Termite Inspection
Professional Termite Inspection Services across Alabama
Defending Homes in Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Spanish Fort
In Coastal Alabama, it isn’t a matter of if termites will target your home, but when. Alabama is situated in "TIP Zone #1" (Very Heavy), a geographic designation by the subterranean termite hazard map that indicates the highest termite infestation probability in the United States. At Pest Control Alabama, we provide the comprehensive, local termite inspections necessary to identify activity before it leads to thousands of dollars in structural damage.
Latin Name
Isoptera
Length
1/4 – 1/2 in.
Color
Brown-black
Sounds
-
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer in Fairhope, a condo owner in Orange Beach, or a longtime resident of Spanish Fort, our licensed inspectors are your primary defense against the "Silent Destroyer."
The Unique Termite Pressures of the Alabama Gulf Coast
Our warm, humid climate and sandy, moist soil create a "perfect storm" for wood-destroying organisms. Unlike other regions where termite activity might slow down in the winter, the mild winters in Foley and Gulf Shores allow termites to remain active and destructive year-round.
Standard homeowners' insurance policies almost never cover termite damage, as it is considered a preventable maintenance issue. This makes annual professional inspections not just a recommendation, but a vital necessity for protecting your greatest financial investment.
The Enemies: Formosan vs. Eastern Subterranean Termites
To protect your home, you have to understand the specific species that live in our Alabama backyards:
Formosan Subterranean Termites:
Often called "Super Termites," these are an invasive species extremely prevalent in Baldwin County. A single large colony can contain millions of termites and can consume a significant amount of structural wood in as little as six months.
Eastern Subterranean Termites:
This is the most common native species in Alabama. They live in the soil and build characteristic mud tubes to travel from the ground into your home’s wood framing. They work slowly but steadily, often going unnoticed for years.
Drywood Termites:
While less common than subterranean types, they are frequently found in coastal towns like Orange Beach. These termites do not require contact with the soil and can be introduced to a home through infested furniture or by flying into attic vents.
Our Pest Control Solutions are safe for children and pets.
As a property owner, your best line of prevention is a strong defensive action. Knowing the warning signs and the steps you can take to prevent a termite infestation will help you to protect your property.
There are two main types of termites that damage homes in Alabama—Formosan subterranean termite and dry wood termite. In Alabama, the one to be most concerned with is the subterranean species which makes its home in colonies in the ground. However, termite activity of both types is high. The Formosan subterranean termite was such a problem that the city of Fairhope had a Termite Watch Program.
While Baldwin County is reported to hold the highest activity of Formosan termites, infestations can be found in many areas of Alabama including areas of Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Spanish Fort.
Our Multi-Point Termite Inspection Process
We believe a "walk-through" isn't enough. Our team performs a forensic-level assessment of your property, utilizing local expertise and advanced detection techniques tailored to Alabama construction styles.
1. Exterior Perimeter & Foundation
We begin by examining the exterior foundation for any signs of mud tubes—the protected tunnels termites use to stay hydrated while traveling. We pay special attention to areas where mulch, soil, or firewood touches the siding, as these are "interstate highways" for pests.
2. Interior Inspection & Baseboard Review
Termites often hide behind the scenes, but they leave subtle clues to keep an eye out for. At Advanced Pest Control of Alamama we look for bubbling or peeling paint (which can indicate moisture or "galleries" behind the wall), hollow-sounding wood, and tiny "kick-out" holes.
3. Attic, Crawlspace, and Basement Analysis
Because many homes in Daphne and Fairhope are built on crawlspaces, these areas are high-risk zones. We navigate these tight spaces to inspect floor joists, sills, and subflooring. Moisture trapped in crawlspaces is a primary attractant for Formosan colonies.
4. Moisture and Drainage Assessment
Termites are biologically driven to find water. During our inspection, we identify "conducive conditions" such as leaky pipes, clogged gutters, or improper soil grading in Spanish Fort homes. Fixing these moisture issues is the first step in long-term termite prevention.
Official Wood-Destroying Insect Reports (WDIR) for Real Estate
Are you in the process of buying or selling a home in Baldwin County? Most mortgage lenders—especially for VA, FHA, and conventional loans—require an official Alabama Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) before the sale can be finalized.
