Pests to know in Montgomery
Termites in Montgomery
- Formosan subterranean termites are most common in Alabama's coastal Mobile and Baldwin counties, but Extension entomologists were seeing more serious infestations in central Alabama in 2021.[6]
- Alabama's climate is especially favorable to termites, which can stay active year-round across most of the state.[6]
Pests local experts flag
- The Montgomery County Health Department lists raccoons, bats, foxes, coyotes and skunks as the animals most susceptible to rabies. Anyone exposed to a possibly rabid animal can call 293-6452.[2]
- ADPH lists the blacklegged (deer) tick, the American dog (wood) tick and the lone star tick as common Alabama ticks. They live in grassy, brushy and wooded areas.[5]
Climate
Central Montgomery (ZIP 36104) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Montgomery County Health Department's Environmental Health Division investigates vector and solid waste complaints. You can reach the division at (334) 293-6452.[1]
- Alabama law requires dog and cat owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies every year once the animals are older than three months.[2]
- Montgomery County's Engineering Department runs a mosquito spraying program for the county's rural areas, spraying Monday through Thursday in the evening hours.[3]
- The Alabama Department of Public Health says mosquitoes in Alabama have been documented carrying Eastern equine, Saint Louis and La Crosse encephalitis viruses.[4]
Hiring a licensed company
- Alabama structural pest control businesses need a Professional Services License that is renewed every year. The license year runs from October 1 through September 30.[7]
- In Alabama, a company that controls wood-destroying organisms such as termites needs a certified operator who has passed the state commercial applicator exam for that category.[7]
Free local help
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System's Montgomery County office is at 6281 Trotman Road, and its staff includes a home horticulture agent.[8]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Alabama ticks are most active in early spring and late fall, but the state has reported tick-borne illnesses in every month of the year.[5]
Sources
- Alabama Department of Public Health – Montgomery County Health Department, “Environmental Health Division.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/montgomery/environmental-services.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Department of Public Health – Montgomery County Health Department, “Rabies Control.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/montgomery/rabies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Montgomery County Commission, “Mosquito Spraying Program.” www.montgomerycountyal.gov/departments/engineering/mosquito-spraying-program (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Department of Public Health, “Mosquito-borne Diseases.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/mosquito/index.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Department of Public Health, “Tick-borne Diseases.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tick/ (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, “Professional Services.” agi.alabama.gov/pesticidemanagement/programs/professional-services/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Montgomery County Extension Office.” www.aces.edu/counties/montgomery/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 36104 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/36104.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)