Termites in Denver: How Elevation Impacts Their Spread

Denver Homeowners commonly believe the Mile High City’s altitude prevents termite invasions. Over the years, this misconception has resulted in thousands of dollars in structural repairs for residents. Relatively small in number, the impact of Colorado’s 5,280-foot altitude dampens termite activity but by no means prevents it altogether. These wood-destroying insects establish colonies and spread through neighborhoods differently across regions, depending on local climate patterns, soil moisture levels, and temperature ranges.

By understanding how elevation affects termite habits, property owners can identify the warning signs sooner. If in doubt, hiring a licensed pest control such as Saela Pest Control to identify and treat the situation is a must.

Common Termite Species Found in Denver

The termites most commonly found in Denver are subterranean, specifically, the Western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus). This colony lives underground, and the insects travel to the wood structures through mud tubes. Western subterranean termites have adapted to Colorado’s dry climate and the temperature extremes, unlike their Formosan cousins from coastal areas. They are most active in the spring and fall when elevated soil moisture results from snowmelt and seasonal precipitation. Drywood termites sometimes hitch a ride on imported furniture or lumber, but none of those colonies will establish themselves at Denver’s elevation, where the species needs higher humidity to survive.

How Elevation and Climate Affect Termite Behavior

1. Temperature Fluctuations at High Altitude

Termite development within colonies is slowed by Denver’s elevation, which results in significant daily temperature variations. Ground temperatures above 50°F are necessary for subterranean termites to continue their activity. Colony foraging and reproductive rates are significantly reduced compared to lower-elevation populations when freezing weather forces them deeper underground during the winter.

2. Reduced Atmospheric Moisture

Relative humidity in Denver averages about 44% at 5,280 feet, which is significantly drier than in cities at sea level. Because termites need moisture to survive, they rely more on permanent water sources, such as leaky pipes, irrigation systems, or poorly drained areas. Due to this environmental pressure, infestations are localized around areas of water, particularly in the green pasture, rather than colonies that exhibit dispersive colonization.

3. Extended Winter Dormancy Periods

Termite colonies in Colorado must enter extended states of dormancy due to the state’s long winters, which typically last from November to March. This five-month period of inactivity significantly curtails the damage potential compared to year-round activity in warmer climates. However, hot basements and crawl spaces can be mini-climates where termites remain active even when the outside environment is not conducive to their activity.

4. Soil Composition and Depth

Soil in Denver is primarily clay, which retains water better than sandy soil, which makes some neighborhoods hospitable to subterranean termites. Open areas with established trees and landscaping that require regular watering then become prime habitats for colony establishment.

Hidden Risk Factors for Denver Homeowners

• Mulch beds against foundations: Wood mulch absorbs moisture and provides direct food sources.
• Irrigation system leaks: you might have underground damage to your sprinklers that is slowly watering the soil next to your foundations
• Older home construction: Homes built before 1980 often have inadequate termite barriers and points of wood-to-soil contact
• Firewood storage: When you stack cordwood against the exterior walls of your house, you are inviting colonies to build a home just inches away from your structures.
• Poor ventilation: Many crawl spaces are shielded from outside climate conditions, but poor air circulation allows moisture to become trapped, which is perfect for termites

Safeguard Your Home From Termites Today!

Addressing issues now also saves you from expensive structural repairs later. Saela Pest Control provides specific knowledge of Denver’s termite challenges during each inspection. Their experienced technicians understand the elevation and local climate patterns that affect the risk of infestation throughout Front Range communities. Their treatments are explicitly tailored to Colorado soil types and construction practices, rather than general approaches that may be effective elsewhere but fail at high elevations.