Mar 6, 2020 | Termite Control
Termite infestations can cause significant (and expensive) structural damage to your home and property. What makes termites even worse is they usually cause significant damage for a long period of time without being detected.
Spring is an especially critical time for identifying and dealing with termites because that is the time of year when termites swarm to establish new colonies. These swarmers are winged adult termites that mature and fly away from their colonies to continue reproducing. Termite swarming season begins at different times for different species but all of them typically begin when the weather warms up following a significant rain event. For most species like subterranean termites, this falls in early spring. Age is also a factor in determining when termite colonies will swarm. While there is no specific age for a colony to swarm, most colonies aren’t mature enough until they are at least 3 years old.
Swarming termites often gather in areas with low-wind and diffuse light. Swarms can occur over a period of several days. Termite swarms are often confused with flying ant swarms. There are 3 major differences between termites and flying ants: antenna, wings, and body segments. Termites have straight antennae with a slight drooping look while flying ants have antenna that are bent at a 90 degree angle as they come out the side of their heads. Termite wings are basically equal in length while flying ants have front wings that are noticeably longer than their hind wings. Finally, termites have 2 body segments with straight abdomen while flying ants have 3 distinct body segments that narrow at the waist.
Odds are if you notice a termite swarm in or around your property the initial nesting site is not too far away. Termite swarms are a good indication that a termite infestation is imminent. Swarming termites also discard their wings after their new colony is established. Finding piles of discarded wings is also another sign that a new active termite colony is close by.
It is important to periodically check for signs of termites in your home to try and catch an infestation before the damage is significant (and costly).
- Check the exterior of your home and look for mud tubes and small white insects going up the outside of your foundation.
- Tap or probe any exposed wood for hollow sounds.
- Learn to identify termite swarms and keep an eye out for them in the spring.
- Look for other signs of termites in your home such as buckling wood, damaged wood, etc.
- Keep the ground around foundations dry with proper drainage techniques.
- Seal off any points of entry by filling in cracks in concrete foundations and any holes or openings where utility lines and pipes enter the home.
- Consider investing in an annual termite inspection where a professional termite control technician can thoroughly check your home for all of these signs and more.
If you notice a termite swarm this spring or any of these other signs of termites, it’s not too late to act but action should be taken sooner rather than later. With the help of a professional pest control company, you can take quick action for termite treatment while avoiding the costly headache of structural damage to your home. Whether you’ve dealt with termites in the past or just want to avoid dealing with them in the future, investing in termite protection now is always a good idea.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Where Are These Stinkbugs Coming From?
10 Common Myths About Pest Control
Keeping Wildlife Out This Spring
How to Prep Your Yard for a Mosquito Bite-Free Summer
Where Are All of These Roaches Coming From?
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.
Mar 22, 2019 | Termite Control
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Because they work from the inside out, infestations are often not found until significant damage has already been done. Spring marks the beginning of the termite swarming season and these destructive pests are found in most of the United States (except for Alaska). What do you need to know before swarming season starts to help control termites? Find out the answers to many of your termite questions below.
What Time Of Year Do Termites Come Out?
Termites swarm as the weather begins to warm, usually at the beginning of spring or summer and usually after a rain event. Termites swarm when they go in search of a location to establish a new colony. Colonies typically don’t produce a swarm until they have been established for at least 3 years.
Do Swarming Termites Mean An Infestation?
If a swarm happens inside your home, most of them will not survive to establish a new colony but it does mean that your home is likely infested. If a swarm happens outside your home or if you notice just a few stragglers inside, your home is most likely not infested but a colony (or multiple colonies) are present nearby.
Do Swarming Termites Cause Damage?
Swarming termites have one purpose – to reproduce and establish a new colony. In fact, they don’t have biting or chewing mouthparts to cause damage to your home. Several hundred swarmers are produced by each colony but only a small percentage of these actually survive to start the new colony.
What Is The Difference Between Swarming Termites And Flying Ants?
Termites have straight antennae and wide bodies without pinched waists. They are usually black or dark brown in color. Swarming termites have wings that are the same length and clear in color. Termites are found in decaying stumps, trees, wood debris, lumber, and other wooden structures. They cause structural damage by eating wood and other cellulose-based products like paper.
Flying ants (also known as carpenter ants) have elbowed antennae and pinched waists. They can be black, brown or reddish in color. They have 2 pairs of wings that differ in size and are tinted brown in color. Carpenter ants also inhabit wood and wood structures; however, they don’t eat wood and therefore do not usually cause any structural damage. They do eat nectar, seeds, other insects, and food debris in and around your home.
Both termites and flying ants swarm as part of their mating process.
What Attracts Termites To Your Home?
The main attractant to termites is food. Termites love to eat anything wood or cellulose-based including lumber, firewood, newspaper, and more. They also like warm, dark places that are undisturbed such as your crawlspace. They also thrive in moist soil, especially around your foundations.
What Is The Most Effective Termite Treatment?
While there are some do-it-yourself options you can do around your home, these are more suitable for termite prevention rather than termite control. Getting rid of termites is a job best left to the professionals. Some things you can do around your home to help prevent termites include:
- Getting rid of decayed lumber and firewood and moving wood products away from your foundations.