A WDIR is a legal document that reports the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects, including termites, powderpost beetles, and carpenter ants. We pride ourselves on providing prompt, thorough WDIRs that help local realtors and homeowners in Foley and Gulf Shores close their deals on time. We don't just find problems; we provide the professional documentation and treatment estimates needed to keep the real estate process moving forward.
Localized Expertise: We Know Your Neighborhood
We aren't a national chain; we are your neighbors. We understand the specific architectural challenges of the Alabama coast:
Coastal Construction: We know how to inspect the pilings and "stilt" foundations common in Gulf Shores.
Historic Properties: We have experience inspecting the older, settled foundations in the Fairhope French Quarter.
New Developments: We work with homeowners in new Daphne and Spanish Fort subdivisions where recent land clearing may have disturbed existing termite colonies, pushing them toward new construction.
Critical Signs You Need an Inspection Immediately
If you notice any of these "red flags," do not wait for your annual check-up. Contact us immediately:
Termite Swarmers: Seeing winged insects flying inside your home or clustered around windows. This usually happens in the spring and is a sign of a nearby mature colony.
Discarded Wings: After swarming, termites shed their wings. Finding small, translucent piles of wings on windowsills or near doors is a definitive sign of activity.
Mud Tubes: These look like dried dirt "veins" that will be running up your concrete foundation or interior walls.
"Soft" Wood: If your vacuum cleaner bumps a baseboard and it breaks, or if a door frame feels soft to the touch, termites have likely hollowed it out from the inside.
We’re a Termidor Certified Professional
Do you think you might have a termite infestation? This is not a problem you should attempt to fix on your own. Our technicians at Advanced Pest Control of Alabama are Termidor Certified Professionals trained to treat your termite inspection with the best defense against termites.
Why We Choose Termidor
The Termidor termite treatment centers on Fipronil, an active ingredient that meets Food Quality Protection Act standards for use on agricultural crops since 1995. Fipronil only makes up 0.06% of the formula applied to the home. On average, approximately only eight ounces of Fipronil is used for a home treatment.
There is no odor, and it is safe to use for your loved ones whether they be children or pets. This termite solution has been used on over four million homes since 2000. It is also an approved termite treatment for commercial and industrial establishments.
Termidor is six times more effective than traditional bait systems.
Termidor is a proven treatment backed up with over 15 years of data showing it to be the, fastest, and most effective termite treatment product on the market. It begins working on contact and can eliminate termite infestation completely within three months.
Why Termidor is Effective
Since termites can’t detect Termidor by smell or taste, they have no defense against it. Other termite extermination products can be avoided by the pests. As a result, the termites will both ingest woods treated with Termidor and carry its residue back to the colony spreading the poison like a virus through secondary contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average cost of a termite inspection in Alabama?
The cost can vary based on the square footage of the home and the type of foundation (slab vs. crawlspace). Generally, a preventive inspection ranges from $125 to $300. For those purchasing a home, the WDIR fee is a standard part of the closing process. We offer free estimates for any treatment plans required if activity is found.
Does a termite bond cover Formosan termites?
Not all bonds are created equal! Because Formosan termites are so destructive, some companies exclude them or charge extra. At Pest Control Alabama, we specify exactly what is covered, ensuring you have the protection you need for the specific species found in Orange Beach and Daphne.
How long does a professional inspection take?
A thorough inspection of an average-sized home in Baldwin County usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on access to the crawlspace and attic.
Can I just use a DIY termite spray from a big-box store?
Consumer-grade sprays often act as a repellent, which can actually make the problem worse. It may cause the colony to split (a process called "budding") and move to a different part of your house. Professional-grade non-repellent liquid treatments or baiting systems are the only proven ways to eliminate an entire colony.
Protect Your Home with Pest Control Alabama
A termite inspection is the most cost-effective way to ensure your home remains structurally sound. Whether you are looking for a routine annual check or you need a WDIR for a home sale in Spanish Fort, Foley, or Fairhope, our team is ready to help.
Don't wait for the damage to become visible. Call us today or click below to schedule your expert termite inspection!