Jul 8, 2020 | Termite Control
Termites are known to cause significant and expensive home and property damage each year. These pests can easily go undetected for a long period of time and, in return, cause substantial damage to your property. Dealing with termites can be a huge undertaking and while you should always reach out to a professional if you have been infested with them, you can take steps to help prevent an invasion.
Keep Dry!
Subterranean termites need an abundant amount of water to survive. These pests will seek out moist and wet areas in or around your home for a new colony site. It’s extremely important to check for any leaky faucets, pipes, and appliances inside your home. Additionally, storm drains should be directed away from your house and draining at least a few feet from your home’s foundation. Making sure there is no available moisture is an easy way to prevent a termite infestation and subsequent damage.
Beware the Mulch!
Mulch can be a great tool to landscape your yard, but not many know that it can attract termites right into your home! Mulch, which is comprised of wood chips, can retain moisture, making it a perfect food source for termites. If you do decide to use mulch, try to keep at least a 4-inch barrier between the mulch and the side of your home. Along with mulch, try to keep shrubbery, lumber, and wood away from the foundation of the house.
Inspect It!
Inspecting your own home is probably the easiest way to prevent termites. Since termites like to consume wood, check for wood damage throughout your home. When wood is damaged it will make a hollow or papery sound when tapped on. Periodically check the exterior of the home. Maintaining your home’s wood siding and window frames help prevent termites from sneaking in. Some signs you have termites are blistering sheetrock, mud tunnels, cracks in the foundation, and discarded termite wings.
If you’ve determined that termites have infested your home, it’s best to call a professional. A local pest control company can provide you with an inspection and the best plan of action for termite control.
Dec 20, 2019 | Alabama Blogs, Georgia Blogs, Termite Control
By Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education · Last updated: May 2026
Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage across the U.S. every year, and the Southeast accounts for a disproportionate share because of our warm, humid climate. At Northwest, we inspect for termites year-round across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, and the pattern we see over and over is the same: homeowners assume they’re either lucky or unlucky when it comes to termites. They’re neither. Termite damage is largely preventable, and the homes that get hit hardest almost always have one or more risk factors that could have been addressed years earlier.
Here’s the full termite prevention playbook for Southeast homes, including the conditions that attract termites, the DIY steps that actually move the needle, when professional treatment is worth it, and how often you should be inspecting.
Mud tubes on a foundation wall are the most reliable early warning sign of subterranean termite activity.
Why Termite Prevention Is Essential in the Southeast
Three facts make termite prevention non-optional for Southeast homeowners:
- Eastern subterranean termites are present in every county of Georgia and Alabama. They’re not a “what if,” they’re a “when.” The question for most homes isn’t whether termites are nearby, it’s whether your house has the conditions that let them in.
- Damage is usually invisible until it’s significant. Termites work inside wood from the interior outward. By the time you can see visible damage on a wall, sub-floor, or window frame, you’re typically looking at thousands of dollars in repair on top of treatment.
- Most homeowner insurance does not cover termite damage. Repair costs come out of your pocket. Average treatment + repair for a moderate infestation in the Southeast runs $3,000 to $8,000.
Common entry points: wood-to-soil contact around the foundation, cracks in slab foundations or concrete blocks, expansion joints, leaky pipes or excessive moisture, mulch or firewood piled against exterior walls, and gaps where utility lines penetrate the foundation.
Identifying Termite Risk Factors on Your Property
Four risk factors account for most Southeast termite calls. Fix these and you remove the conditions termites need.
Four conditions account for the majority of termite activity in Southeast homes. If you have one or more of these, you’re at elevated risk regardless of what neighbors are seeing.
1. Moisture and Water Issues
Subterranean termites need consistent moisture to survive. Anything that creates a damp microclimate near or under your home raises the risk:
- Leaky exterior faucets, hose bibs, or irrigation lines
- Clogged or missing gutters that dump water at the foundation
- Landscaping graded toward the house rather than away from it
- Air conditioner condensate lines that discharge near the foundation
- Plumbing leaks under sinks, in crawl spaces, or in slab penetrations
2. Wood-to-Soil Contact
Wherever wood touches soil directly, you’ve given termites a no-effort entry path:
- Wooden deck posts set directly in the ground without concrete footers
- Wooden fence posts touching the house
- Wood siding that extends below grade level
- Trellises or arbors attached to the house with the base in soil or mulch
- Wooden steps or porch supports without termite shields
3. Clutter and Yard Debris
Debris near the foundation provides food, shelter, and a launching point for termite colonies:
- Firewood stacked against the house or within 20 feet of the foundation
- Cardboard boxes, lumber, or pallets stored next to the house
- Leaf piles and yard waste against exterior walls
- Old tree stumps within 20 feet of the foundation (subterranean termites love decaying stumps)
4. Landscaping Decisions
Mulch is great for gardens but problematic near foundations:
- Maintain a 2- to 3-foot gap between mulch and the foundation
- Use pea gravel or river rock in the 2-foot zone immediately adjacent to the foundation
- Trim shrubs back from exterior walls (dense vegetation traps moisture and hides mud tubes)
- Avoid heavy irrigation right at the foundation
DIY Termite Prevention Tips
Most prevention work is structural and seasonal. Done right, these steps significantly lower your risk without specialized equipment.
