A recent study posted in Buildings Magazine, a trade publication for facility management professionals, revealed that Mobile, Alabama is one of the top three U.S. cities for termite infestations. Across the country, each year, an estimated five billion dollars of property damage is the result of termites—most of which property insurance policies do not cover.
While the Southeastern drywood termite exists in Alabama, the majority of termites in this state are subterranean, meaning they create underground nests and travel to wooden structures above ground. The most common types include the eastern subterranean termite, Formosan termite, and the dark southeastern subterranean termite.
Termites find the hot and humid Alabama climate very accommodating. Termites have a unique digestive system that processes cellulose, a material found in wood. In nature, termites play a beneficial role by assisting with the decomposition of fallen trees and many other materials that boost the soil's nutritional levels.
Are you attempting to determine what termites look like? Eastern subterranean termites exist in categories including workers, soldiers, and alates. Workers appear “ant-like” and are a yellowish or cream color. Soldiers measure roughly ¼ of an inch in length and have large jaws to defend the colony. Alates have wings and will gather in “swarms” each spring as part of their mating season.
Do you suspect a colony of termites is actively eroding a wooden structure within your property? Property owners should contact a Mobile pest control company with a properly trained staff that knows how to spot termite damage and what to use for termites.
How To Tell If I Am Dealing With Termites
Are you wondering how to inspect for termites on your property? Some of the most common indicators of a possible termite infestation include the following:
- Walls may sound “hollow” when knocked on.
- Wooden floors may become increasingly creaky.
- Windows and doors often become difficult to open or close because of internal structural movement.
- Look for “swarms” of winged termites gathering during the spring.
Homeowners should remember the importance of promptly consulting with an experienced pest control company when a potential termite problem in your Mobile property exists. In many cases, termite activity goes undetected until these pests have already created substantial damage.
Help! It's So Hard To Get Rid Of Termites
Termites form massive colonies that might prove difficult to eliminate. The best way of responding to these concerns involves speaking with a local pest control professional.
Am I Accidentally Attracting Termites To My Home?
Property owners should consider creating a thin barrier of stone or similar material that will prevent the foundation of the home from directly contacting the soil. You should promptly repair or replace any areas of water-damaged wood because these conditions often attract termites.
Ways To Prevent Future Termite Infestations In Mobile
At EnSec Pest & Lawn, we have spent decades providing termite-related solutions for property owners in the Mobile area.
Our termite specialists have various tools available at their disposal, including the Sentricon System with H.D. Always Active. The Always Active system is among the most popular choices for existing homeowners, property management companies, new home builders, and the residential and commercial pest control industry. To say that the products produced by Sentricon are industry-leading is no exaggeration, as more than five million structures throughout the U.S. have used these options to eliminate termites.
In addition to termites, the experts with EnSec Pest & Lawn also provide the highest quality services for those struggling with fire ants, bed bugs, rodents, and many other burdensome invaders that may pose health risks and cause property damage. We invite you to contact our office today to schedule a property inspection and find out more about our termite treatments.