Termites
What type of termites are in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi?
Termites are a common household problem. They are responsible for causing over 5 billion dollars worth of damage to property across the United States each year. The two most common species of termites you are likely to see in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are the subterranean termite and drywood termite. Termites are a year-round threat to home and property owners in the south. When it comes to termites, it is never a question of if they will invade your home, but rather when.
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Subterranean termiteThe subterranean termite is one of the most common species that live throughout the United States. These termites are moisture seeking pests and prefer to invade wood that is decaying or has been damaged by water. As their name suggests these termites nest underneath the ground. They move back and forth from their food source to nest under the ground or through mud tubes. Mud tubes can be found running along the surface of the ground or along the foundation or exterior walls of the structure they have invaded. Subterranean termites live together in large colonies and divide themselves into different castes or groups (worker, soldier, or reproductive). Each caste is responsible for a specific job within the colony. -
Drywood termiteDrywood termites are found living in a small area of the United States- in a narrow strip from Virginia and south to Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico and from Mexico to Northern California. Drywood termites generally live in undecayed wood which has a very low moisture content. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require any contact with soil and they live inside of the wood they are feeding on. Drywood termites live together in smaller colonies and work at a much slower rate than subterranean termites. However, they work in a very neat and efficient manner, only leaving behind a thin exterior layer of the wood they have invaded.
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How termites gain access?
The most common way subterranean termites gain access into a home is at the ground level through wood to soil contact. Subterranean termites invade wooden structures (door frames, decks posts, wooden shingles and porch steps) after emerging from the soil. These termites also find their way inside through cracks in the foundation that they accidentally move through while out foraging for food.
Drywood termites can find their way into a home at any level. They will enter through cracks and crevices in exterior walls or through spaces in the foundation. They can also accidentally be introduced inside of old pieces of barn wood, inside of pieces of structural wood, or inside of pieces of antique furniture.
Where do termites hide?
Subterranean termites have high moisture needs and are found either in the soil, in their underground nest, in their mud tubes, or inside of the structural wood they are feeding on. Subterranean termites are initially attracted to wood that is decaying or has been previously damaged by water. As the infestation grows they will invade more areas of your home and eventually begin to consume sound wood.
Dry wood termite infestations are usually confined to a small area of a home. They are often found invading and feeding on woodwork, structural timbers, and wooden furniture. Outside they will invade wood furniture, wood playsets, and wooden fences.
What are the signs of termites?
Termites are rarely seen by people. Termites are considered a “silent” pest that feeds on the inside of the wood they have invaded. It is usually not until after their damage is discovered that the infestation is found. Signs of termites include:
- Mud tubes running across your yard or traveling up your home’s foundation or basement walls
- Bubbling or splintering along baseboards or drywall that is in your home
- Doors and windows that are no longer opening or closing properly
- Sagging floors or ceilings
- Wood in your home that sounds hollow when you tap or knock on it
- Floors that feel “spongy” when you walk across them
- Drywood termites create tiny holes in the surface of walls or pieces of wood
- Mounds of fecal pellets under the floor of drywood termite entry holes
Can I get rid of termites myself?
Termites are highly invasive and can have serious effects on the structural integrity of your home. We strongly encourage you to call a professional as soon as you suspect that you may have a termite infestation. Call us at Havard Pest Control to take advantage of our 70 years of pest control experience.
Termites Prevention Tips
There are a few things you can do to try and prevent termites from entering into your home:
- Limit wood to soil contact on your property
- Leave a stone barrier between the foundation and any mulch or soil
- Reduce moisture levels in your home by using dehumidifiers, fixing leaky pipes or fixtures, and removing any wood that has been damaged by water
- Inspect the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your home for small holes, cracks, or crevices
- Seal all possible entry points found
- Store firewood and scrap wood a distance away from the exterior of your home
- If possible, don’t bring old barn wood into your home
- Inspect wooden antiques for signs of termites before purchasing for your home
- Stain or paint bare wood in your home or wooden structures on your property
Additional Services Havard Pest Control Provides
Hear From Our Happy Customers
Serving Local Communities Throughout Alabama, Louisiana, & Mississippi Since 1947
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"Highly recommended!"These folks are spot on...from the call center to the managers and the technicians were all great. The installation was smooth and I have the best feeling that they actually care about our home and all the things that could destroy it.- Michael F.
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"Very knowledgeable and professional!"I was incredibly impressed when James came to do the initial inspection of my home because he remembered me from almost four years ago where I had a termite treatment at a previous home!- Diedre H.
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"We really could not be happier!"Brian is an absolutely exceptional technician. Friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, and able to explain the rationale for why a given approach is best. Thanks, Brian!- Christopher J.
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"I use them at my home and at work!"They are always on time and so polite on the phone. I will 100% recommend them to anyone.- Ashton C.
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"Great service, prices and honesty!"We have termite protection on two homes. We are very pleased with all the services provided. Adam is very good, polite, and professional, he explained everything up front very thoroughly.- Tom B.
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"First rate!!!"Mr. James, from your office in Hattiesburg, did a great job inspecting our house in Lumberton, which we are selling. He came on time, was organized, and knowledgeable, and explained things to us.- Johnny R.