Regular Inspections
Walk your property twice a year (spring and fall) and look for:
- Mud tubes (pencil-thick brown tunnels) running up foundation walls or in crawl spaces
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or has blistering paint
- Small piles of what looks like sawdust or fine pellets near wood structures (frass from drywood termites or carpenter ants)
- Discarded wings near windows or doors after a warm rainy day (termite swarmer evidence)
- Sagging or warped flooring that wasn’t there before
Moisture Control
- Clean gutters twice a year and install gutter guards if you have heavy tree cover
- Add downspout extensions to direct water 4+ feet from the foundation
- Run a dehumidifier in basements and conditioned crawl spaces (target 50% RH or below)
- Fix any plumbing leak within 48 hours
- Re-grade landscaping if water pools near the foundation after rain
Remove Wood and Debris Near the Home
- Move firewood to a rack at least 20 feet from the house and elevated off the ground
- Remove old tree stumps within 20 feet of the foundation
- Store lumber, cardboard, and yard tools off the ground in a shed or garage
- Rake fallen leaves away from foundation walls
Natural Deterrents (Supplementary Only)
These don’t replace professional treatment for active infestations but can complement prevention:
- Orange oil or neem oil treatments on exposed exterior wood
- Diatomaceous earth along the foundation perimeter (works on a range of pests including some termites)
- Borate-based wood preservatives on accessible structural wood (decks, fences)
Professional Termite Prevention Methods
For Southeast homes, professional termite prevention is the highest-ROI structural investment most homeowners make. It’s also the only thing that meaningfully protects against a heavy subterranean termite year.
Chemical Barrier (Liquid Termiticide) Treatments
Pest control technicians trench around the foundation and apply a long-lasting termiticide (typically fipronil or imidacloprid) into the soil. This creates a continuous chemical barrier that subterranean termites can’t cross to reach the structure. Modern non-repellent termiticides are particularly effective because the termites don’t detect them and carry the active ingredient back to the colony, often eliminating it. Typical protection lasts 5 to 10 years.
Termite Bait Systems
In-ground bait stations placed around the foundation contain cellulose attractive to subterranean termites. Foraging termites find the bait, share it with the colony through grooming and food exchange, and the active ingredient (typically hexaflumuron or chlorfluazuron) disrupts molting and eliminates the colony. Sentricon and similar systems require ongoing monitoring (typically quarterly or annually) and offer long-term colony elimination rather than just a barrier.
Inspection and Monitoring Services
Professional inspections detect early signs homeowners miss: subterranean mud tubes in inaccessible crawl spaces, drywood damage inside wall voids, moisture issues that create termite-favorable microclimates. Annual inspections are the minimum recommendation for Southeast homes. Twice yearly is more appropriate for homes with risk factors or in heavily wooded areas.
When to Call a Professional Immediately
- Mud tubes on the foundation, in crawl spaces, or inside the home
- Discarded swarmer wings near windows or doors
- Hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood
- Frass (fine wood-colored pellets) near wood structures
- Sagging floors or doors that suddenly don’t close properly
- You’re buying a home in the Southeast (a pre-purchase termite inspection is essentially required by every reputable lender)
Carpenter Ants vs Termites: Don’t Confuse Them
Carpenter ants and termites both damage wood, but they’re different pests with different treatments. Homeowners often confuse the two:
- Termites eat wood for nutrition. Damage looks smooth and follows the wood grain. Bodies are pale/cream-colored with straight antennae and equal-length wings (in swarmers). They build mud tubes.
- Carpenter ants excavate wood for nesting (they don’t eat it). Damage looks like clean tunnels with sawdust-like frass nearby. Bodies are dark, segmented, with bent antennae and wings of unequal length. No mud tubes.
Both warrant professional treatment, but the methods differ. If you’re unsure which you’re dealing with, see our ants in the kitchen guide for carpenter ant identification details.
Seasonal and Regional Considerations
A foundation with proper drainage, mulch clearance, and no wood-to-soil contact is the structural baseline for termite prevention.
Termite activity follows distinct seasonal patterns in the Southeast:
- Late winter through spring (February-May): Peak swarming season. Subterranean termite swarmers emerge after warm rains, mate, and start new colonies. Most homeowner discoveries happen during this window.
