But several factors could favor a move farther north. Humans have, in effect, created a giant, termite-friendly habitat there that could provide enough warmth, shelter and water to allow Formosan colonies to survive. During winter, cities stay relatively warm. Buildings act as heat sinks, warming the soil underneath them. Networks of underground tunnels, such as those used for subways, also stay warm and offer another niche for termites to establish a growing colony, though it might prove hard for them to reach the epidemic proportions they have in New Orleans.
Biology is another unpredictable element.
Termites are opportunists and urban environments create conditions that are conducive to their successful development. Forty years ago, if you went to Toronto you'd be hard pressed to find a termite. But the concrete and steel hold a lot of heat.