Year-Round Termite Prevention Strategies

Seasonal maintenance tasks and prevention calendar.

TL;DR: Year-round prevention: spring inspections, summer moisture control, fall perimeter checks, winter indoor monitoring. — Start with moisture control, then landscaping tips. Prefer to talk? (833) 404-3632.

Patterns > single clues (location, timing, recurrence, spread).
We don't review photos or identify pests (education only).
Only licensed professionals can confirm an infestation.

Educational awareness only: These strategies reduce risk but don't eliminate it. Annual professional inspections essential.

Termite prevention isn't a one-time task—it requires year-round attention. This seasonal checklist helps you stay ahead of termites by addressing conducive conditions, performing inspections, and maintaining protective barriers throughout the year.

Core Prevention Principles (All Year)

The Big Three

Eliminate moisture: Fix leaks, improve drainage, reduce humidity
Remove wood-soil contact: Maintain clearance, remove debris
Regular inspection: Check for signs quarterly, professional annually

🌸 Spring Prevention Tasks (March-May)

Why critical: Peak swarm season for most termite species. Warm, humid weather triggers reproductive flights.

Inspection & Monitoring

Perform thorough DIY inspection of entire property
Check foundation perimeter for new mud tubes
Inspect crawl space and basement after winter
Look for discarded wings near windows and doors
Schedule annual professional inspection if due

Moisture Control

Clean gutters and downspouts after winter debris
Extend downspouts 4-6 feet from foundation
Check for standing water after spring rains
Repair winter damage to drainage systems
Test sump pump operation
Fix any leaks discovered during winter

Yard Maintenance

Remove winter wood debris and dead vegetation
Pull mulch 12-18 inches away from foundation
Trim shrubs and trees touching house
Remove tree stumps if possible
Relocate firewood storage away from house (20+ feet)

Structural Checks

Inspect deck and porch supports
Check fence posts near house
Examine wood siding for winter damage
Seal any new cracks in foundation

☀️ Summer Prevention Tasks (June-August)

Why important: High termite activity period. Heat and humidity create ideal conditions.

Moisture Management

Monitor and maintain air conditioning condensate drainage
Check for condensation in crawl spaces and attics
Ensure proper attic ventilation
Run dehumidifiers in damp basements (keep below 50% humidity)
Fix irrigation systems that spray against house

Landscaping

Maintain vegetation clearance around foundation
Keep grass trimmed near house
Monitor mulch levels (don't exceed 2-3 inches depth)
Water plants away from foundation
Remove dead plants and organic debris

Inspection

Mid-summer visual check of foundation
Look for mud tubes in crawl space
Check for frass accumulation
Inspect any outdoor wood structures (decks, sheds)

Maintenance

Paint or seal exposed wood surfaces
Repair damaged screens on vents
Caulk gaps around utility penetrations

🍂 Fall Prevention Tasks (September-November)

Why important: Prepare for winter, address summer damage, final inspection before cold weather.

Pre-Winter Inspection

Complete fall DIY inspection before weather turns
Check for summer damage or new activity
Inspect areas that will be inaccessible in winter
Document any concerns for spring follow-up

Drainage & Moisture Prep

Clean gutters before leaf fall ends
Check downspout extensions are secure
Grade soil away from foundation if needed
Ensure crawl space vents are clear
Check basement for moisture before heating season

Yard Cleanup

Remove fallen leaves from foundation area
Clear dead vegetation and plant debris
Store or remove outdoor wood furniture
Organize firewood storage (covered, elevated, away from house)
Remove cardboard and paper from garage/shed

Seal & Protect

Seal foundation cracks before winter
Weatherstrip doors and windows
Check attic insulation and ventilation
Ensure basement windows seal properly

❄️ Winter Prevention Tasks (December-February)

Why important: Termites remain active in heated structures. Monitor indoor areas and plan for spring.

Indoor Monitoring

Check heated basements and crawl spaces monthly
Look for frass near windows (drywood termites active indoors)
Monitor moisture levels in basement
Inspect stored items in garage/basement
Check for condensation on windows and pipes

Moisture Control

Run dehumidifiers in damp areas
Fix any plumbing leaks immediately
Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchen
Monitor for ice dams that could cause leaks
Check for condensation in attic

Planning & Preparation

Review previous year's inspection notes
Schedule spring professional inspection
Research treatment options if needed
Plan spring maintenance projects
Order supplies for spring prevention work

Limited Exterior Checks

Check accessible foundation areas on mild days
Look for mud tubes in garage or shed
Inspect firewood before bringing indoors
Monitor for signs in heated crawl spaces

Monthly Quick Checks (Year-Round)

5-Minute Monthly Routine:

Walk foundation perimeter, look for mud tubes
Check basement/crawl space entrance area
Look for discarded wings near windows
Inspect any visible wood for damage
Check for moisture problems or leaks
Note any changes from previous month

Annual Professional Tasks

Schedule Annually

Professional inspection: Licensed pest control evaluation
Treatment renewal: If under preventive treatment plan
Warranty check: Verify coverage is current
Drainage assessment: Professional evaluation if needed

Learn more: How Professional Inspections Work

High-Risk Property Additions

If your property has these risk factors, add these tasks:

Slab Foundation

Check expansion joints quarterly
Monitor for cracks in slab
Inspect plumbing penetrations

Wood Siding

Maintain paint/stain protection
Check for moisture damage
Ensure 6-inch ground clearance

Humid Climate

Run dehumidifiers year-round
Increase inspection frequency
Monitor moisture levels weekly

Previous Infestation

Inspect treated areas quarterly
Monitor for re-infestation signs
Maintain treatment warranty

Prevention Checklist Printable

Create your own schedule:

Print or save this page
Mark your calendar for seasonal tasks
Set monthly reminders for quick checks
Keep a log of completed tasks and findings
Schedule annual professional inspection

Download more resources: Printable Checklists

Related Resources

Common Questions

Which season is most important for prevention?

Spring before swarm season. But year-round vigilance is essential—termites are active all year in heated structures.

How often should I check for termites?

Quarterly DIY checks recommended. Professional inspection annually minimum, or more frequently in high-risk areas.