Why Alabama Is One Of The Worst States For Termite Infestation
With warm Alabama spring already here, some of the most aggressive pest infestations are right around the corner. Warm weather brings mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, and other pests out of their winter hibernations, and back into your home. Spring is also the prime swarming season for termites, which is made even worse by the fact that Alabama has several factors that make it a prime state for termite infestations. To explain this phenomenon, let’s take a closer look at why Alabama is one of the worst states for termite infestations, and what you can do to stop an infestation.
Alabama Conditions Are Ideal For Termites
People who live in the Southeast are particularly susceptible to termites due to the weather, and conditions of the region. Alabama stands out as one of the worst states for termite infestation because of the rain and year-round temperate weather. In northern states, termites become inactive during the winter and then swarm when the warmer temperatures arrive. This swarming cycle makes it easier to spot an infestation, as you know when to look for one.
However, the year-round moderate temperatures in Alabama make it so that termite activity can occur all year long, putting Alabama homeowners at a much greater likelihood of having a termite infestation. The other reason that Alabama conditions are so ideal for termites is the high moisture, frequent rainfall, and high humidity. Termites are drawn to water so Alabama’s frequently wet weather makes it so that these creatures can easily swarm to damp wood on a home or be drawn to pockets of standing water around the house.
The Termite Population Is Varied And Pervasive
The other main factor that makes it so that Alabama is one of the worst states for termite infestation, is the variety in types of termites that live in the state. Alabama is home to three different kinds of termites. The dry wood termite, the subterranean termite, and the Formosan termite all call Alabama, among other Southeastern states, home. The Formosan termite in particular is the bane of Southern coastal Alabama, primarily found in Mobile and Baldwin counties. This variety of termites ensures that every area of Alabama is vulnerable to termite infestation.
Steps You Can Take To Avoid A Termite Infestation
While Alabama may be one of the worst states for termite infestation, there are plenty of ways to keep termites away and keep your home’s wood protected.
First and foremost, termites are attracted to water so be sure to fill in puddles of water, remove standing water, and repair leaky pipes and outdoor hose faucets.
It’s also important to know the signs of swarming. Termites typically swarm during warm weather, most often during the spring after rainy days. Swarms typically leave behind broken wings near windows and doors, mud tubes on siding, as well as dead termites near water sources.
Termites feed on wood so, to avoid an infestation, it is important to keep logs and firewood away from the home. Store this wood in a far-off corner, or a secure plastic bin away from your home’s foundation or any exposed outdoor wood such as decks and pergolas.
Lastly, an annual termite check is essential for keeping termites out of your home. A pest control expert knows exactly what to look for, and where to look for it, to ensure that your home stays termite-free.
If you are struggling with a termite infestation, you need to contact Advanced Pest Control of Alabama. Advanced Pest Control is a Termidor Certified company, and has been helping Alabama residents end termite infestations for over 25 years. Call or contact Advanced Pest Control of Alabama today to put an end to your pest problems.
