Top signs of termite damage in Alabama

While the indications of a termite infestation vary by species, you may have a problem if you notice flying termites, hollow or blistering wood, and hard-to-open windows or doors. You might also see mud tubes, which termites dig into the wood and cover with mud. Recognizing the telltale signs of a termite infestation in your home can help you understand and address the issue – and potentially even pursue compensation.

What Does the Start of Termite Damage Look Like?

The early signs of termite damage in your home may initially seem minor. But left unchecked, these issues will only grow worse over time. Here are some telltale early signs that termites have begun infesting your home’s wooden structural elements:

• Small piles of wood debris accumulating on floors or windowsills – Known as frass, this is termite excrement composed of chewed-up wood.
• Tiny holes in wood that may be perfectly round or slightly jagged – Look for these in walls, floors, and furniture.
• A light tapping or scratching noise coming from within walls – This is the sound of termites munching on wood.
• Warped, cracked, or otherwise distorted wood structures – Termites eat away the insides of wood, leaving just a thin outer layer that starts bowing or splitting.
• Bubbling or blistering paint – This sight may indicate where termites have damaged the wood underneath.

Catching termite damage early not only prevents worse destruction later but also maximizes your chances of getting compensation if you have a termite bond. Don’t ignore small signs of termites!

What Are the Different Types of Termites in Alabama?

The three most common termites seen in Alabama are:

• Subterranean termites – These nest underground but travel through mud tubes to infest the wood in your home. They cause significant structural damage and are Alabama’s most widespread termite type.
• Drywood termites – Found mainly in coastal areas, these termites burrow directly into wood without any ground contact. Telltale tiny fecal pellets are a sign of drywood termites.
• Dampwood termites – As the name suggests, these termites thrive in damp, rotting wood. Their presence can indicate leaks or moisture issues in the home. Signs include damaged wood with a blistered appearance.

Another termite found in some southern Alabama counties is the Formosan termite. An invasive species originally from Southern China, Formosans are extremely destructive and can require tenting and fumigation to fully eliminate. Identifying the type of termite invading your home will allow appropriate treatment and repairs.

What Months Do Termites Swarm in Alabama?

Termites tend to swarm once a year. Different species may do so at different times. This event occurs during the spring months, when the winged adult male termites leave their nests in search of a new home. Swarming occurs during the daytime when the temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

While the sight of thousands of termites buzzing through the air is alarming, the insects do not cause any direct harm to humans or pets during this time. However, seeing a swarm near your home can be a strong signal that you might soon have a termite infestation. Even if just a few of the swarming termites remain behind, they may be enough to start a new colony and cause significant damage. Contact a pest control company as soon as you notice nearby swarming activity to protect your home from these unwanted guests.

How Much Time Does It Take for Termites to Cause Damage?

Swarming subterranean termites may initially establish their new colony in your yard. As the colony matures and expands, the insects may progress closer to your house and begin taking up residency in its wooden beams and planks. From this point, they can destroy the structure of your home in five or six years if left unchecked.

Formosan termites work their mischief even faster. They reproduce at such a high rate that they are sometimes capable of ruining a home in as little as one year. This alarming timeframe underscores how essential it is to address the presence of termites as early as possible to avoid the worst outcomes.

How Can I File a Claim for Termite Damage in Alabama?

If you have a termite bond and suffer damage during the coverage period, you can file a claim by following these steps:

• Contact the pest control company that issued your bond and report the damage. Request an inspection.
• Gather evidence like photos and samples of termites or damage. Keep receipts for any repairs done.
• Review your bond terms so you understand what damage is covered. Especially note any requirements or deadlines it sets.
• Submit a formal claim in writing following the procedures outlined in your bond contract. Include copies of all supporting documents.
• If your claim is denied, appeal the decision and consult a legal professional about your options. An attorney can help demand that a resistant pest control company honor its obligations.

Who Can Be Liable for My Termite Damage?

If you have a termite bond, the pest control company that issued it may bear responsibility for damage caused during the contract period. Their liability depends on whether they fulfilled the terms of the bond, like performing annual inspections and treatments.

The previous homeowners who sold you the house may also share liability if they were aware of the termites but failed to disclose it. In some instances, you may be able to pursue legal action against them for fraudulently concealing the issue.

An experienced attorney can help determine the parties at fault and hold them legally and financially accountable for the destruction termites have inflicted on your home.

Contact an Alabama Termite Damage Lawyer

Termites may be tiny, but collectively, they can destroy your home and the equity you’ve built in it. Without the proper precautions, they can ruin your property and cause serious health problems. In extreme situations, termite damage can even lead to life-threatening injuries.

If termite damage has caused you harm, you may have options. Let the experienced Alabama termite damage attorneys at Gartlan Injury Law help you explore them. We understand the challenges homeowners face in these situations and are ready to help. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

Visit Our Alabama Termite Damage Law Offices

Aaron Gartlan

Aaron Gartlan is a graduate of Troy University and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law who focuses his practice exclusively on representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others. He is member of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition to his legal practice, Aaron teaches Business Law as an adjunct instructor at Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business and serves as a field artillery sergeant in the Alabama National Guard.