- Summer (June-August): Colonies are at maximum foraging activity. Damage progresses fastest during these months.
- Fall (September-November): Reduced swarming but continued foraging. Good time for prevention work because next year’s swarmers haven’t emerged yet.
- Winter (December-February): Slowed but not dormant in the deep South. Indoor heated environments can keep populations active year-round.
Schedule professional inspections in late winter (January-February) so you catch any new activity before peak swarming season.
Termite Prevention Cost vs Damage Cost
A perspective on the math:
- Annual termite inspection: $75 to $200
- Initial liquid termiticide treatment (typical Southeast home): $1,200 to $2,500
- Bait system installation: $1,500 to $3,000, plus $300 to $600 annual monitoring
- Average damage repair from moderate infestation: $3,000 to $8,000
- Severe damage repair (structural beams, sub-floors): $10,000 to $25,000+
Prevention almost always costs less than treatment + repair, often by a factor of 5 to 10x. For a deeper authoritative reference, UGA Extension’s subterranean termite management guide covers the biology and treatment options in technical detail.
(Worried about termites or due for an inspection? Schedule a free Northwest inspection and we’ll assess your risk factors and recommend the right protection level.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Termite Prevention
Can termites be prevented entirely?
No method is 100% foolproof, but the combination of structural prevention (sealing entry points, controlling moisture, maintaining wood-to-soil separation), professional barrier or bait treatment, and regular inspections reduces risk by an enormous margin. Properly protected Southeast homes are very rarely the ones we see with serious termite damage.
How often should I have a termite inspection?
Annual inspections are the minimum for Southeast homes. Twice yearly (spring and fall) is more appropriate for homes with elevated risk factors (heavily wooded lots, moisture issues, older construction, history of prior termite activity). Pre-purchase termite inspections are essentially required when buying or selling a home in our region.
Are DIY prevention methods effective?
Yes for risk reduction, no as a complete substitute for professional treatment. DIY moisture control, debris removal, wood-to-soil separation, and structural maintenance significantly lower the conditions termites need to establish. Professional treatment (liquid barrier or bait system) is what actually protects against active subterranean colonies that exist in your soil regardless of what you do at the surface.
What’s the best way to protect a new home?
New construction in the Southeast benefits enormously from pre-construction termiticide application (the slab and footings are treated before concrete is poured) or physical barrier installation. Ongoing annual inspections and proper landscaping maintenance preserve that protection. Many Southeast builders include the initial treatment, but the long-term maintenance is on the homeowner.
What does a termite inspection actually involve?
A thorough inspection covers the foundation perimeter (interior and exterior), crawl spaces, basements, accessible attic space, plumbing penetrations, exterior wood structures (decks, porches, fences attached to the home), and any moisture issues. Inspectors look for active mud tubes, damaged wood, frass, discarded wings, and conducive conditions. A typical inspection takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on home size.
Most termite damage starts in places homeowners can’t easily see.
Schedule a Termite Inspection Today
If you haven’t had a termite inspection in over a year, you’re seeing any of the warning signs above, or you’re buying a home in the Southeast, Northwest’s team handles the full termite workflow: inspection, treatment selection, application, and ongoing monitoring. Most termite protection programs pay for themselves many times over in avoided damage.
About the Author
Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education leads pest education content for Northwest Exterminating, working with senior technicians and service center managers across our Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina service areas to translate field expertise into homeowner-friendly guides. The focus: accurate, regionally-specific answers to the pest questions Southeast homeowners are actually searching for.
May 31, 2019 | Termite Control
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. There are two main types of termites: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Drywood termites are found in warm, southern climates. They establish their colonies deep within the wood that they eat. As they consume wood, they create mazes of tunnels and chambers within the walls and foundation of your home. Subterranean termites are found throughout the continental United States. These termites build their colonies underground and emerge in search of food. They can enter your home through cracked or unsealed foundations.
Because termites eat wood from the inside out, termite damage often goes undetected for long periods of time. Often in fact, by the time signs of termites appear, colonies are well established and significant damage has already been done. Because of this, it is recommended that you get a termite inspection at least once per year or any time you find signs of termite activity. The average termite inspection cost is usually free (if no termite report is required, as in the case of a real estate transaction), or can be anywhere from $45 to over $100 depending on the size of your home and the exterminating company hired. A licensed termite inspector will perform a visible inspection on the readily accessible areas of your home looking for evidence of termites. The inspection should include a visual inspection of the entire interior of the home (including crawlspace and basement) and the exterior of the property. If evidence of termites are found, a termite exterminator will be required to provide appropriate termite control options and treatment.
