Why Termites Are Still A Threat In Scranton PA
When you think of termites, you probably think of warm weather. But these destructive pests don’t pack up and leave when the leaves fall. In fact, termites in Scranton remain a year-round threat, and November is no exception. Just because it’s getting colder doesn’t mean your home is safe from damage.
In today’s post, we’ll break down why termites stay active in late fall, what signs to watch for, and how Evergreen Pest Solutions can help protect your home as we head into winter.
Termites + cold weather
Termites are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature depends on their surroundings. When it’s warm, they’re active. When it’s cold, they slow down—but that doesn’t mean they stop altogether.
Here’s the catch: the soil beneath your home doesn’t get nearly as cold as the air above it. Subterranean termites—the kind we deal with in Northeastern PA—build their colonies underground where temperatures stay surprisingly stable, often in the 50s even during winter. That’s plenty warm enough for them to stay active.
And if they’ve already made their way into your home? Heated basements, crawl spaces, and wall voids give them a cozy place to continue feeding on your wood all season long.
Are termites really active in November?
In short, yes. Especially if:
- Your home has a moisture problem (leaks, poor drainage, etc.)
- You have wood-to-soil contact (like deck posts or siding touching the ground)
- Termites found your home earlier in the year and established a hidden colony
While you may not see swarmers or other obvious signs during the colder months, that doesn’t mean termites have gone dormant. They just go deeper—literally and figuratively—making them even harder to detect.
Subtle signs of winter termite activity
Termites are masters of stealth. Even in November, there are a few warning signs to watch for:
- Mud tubes along your foundation or in your crawl space
- Soft, hollow-sounding wood around your home
- Peeling paint or warped wood, especially near the base of walls
- Discarded wings near doors and windows (from earlier in the season)
- Moist, musty smells in areas with wood damage
How to reduce your termite risk
Termite prevention doesn’t stop when summer ends. Here’s what you can do now: ✔ Remove old firewood, tree stumps, and wood debris from your yard
- Fix any plumbing leaks or drainage issues
- Keep your gutters clean and downspouts pointed away from the foundation
- Trim back shrubs and plants that trap moisture against your home
- Avoid letting wood structures touch the soil directly
And of course, the most effective step of all: schedule a professional termite inspection before winter settles in.
Termite control for Scranton residents
At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we know termites don’t take a break—so we don’t either. Our experienced team uses a combination of modern treatment methods and local know-how to protect Scranton-area homes from these destructive pests.
We offer:
- Trelona® ATBS bait systems for long-term monitoring and colony elimination
- Termidor® HE liquid treatments with advanced “Transfer Effect” technology
- A detailed termite inspection to identify active infestations or conducive conditions
We’ll recommend a termite control solution that fits your home and give you the peace of mind that termites won’t be silently chewing away at your investment while you’re cozying up indoors.
Schedule your termite inspection today!
Termites may not be the first thing on your mind right now—but they should be. Don’t let winter lull you into a false sense of security.
Call Evergreen Pest Solutions today for a free termite quote or to schedule an inspection. We proudly serve homeowners in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Your home is your biggest investment. Let’s keep it that way.
