When Is Termite Season in Des Moines?

If you're a homeowner in Des Moines, you probably know that termites are a year-round concern, but there's a specific time of year when they're most active.

Termite season is when these destructive pests become more noticeable, especially during swarming events when new colonies are being established.

So, when exactly is termite season in Des Moines, and what should you do to protect your home? Let’s break it down.

Key Takeaways

• Termite activity in Des Moines changes with the seasons, starting with swarming in early spring on warm, humid days.
• Colony growth happens in late spring and summer when termites become most destructive while searching for food.
• Fall and winter keep termites active underground, where they continue feeding on wood without being noticed.
• Pest control services help prevent damage with inspections, treatments, and solutions to stop termite infestations.

Early Spring: The Start of Termite Swarming Season

As temperatures in Iowa begin to warm in early spring, termite activity ramps up.

This is when subterranean termites, the most common termite species in Des Moines, start their annual swarming season. They typically emerge on warm, humid days after rainfall, usually between March and May.

Unlike wasps or carpenter ants, they don’t sting or bite.

However, their presence signals that an established colony is close by—possibly beneath your home.

Late Spring to Summer: Colony Growth and Increased Feeding

Once swarmers find a suitable location, they shed their wings and settle into their new homes. Throughout late spring and summer, the colony begins to grow as the queen lays eggs. Workers get busy looking for food sources.

During this stage, you may start seeing mud tubes along the foundation walls.

Since these pests stay hidden within walls or underground, it can take months—or even years—before visible signs of termite damage appear.

Fall: Termites Stay Active Beneath the Surface

Unlike some pests that slow down as temperatures drop, they remain active well into the fall. By now, a newly established termite colony will be expanding and consuming more wood.

One of the best ways to protect your home during this phase is to schedule a termite inspection. These exterminators can check for hidden damage and early warning signs of an infestation before it worsens.

Winter: Termites Keep Working Underground

Even when snow covers the ground and temperatures in West Des Moines, Ankeny, and surrounding areas drop below freezing, termites don’t hibernate. Instead, they retreat deeper into the soil, where they remain insulated from the cold.

Since they work year-round, homeowners shouldn’t assume their home is safe just because it’s winter. If a pest problem is already present, they will continue feeding on your home’s wooden structures, often undetected.

How to Protect Your Home from Termites Year-Round

Since their activity never truly stops, termite prevention should be a year-round effort. Here are a few steps to keep your home pest-free:

• Schedule regular inspections with a trusted pest control company.
• Eliminate moisture issues, as damp conditions attract them.
• Store firewood away from your home to get rid of their easy access.
• Look for warning signs like mud tubes, hollow wood, or discarded wings.

Protect Your Home from Termites Before It’s Too Late

At Miller Pest & Termite, we offer comprehensive termite control services, including detailed inspections, preventative treatments, and targeted solutions to eliminate active infestations.

Our team of termite control experts uses the latest technology, including baiting systems and barrier termite treatments, to stop these pests before they cause costly damage.

Let us help you protect your peace of mind.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation!