Alabama is categorized as humid and tropical with warmer temperatures in the southern portion close to the Gulf of Mexico and cooler temperatures in the Appalachian Mountain area. Generally, the state possess hot summers, mild winters and large torrent of rain throughout the year. Few of the most important pests that could be found there include mice and rats, mosquitoes, termites and stinging insects.
Termite Activity in Alabama
Termites are lively throughout the state, from Mobile to Montgomery and Birmingham to Huntsville, Alabama.
What Types of Termites Are in Alabama?
Both drywood termites and subterranean termites are famous for their damages to homes in Alabama. The Southeastern drywood termite (Incisitermes snyderi) is basically discovered in southern Alabama.
Are Formosan Termites in Alabama? the first identification of Formosan termites was in Alabama in 1987. Formosan termite infestations have been reported in at least 12 Alabama counties, including Mobile, Baldwin, Lee, Jackson, Cullman and Calhoun. The major activity of Formosan termite takes place in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
In 2003, the city of Fairhope, Alabama, A formosan termite education was sponsored in Baldwin County. Sticky traps were placed at 109 locations throughout the city to catch termite swarmers with the help of volunteers. Once the traps contained a few swarmers, the volunteers sent the traps to control pest extension agents at local universities, who made discovery of swarming Formosan termites at 70 percent of the sites studied.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System tracks the spread of Formosan termites throughout the state. Pest control experts incase of any suspect of Formosan termite activity to local extension agents or extension specialists at Auburn University to assist in researching this species’ range and destructive behavior.
When Do Termites Swarm in Alabama?
Generally, termites swarm on a warm day after a rainfall. Swarms occurrence during the winter in heated buildings. The swarming habits of the most common species in Alabama are described below.
- The eastern subterranean termite swarms in daylight from February to May. Swarms occur often earlier in the year in Alabama and other warm, southern states.
- The Formosan termite swarms at night during the late spring.
- Usually the dark southeastern subterranean termite swarms in daylight between March and June.
- The southeastern drywood termite swarms at night, typically in the spring.
More Information about Termites in Alabama
According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), Alabama is located in TIP Zone #1 (very heavy), meaning the ability for termite damage is very important. Areas that have higher tendencies for termite activity demand for termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with less frequent activity.
States like Alabama where termites are very active and in Large numbers, it is necessary to maintain an efficient effective termite prevention and control program. In case you own a home in Alabama, speak to your termite control expert about effective methods to assist in protecting your home from termite infestations and damage.