- Reduce moisture in crawlspaces.
- Repair leaky faucets and pipes.
- Divert excess water from foundations with properly functioning gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks.
- Position sprinklers to spray away from foundations.
There are two major types of termite treatment: liquids and baits.
Liquid termite treatments have been around for years. Their purpose is to provide a long-lasting barrier in the soil that keeps termites from entering and infesting buildings. This treatment also helps eliminate termites that are already inside structures as it prevents them from getting back to the soil for supplemental moisture.
Bait termite treatments use a cellulose-based food product combined with a slow acting pesticide. The bait stations are installed below the ground where termites eat the bait and share it with other termites in their colony. This leads to a gradual decline in the termite population infesting the structure.
If you suspect you have a termite problem, contact a professional termite control specialist. A thorough termite inspection by a trained pest control professional is critical in identifying and eliminating a termite infestation from your home.
You May Also Be Interested In:
: How to Keep Your Grass Green in the Summer
10 Common Spiders in Georgia
5 Ways To Prevent Bed Bugs When Traveling
Do I Really Need Termite Protection?
Wildlife Control: How to Keep Animals Out Of Your Home
Jan 25, 2019 | Termite Control
The 2 most common reasons to need a termite inspection: when required during real estate transactions and if termite activity is present or suspected by homeowners and business owners.
If either of these situations applies, you may be wondering how much a termite inspection costs, and what steps are taken if an infestation is found by a termite exterminator.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
Termite Inspections for Homeowners & Business Owners:
If you own a home or business and see signs of active termites (usually swarming termites) or termite damage, you’re going to need a termite inspection from a local exterminator near you. Or if you’re considering selling your home in the near future and don’t have a termite warranty, now may be a good time for a termite inspection, so you don’t delay the sales process when you find a potential buyer.
If the intent is to get termite treatment options and find out if you have an active termite infestation, most termite exterminators will perform a free termite inspection. The first step in this process is to contact a reputable pest control company and schedule a termite inspection. On the day of inspection, be prepared for the inspector to spend a half hour to an hour or longer at your property, depending on the size and condition of the home or business. The inspector will be looking for active and previous signs of termites, termite damage, and any other wood destroying insects or pest issues.
If termite activity is found, previous or active, termite treatment options will be provided. Common forms of treatments include liquid barrier treatments and termite baiting systems, which are a less invasive, environmentally responsible option. Most exterminating companies will also offer termite warranties with treatment so that your property is protected from future termite infestations and/or damage.
If no termite activity is found, it’s still a smart choice to consider having your home or business treated for termites. A baiting system like Sentricon Always Active® is a great preventative treatment choice. Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage each year so taking a proactive approach to termite protection is the only way to totally protect your investment from termites.
Termite Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
Termite inspections and Wood Infestation Reports are usually required during the purchase of a home. These are NOT included in a general home inspection. Often, the real estate agent representing the seller will coordinate the termite inspection with their exterminating company of choice, if the homeowners do not currently have an active termite warranty. The fee for this inspection and report generally ranges from $45 to over $100 depending on the termite company. This fee is sometimes waived if active or previous termite activity is found and the property will require a termite treatment.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Termite Treatment Options: How Sentricon Works
Termite Control: Do I Really Need Termite Protection
What Are Your Termite Treatment Options?
Green Pest Control: Is it Worth the Investment?
What to Look for When Choosing an Exterminator
May 4, 2018 | Mosquito, Pest Control, Termite Control
As we approach the warmer and more humid months, the chance of encountering pests increases. While some are more occasional invaders, there are some that will make it a point to stick around.
Cockroaches
With the weather changing and a large amount of rain in the forecast, your home provides cockroaches with shelter and an ever-flowing food source. The larger roaches you may encounter are more than likely American cockroaches; an infestation that is normally easy to stop with a quarterly pest service. However, if you notice smaller roaches in the kitchen and/or bathroom of your home, you may be dealing with German cockroaches. They are a much harder infestation to control and will usually require a monthly treatment by your exterminator.
Mosquitoes
There is a consensus in the South that mosquitoes are despised, and we would all like them gone. Unfortunately, they seem to be here to stay, as they thrive in this area due to the humid climate. Also, because of where we are located, our mosquito season starts before other regions in the U.S. They are more of a hazard than just a casual annoyance; mosquito bites have the potential to spread diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and Zika. At Northwest, our Mosquito Reduction Service reduces adult mosquitoes and limits mosquito breeding around your home, reducing your risk of mosquito bites and mosquito diseases.
Termites
In the pest world, we refer to the warmer months as “swarm season.” This is when pests that have been overwintering emerge and begin to swarm. Termites only swarm once a year and, here in the South, the type you will see swarming are Subterranean termites. The ones you see flying around your home are not the ones that will cause destruction; however, it’s a sign that a termite colony is nearby. A termite inspection by a professional exterminator will not only look for signs of termite damage around your home but will also provide you with a personalized plan for treatment, if damage is found, and prevention moving forward.
