Responsible for billions of dollars of property damage each year, termites are the most destructive pests in the United States. While termite infestations are known to occur in almost every part of the country, states in the Southeast tend to be at the highest risk of infestation. Alabama falls into Termite Infestation Probability Zone #1, meaning that termites pose an extreme danger to houses in our state.
To make matters worse, termites are expanding their territory in Alabama; where infestations once mostly occurred along the Gulf Coast, they are now becoming increasingly common in central Alabama. Keep reading to learn more about termite infestations in Alabama and what you can do to prevent them.
Everything You Need to Know About Termite Infestations in Alabama
If you’re a new homeowner in Alabama – especially if you moved here from a colder climate – then you might not realize just how much of a threat termites are. These voracious subterranean insects feed on the cellulose found inside of wood, and they see no difference between dead trees and the timber inside your house. Termite infestations often begin with no signs, since the pests avoid daylight and make almost no sound. Over the span of several months, termites can cause severe damage to the wooden walls, floors, and support structures of your home with their relentless tunneling.
Some homeowners like to attempt do-it-yourself pest control strategies; don’t make that mistake with termites. Not only do DIY methods almost never work against termite infestations, they can actually make the problem worse. That’s because attempting to exterminate the termites may drive them into other areas of your home, worsening the damage they cause. Getting rid of termites is a difficult process that can only be accomplished with a combination of professional-grade equipment, strategy, and experience.
While you may not be able to get rid of a termite infestation without help, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk. Since termites are attracted to dead wood, especially if it’s moist, avoid storing firewood or lumber too close to your Alabama home. Be careful about overwatering gardens near your house as well, since termites are often drawn by moist mulch.
Why You Should Choose Professional Termite Control
The most reliable way to protect your home from termite infestations is to work with a certified termite control company in Alabama. Trained termite control technicians employ various methods to prevent termites from entering your home and exterminate termites that are already active on your property. For new homes that have yet to be fully constructed, a pest control company can perform pre-construction termite treatments to prevent termite infestations from the very beginning.
One of the most common and effective means of termite removal and prevention is for specialists to install a termite baiting system around a home. Submerged bait stations will lure termites in with a poisoned bait that will disperse throughout the colony, eventually eliminating all of the destructive pests. An alternate method is to establish a chemical barrier in the soil around your home that will kill any termites attempting to cross over.
When you hire a certified termite control company in Alabama, make sure they offer a termite bond. This is a warranty between you and your pest control professionals that guarantees the efficacy of their termite control services. A termite bond will generally stipulate that your pest control provider will perform regular inspections for a certain number of years and, if termites are found, that they will take all appropriate measures to get rid of the termites.
Certified & Experienced Termite Exterminators in Alabama
SafeSpray Pest Control is an insured and licensed pest control company with many years of experience getting rid of termite infestations for our customers. Give us a call today if you’re in need of termite control services in Alabama!
