Why Huntsville has a long pest season
Huntsville's warm, damp climate is good news for insects. NOAA counts about 935 hours a year with the wet-bulb temperature above 73°F at the Huntsville/Madison station, and winters are short, averaging about 40 freeze-thaw cycles a year. The Tennessee Valley's limestone also creates caves and crevices; Alabama's caves lie in three main regions, one of them the Tennessee River Valley. Moist ground and mild winters let many pests stay active much of the year. Here is a calendar to stay ahead.
Spring (March through May)
- Watch for termite swarmers on warm days after rain. Swarmers indoors usually mean the colony is close.
- Inspect the foundation for mud tubes, especially on crawlspace piers and slab edges.
- Move firewood away from the house and off the ground.
- Trim plants back so they do not touch siding, giving ants and other insects a bridge.
Summer (June through August)
- Control moisture. Fix leaks, clean gutters and make sure crawlspace vapor barriers are intact.
- Watch for roaches and ants in kitchens and baths. Clean up crumbs and seal food.
- Check the AC condensate line discharge point; standing water near the house attracts pests.
- Reduce mosquitoes by emptying standing water from pots, toys and birdbaths weekly.
Fall (September through November)
- Rodent-proof the house before cold weather: seal gaps around pipes, vents and the garage door, and fix damaged screens.
- Inspect the attic for droppings or chewed insulation.
- Store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
Winter (December through February)
- Look for signs of mice in pantries, under sinks and in the garage.
- Inspect crawlspaces for moisture, damaged insulation and wood decay.
Choosing a pest control company
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries issues annual Structural Professional Services Licenses to businesses doing household pest control, fumigation or wood-destroying organism (termite) control, and each business needs an operator who has passed the commercial applicator exam for that category. Ask for the license, look it up, and ask which category it covers.
Termite contracts
Before signing a termite agreement, ask:
- what treatment method is proposed, and why;
- how often inspections happen;
- whether the warranty is retreatment only or includes repair of new damage;
- what you must do to keep the warranty valid, such as fixing moisture problems.
Keep a record
Keep inspection reports, the termite contract and treatment dates together. When you sell, buyers will ask for them.
Crawlspaces deserve a closer look
Many Huntsville homes sit over crawlspaces, which stay damp in the humid months. Once or twice a year, look under the house with a flashlight. Check that the vapor barrier covers the ground, that insulation is not hanging down, and that wood piers and joists are dry and solid. Wet wood attracts termites and wood-boring beetles. If the crawlspace smells musty or stays wet, a moisture fix may do more for pest control than any treatment.