Pests to know in Huntsville
Termites in Huntsville
- Alabama Extension says the state's climate lets termites stay active year-round in most of Alabama, and subterranean termites cause the most structural damage.[3]
- Formosan subterranean termites are most common in Alabama's coastal Mobile and Baldwin counties, but Extension entomologists reported more serious infestations in central Alabama in 2021.[3]
Invasive species reported here
Imported fire ants are active throughout Alabama; Extension recommends a two-step method of baiting in spring and fall, then treating individual mounds.[6]
Pests local experts flag
Climate
Central Huntsville (ZIP 35801) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a, where the average coldest winter night is 10 to 15°F.[8]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Mosquito and rat control in the Madison County parts of Huntsville is handled by the Vector Control Division of the Madison County Health Department, using an integrated pest management approach.[1]
- Vector Control started running mosquito fog trucks in the Limestone County subdivisions of Huntsville in August 2015.[1]
- In Alabama, mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
- Alabama requires anyone doing professional pest control work to pass a written exam before getting a permit, with a separate category for controlling termites and other wood-destroying organisms.[4]
- In Alabama, owning a pest control company that does structural fumigation requires the Fumigation (FC) certified operator category from the state Department of Agriculture and Industries.[5]
Free local help
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System's Madison County office is in the Charles Stone Agricultural Center at 819 Cook Avenue in Huntsville.[7]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Huntsville-area mosquito fog trucks generally run weekdays from 7 p.m. to midnight, March through September, unless wind, heat, or rain stops them.[2]
Sources
- City of Huntsville, “Vector Control.” www.huntsvilleal.gov/environment/vector-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Huntsville, “Vector Control is ready for mosquito season.” cityblog.huntsvilleal.gov/vector-control-is-ready-for-mosquito-season/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Termite Territory is Expanding in Alabama—The Basics of Termite Control.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home/termite-territory-is-expanding-in-alabama-the-basics-of-termite-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, “Rule 80-10-9-.04 Categories, Examinations, And Qualifications.” admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/80-10-9-.04 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Professional Service – Testing Information and What To Do When You Pass Your Test (FB/FC).” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/commercial-applicator/professional-service-testing-information-and-what-to-do-when-you-pass-your-test-fb-fc/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Fire Ants Causing Early Damage in Alabama Hemp.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/fire-ants-causing-early-damage-in-alabama-hemp/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Madison County.” www.aces.edu/counties/madison/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 35801 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/35801.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)