Termite Identification & Prevention In Alabama & Florida

Frequently Asked Questions About Termites

What are termites?

Termites are a type of insect, unique because they can digest wood and turn it into a usable food source, cellulose. Termites are well-known for feeding on plant matter, trees, timber, or wooden structures. But being voracious feeders means that if given the opportunity, they will feed on other things, including cardboard, paper, wood, insulation boards, and plaster. While termites look like they're related to ants, they are more closely related to another highly unwanted pest—cockroaches! These two insects may not look the same, but they both are insatiable feeders!

The most widespread termites living in Alabama and Florida are subterranean termites. These termites nest under the ground and have high moisture needs. Subterranean termites do not nest within the wood they are feeding on. The workers travel through the soil back and forth from their nest to a food source each day.

In our area, the most common subterranean termite species we need to worry about infesting our homes and businesses include:

• Native subterranean termites
• Eastern subterranean termites
• Formosan termites

Are termites dangerous?

Protecting your home from termites is important; termites feed on wood, and inside of our homes they cause expensive structural damage. A single termite colony can have thousands to millions of hungry termites in it.

In addition to their large colonies and big appetites, another problem associated with these pests is that most homeowners' insurance does not cover termite damage. Termite damage is not covered because it isn't considered an unexpected or even sudden event. It is also something that you can prevent by partnering with an experienced professional.

Don't allow your property to become a statistic, and part of the five billion dollars spent dealing with termites across the country each year, partner with EnSec.

Why do I have a termite problem?

The warm, humid climate found throughout Alabama and Florida allows many different species of termites to thrive. Because termites to do so well in our area means it isn't a question of if termites will invade your structure, but when. Not being proactive when it comes to termites could put your bank account and home in danger.

Subterranean termites are attracted to properties offering abundant food sources, such as decaying or water-damaged wood and other organic materials containing cellulose, along with plenty of moisture.

Where will I find termites?

Termites in the southern United States remain very active throughout the year. Winged, reproductive termites typically swarm from their nests to mate in the spring, but our climate allows them to swarm multiple times a year. The more times termites swarm and mate throughout the year, the more termites will be around to invade and feed on our home's structural wood.

Subterranean termites spend most of the time in their underground nest or inside the wood they are feeding on. They often find their way into our homes and businesses infesting water-damaged building timbers to gather food for the colony. They prefer wood damaged by water or decaying wood. Subterranean termites regularly feed on structural wood located near pipes, sinks, tubs, windows, and doors.

Formosan termites differ from other species because they can nest up off the ground by creating mud carton nests to help maintain their high moisture needs. They often place the carton nest on the roofs of buildings.