Spotting signs of termites is a good indicator that a well established colony is nearby. But what are these signs? What should you look for? Here are 6 common signs of termites:
- Sounds: Soldier termites will bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies when the colony is disturbed. They use these sounds to signal danger to the other termites in the colony. The sound is often heard as a quiet clicking sound emanating from the walls.
- Wings: Flying termites are usually the first sign of a termite infestation. While they are often mistaken for flying ants, they are, in fact, “swarmers” who leave the nest in search of a mate to establish a new colony. Swarming season is usually in the spring after the first freeze. Once the termites mate, they lose their wings. These discarded wings, often found near doors and windowsills, are another common sign of termites.
- Warping: Termites produce moisture when they tunnel through wood. When they make their way through window frames and doors it causes them to warp, making them difficult to get open, often resembling water damage. This can also cause uneven or bubbling paint.
- Wood Damage: Termites consume wood from the inside out, sometimes masking damage for long periods of time. When wood is damaged by termites, it will often make a hollow or papery sound when tapped on. This is one of the most common signs of termite damage.
- Frass: Frass is another name for termite feces. Subterranean termites use their feces to build tunnels; drywood termites, however, push their feces out of small holes near the entrances to their nests as they tunnel. This leaves small black marks and a dark powdery substance near sites of infestation and damage. Frass is often found as piles of pellets.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to provide moisture and protect them from predators while they travel between their colonies and their food sources. These tubes are often found near home foundations. Mud tubes are made of tiny pieces of soil, wood, and debris.
If you suspect you have a termite problem or if you spot signs of a termite infestation, contact a professional termite control company who can provide you with a thorough termite inspection and a comprehensive termite protection and treatment plan.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Summer Wildlife Removal: Common Home Invaders
What Are These Little Black Ants?
10 Ways To Care For Your Lawn In Extreme Heat
The 411 on Bed Bugs
Are You Ready for Termite Season?
Mar 6, 2018 | Termite Control
Here in the south, nothing causes terror or fear more than the word, termite. Termites cause more than $5 million dollars in property damage throughout the United States. And what’s worse, most damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurances policies.
Before it gets out of control, look for signs of termites and consider getting a preventative termite treatment and termite warranty from an exterminating company.
Swarmers are your first sign that things may be awry, because while swarmers do not cause wood damage, they are a sign that a destructive colony is nearby. Look around doors and windowsills and for discarded wings. This is one of the first signs of a termite infestation.
If you notice mud tubes or tunnels along the foundation of your home, the next step would be to contact your pest control provider to schedule a termite inspection. Termites use the mud tubes to keep moisture when traveling to and from their colony and your home (their delicious food source).
Other signs of termites that you may notice:
- Bubbles in paint: this will often be a sign of moisture build which points to either termites or water damage
- Wood Damage: wood that is suspected to be infested by termites will normally sound hollow, as termite prefer to eat wood from the inside out
- Frass: the sign of a Drywood termite infestation is the appearance of wood colored droppings that litter the ground as they feast on your home
If you are able to get close enough to get a look, make sure that that you are dealing with a swarmer; flying ants are often mistaken for a flying termite.
If you do not find any of the signs of termites, now’s the time to get preventative termite protection! Sentricon Always Active, a termite baiting system, is the best protection to have for your home; it’s environmentally-responsible and comes with a lifetime termite warranty.
To schedule a free termite inspection, call (888) 466-7849 today!
Apr 23, 2012 | Termite Control
If you think that you work hard, think again, you have nothing on THE TERMITE! Termites are working hard, 24/7, to find food. Unfortunately for us, their food is the very wood that we use to build homes. Your home is your biggest asset and you shouldn’t compromise the structural integrity of your home by allowing termites to feed and cause damage. Termites cause up to $5 billion in damage each year and their damage is typically not covered under homeowners’ insurance. This can be an expensive out-of-pocket cost.
Termites show up around your home in early March and hang around until June. A lot of termite damage can be done in this time. It is best to have a professional exterminating company provide you with termite control that will get rid of termites that are in your home and prevent new termites from coming in. Northwest Exterminating is one of the few termite control companies that offer warranties along with our termite treatments. Retreatment & Repair warranties or a Lifetime Termite Warranty are both offered by Northwest Exterminating. Our highly trained representatives will conduct a FREE termite inspection on your home and create a customized treatment plan that is best suited for the needs of you and your home.
Termite damage
Keep an eye out for signs that termites may be invading your home. Look for rotting wood, mud tunnels, or shed wings on both the inside and outside of your home, paying close attention to doors and windowsills. Ensure that there is no water gathering near the foundation of your home. Not only will it serve as an invite to termites but other pests such as silverfish, mosquitoes, and many others. Inspect all raw lumber or firewood before you bring it into your home for signs of termites.
For a FREE inspection of your home visit our website or call us at 888.466.7849. Make sure that your home is protected from termites.
