How to Kill Termites in Freezing Weather

Freezing temperatures make it easier to find and dispose of termite colonies. Termites will not forage for food when the temperature gets too cold, and during freezing weather, the only time termites are active is when the colony is heated. When the weather forces termites to stay inside their colonies, it is the perfect time to get rid of them and prevent further home damage.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Bucket
  • Insecticide
  • Pick or shovel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate possible termite nests. Termites need moisture to survive, so outdoor nests will be built in trees, firewood piles and mulch piles. In houses, termite nests will often be found around plumbing fixtures and cracks that gives them access to the home. Termites also build mud shelter tubes to connect the colony to food sources. Look for damaged wood, mud-shelter tubes, discarded wings and large groups of termites to locate a colony.

    • 2

      Purchase the right termite insecticide to eliminate the species infesting your area. Freezing weather will slow termites down or cause them to hibernate, so a product is needed that will affect the entire colony. Use a non-repellant termite insecticide such as Premise, Termidor and Phantom. Termites will not know the chemicals are present, exposing more of the insects to the pesticide and killing most of the colony.

    • 3

      Dig a trench along the foundation of the section of your home being affected by termites. Use a pick or shovel to dig a trench three to six inches deep along the foundation. Plumbing lines will also need to be trenched. Reserve the dirt for refilling the trench.

    • 4

      Mix the non-repellant termite insecticide in a five-gallon bucket, making sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent any skin contact with the chemicals. Pour the insecticide into the trench, using roughly half a gallon per foot of trench. Once properly poured, shovel the dirt back into the trench and wait for the termites to ingest the poison.

    • 5

      Call a professional at any time if the process seems too difficult or if you do not want to handle chemicals.