundations, prior termite history)
- Biennial inspections for lower-risk properties
- Termite baiting systems that provide continuous monitoring and control
- Liquid soil treatments that create a protective barrier
Don’t wait until you see swarmers. Contact ATCO for a thorough termite inspection and a protection plan year-round.