EXTENSION REPORT

Learn Termite Warning Signs 

If you own a home, it was probably inspected for termites when you purchased it. An important point to remember is that just because no termites were found then, doesn’t mean that you can forget about them. Learn the signs that indicate these pests have moved into the area and you will be able to handle the situation before it becomes a significant problem. When structural damage becomes visible, it's usually the result of years of termite infestation.

There are two types of termites that cause problems for homeowners: subterranean and non-subterranean (drywood and powderpost) termites. Non subterranean termites are usually confined to one structural member of a building or piece of furniture where as subterranean termites generally nest in the soil and are feared the most by homeowners.

Subterranean termites swarming indoors, is one of the signs of infestation which usually occurs in spring. Winged reproductives, one of the three castes of termites, leave their old colonies and fly in swarms to form new colonies. These winged reproductives will shed both pairs of their wings shortly after they swarm.

Don’t confuse winged termites with winged ants. Ants have narrow, wasp-like mid-section, while termites are broad through their mid-section. An ant’s wings are about twice the length of their bodies. If you have problems determining the difference, take a sample to a reputable exterminator or your local extension office for identification.

Subterranean termite tubes are another sign of infestation. Ideal conditions for subterranean termites are dark and moist. They build earth-colored tubes from the ground to the wood that they are feeding on. Look for these tubes in crawl spaces underneath homes built on pillars, wooden posts, and door and window trim.

Wood that is in contact with the ground is especially susceptible to termite infestation. Modifications can be made to your home to help control termites. First, avoid putting mulch against your home (always leave a 12-18 inch buffer zone with no mulch) Gravel can be used in this zone to prevent soil from splashing onto the side of your home. Replace wood posts and steps that contact the soil with pressure-treated lumber or some other non-wood based building material. If possible, keep wood eighteen inches away from the soil. Make sure that crawl spaces have proper ventilation and are well-drained. Direct run-off water away from the foundation and make sure that your gutter system is working correctly. This will help reduce soil moisture around your home. Fill any cracks in the foundation with concrete or caulk. Your local Extension office has three excellent termite publications (ANR-1170, ANR-1035, ANR-1252) that will help you identify and manage this pest or visit the Extension website at www.aces.edu/publications.

If you suspect you have a termite infestation, call a reputable pest control professional to inspect your home. You may want to get several estimates.

Master Gardener Information-line Office has new location

The Baldwin County Master Gardeners are ready to answer gardening questions from its new location. The new office is located on the grounds of the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center at 8300 Highway 104 in Fairhope. The Baldwin County Master Gardeners provide gardening information Monday – Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the Mobile County Master Gardeners provide gardening information from their Mobile location on Thursday and Friday during the same hours listed above. The Master Gardeners operate the Information-line beginning February of each year until the week before Thanksgiving in November. The Master Gardeners can be reached toll free at 1-877-252-GROW(4769), press 1 for the Southwest Region.

Bioenergy Education Program

Join us for a demonstration of one of the newest technologies in the field of bioenergy. The Baldwin and Mobile County offices of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will host a demonstration of a self-contained, mobile, gasification power generation unit. The first meeting will be Thursday, May 8, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Jon Archer Agricultural Center in Mobile. A second meeting will be held on Friday, May 9, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds in Robertsdale. The unit is part of a new bioenergy education program conducted by Auburn University’s Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts, a department of the Natural Resources Management & Development Institute.

Christian Brodbeck, an engineer with Auburn University’s Biosystems Engineering, will demonstrate how electrical power and heat can be generated cost efficiently from carbon-neutral biomass including by-products from the agricultural, row-crops, nursery, and forestry industries.  The unit converts raw organic material, such as gin trash, wood chips, etc. into a carbon gas that fuels an engine that powers a generator capable of furnishing the electricity needed by seven households.

The practical uses of this unit are continually emerging especially for those industries having access to biomass by-product and a need to supplement traditional energy sources.

For more information on this program, contact James Miles, Regional Extension Agent in Mobile County at 574-8445.

Submitted by:
Mike McQueen
Regional Extension Agent
Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests
Southwest Coastal Region

Email address: mcquegj@aces.edu
Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.