Termite season is here. And if you are a homeowner, you need to be ready.

Brian Forschler, a professor of entomology at the University of Georgia, has spent 26 years as the principal investigator for the Household and Structural Entomology Research Program. He explains what you need to know.

What Are Termites?

Forschler explains that about 15 years ago, the scientific consensus became that they are essentially tiny "social cockroaches." There are about 3,000 species of termites, and their lifestyles, needs and habits vary greatly.

They live in organized colonies that act like a single animal made of tens of thousands of individuals, where labor is divided, Forschler said.

While they’re certainly known for their destructive capabilities in large groups, individually, they’re not a danger and can not bite or harm you: “Nobody has problems with a termite,” he says.

“They're small, wimpy animals that have been around for 40 million years,” Forschler says. “They've been here a lot longer than us. All they're trying to do is play out their life history.”

What Is 'Termite Season' And What Conditions Do They Like?

Termites are "cold-blooded,” Forschler says, meaning they slow down in freezing temperatures and thrive in warmth. They enjoy damp environments too — if they are exposed to open air, they can dry up and die within an hour.

That’s why “termite season” is often designated as springtime, which can bring higher temperatures and more frequent rain, often creating ideal termite conditions.

Proactive Tips For Homeowners

To reduce the probability of an infestation, Forschler recommends eliminating moisture and removing food sources.

“What you want to do is keep your foundation as dry as possible,” he said, explaining that this factor is more within your control. “There's not much you can do about the temperature that's going to drive how many months out of the year that they are actively feeding.”

For example, divert AC condensate lines and rain runoff at least 20 feet away from the house.

And since termites feed on decaying wood, “don't provide them with the features that they need to build up those populations,” he says.

Don’t stack firewood against the house, and remove tree stumps near the foundation, as these act as "staging grounds" for large population growth.

Risks And Management

Since termites feed on wood, they can cause structural damage if your home reaches an infestation level.

But unlike the “horror stories” that you may have heard about termites rapidly destroying a home, that isn't the reality. Termites move very slowly, and significant damage usually takes months or years, according to Forschler.

Forschler stresses that the absolute best thing you can do is have an annual or biannual inspection by an expert for any presence of termites.

“My advice is never really followed, so I’m tired of giving it,” he jokes. “Talk to two or three pest management professional companies that specialize in termite management before making the decision … Not every company will approach it the same way.”

He also advises looking at the fine print and making certain that you can get a contract that repairs damage, not just applies treatment.

Signs Of Infestation

Forschler says homeowners should watch for these specific indicators:

• Swarmer Evidence: Finding discarded wings or dead insects inside the house.
• Shelter Tubes: Mud-like tunnels built on foundations or walls. These allow termites to travel from the soil to the wood while maintaining high humidity.
• Visual Wood Damage: Peeling, warped paint on windowsills or walls, which often hides hollowed-out wood.
• Entry Points And Cracks: They follow "structure" in the soil, such as roots or pipes, and enter homes through tiny cracks in the foundation or expansion joints.

Forschler strongly advises against DIY treatments. Termites are “cryptic” — their biology is complex, and they live purposefully hidden from view. Professional expertise necessary; you may never be able to see or find them yourself, and even experts can disagree on solutions.

“Just don't panic. This isn't a sudden catastrophic event,” he said. “Most damage repair claims are … a few studs or a window doorframe kind of replacement. But if you let it go on for years and years, it'll be far more than that.”

weather.com content writer Ada Wood enjoys exploring the stories that science and climate teach us about our natural world and how it influences the way we live in it.