PestControlBasics
Menu

Identify

Treat

Local

About

Pests and pest control in Alabama

Pests to know in Alabama

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Pests documented in Alabama

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in Alabama, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (681)

Fewer public records (178)

Range named by extension sources (5)

Termites in Alabama

  • Formosan subterranean termites are most prevalent in Alabama's hot, humid coastal counties such as Mobile and Baldwin, and entomologists have reported more serious infestations in central Alabama.[2]
  • Alabama Extension reports rising numbers of subterranean termite infestations in the state from both the Formosan termite and native termite species.[2]

Invasive species reported here

Alabama Extension says fire ants are active throughout Alabama.[3]

Pests local experts flag

  • The lone star tick is the most abundant tick species in Alabama, and it aggressively seeks out people and pets.[4]
  • Alabama Extension identifies the black widow and the brown recluse as two common venomous spiders in Alabama.[5]
  • Spotted fever rickettsiosis, which includes Rocky Mountain spotted fever, is the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in Alabama.[4]

Public agencies that handle pests

The Alabama Department of Public Health runs a mosquito-borne disease program and notes that infected mosquitoes in Alabama have been documented carrying Eastern equine, Saint Louis, and La Crosse encephalitis.[6]

Hiring a licensed company

Alabama's pesticide regulatory agency is the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (Pest Management Division).[1]

Licensing agency: Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries — Pest Management Division[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System's Plant Diagnostic Lab identifies insect samples and examines plant samples for insect problems, with specialists returning a diagnosis and control recommendations.[7]

Local guides in Alabama

Through the year

Year-round
Alabama's climate lets termites stay active year-round across most of the state.[2]
Spring to Fall
Ticks in every life stage can be active year-round in Alabama, and lone star tick nymphs and adults are most active from March to October.[4]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. 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)
  3. 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)
  4. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Ticks & Tick-borne Illnesses in Alabama.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/ticks-tick-borne-illnesses-in-alabama/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Black Widow and Recluses: Avoiding Venomous Spiders of the Southeast.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home/black-widow-and-recluses/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Alabama Department of Public Health, “Mosquito-borne Diseases.” www.alabamapublichealth.gov/mosquito/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, “Plant Diagnostic Lab Forms.” www.aces.edu/blog/topics/counties-statewide/plant-diagnostic-lab-forms/ (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.