Pests to know in Tuscaloosa
Termites in Tuscaloosa
- Alabama Extension says the state's climate is especially favorable to termites, which can be active year-round throughout most of Alabama.[5]
- Formosan subterranean termites are most prevalent in coastal counties, but entomologists were seeing more serious infestations in central Alabama in 2021.[5]
- Alabama Extension calls late spring and early summer the best time to schedule an annual termite inspection, as rising spring soil temperatures drive termite foraging.[6]
Pests local experts flag
Common ticks in Alabama include the blacklegged (deer) tick, the American dog (wood) tick, and the lone star tick, according to the state health department.[3]
Climate
Central Tuscaloosa (ZIP 35401) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Tuscaloosa County Health Department lists public health nuisance complaint investigations among its environmental services.[1]
- The Tuscaloosa County Health Department's environmental services also include vector control and rabies control, the latter covering testing and bite management.[1]
- The Alabama Department of Public Health reports that West Nile virus cases have come from every public health district in the state.[2]
Hiring a licensed company
- Under Alabama rules, a permittee must sign a written contract with the property owner before starting subterranean termite work and file monthly termite-work reports by the 10th.[7]
- Alabama issues structural professional services licenses to businesses doing household, fumigation, or wood-destroying organism pest control, and each needs a certified operator.[8]
Free local help
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System's Tuscaloosa County office is at 1800 McFarland Blvd E #342 in Tuscaloosa, phone (205) 349-4630.[4]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Alabama ticks are more active in early spring and late fall, but tick-borne illnesses have been reported in the state year-round.[3]
- Spring to Fall
- Alabama Extension generally advises against spring fire ant baiting earlier than April, with a second bait application in September or October.[9]
Sources
- Alabama Department of Public Health (Tuscaloosa County Health Department), “Services - Tuscaloosa County.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tuscaloosa/services.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Department of Public Health, “West Nile Virus.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/mosquito/west-nile.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Department of Public Health, “Tick-borne Diseases.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tick/index.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Tuscaloosa County Extension Office.” www.aces.edu/counties/tuscaloosa/ (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 Cooperative Extension System, “Schedule Your Termite Annual Inspection to Avoid Costly Home Damage.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home/schedule-your-termite-annual-inspection-to-avoid-costly-home-damage/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Alabama Administrative Code (Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries), “Rule 80-10-9-.16 Responsibilities of Structural Pest Control Permittees for Subterranean Termite Control Work.” admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/80-10-9-.16 (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, “Managing Fire Ants with Baits.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/managing-fire-ants-with-baits/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 35401 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/35401.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)