Termites: First Things First

Yikes. This is something you do not ever want to see in your house.

The above photograph shows a Formosan Subterranean Termite carton nest, filling the wall cavities inside a bathroom in Midtown, Mobile, Alabama.

First Things First: What is a carton nest?

Unlike native Eastern Subterranean Termites, Formosan Subterranean Termites can carry mud from the ground, and with a lot of termite spit (secretions) and feces, build a way-station of sorts that entomologist call a carton nest. By regulating the moisture content within, Formosan termites can remain within the above-ground nest without returning to the soil, allowing them to cause more damage more quickly than their native cousins, the Eastern Subterranean Termite.

The good news: if your termite prevention company applies a label-compliant termiticide treatment and applies additional necessary chemicals to ensure that the treatment remains active, your home should remain safe from subterranean termites, whether Formosan or Eastern Termites.

The bad news: Some termite prevention companies perform "sham" termite treatments, and then allow what little chemicals they do apply to wear off to the point that they are no longer active. They then actively conceal this important information from their customers. Worse, when the inevitable termite infestation occurs and is discovered (most often by the homeowner), the termite prevention company may then use deceitful tactics to further deceive their customers during the claims process.

How can I protect myself from this type of fraud?

If you believe you have a termite infestation, you should contact an experienced attorney before contacting your termite prevention company, inadvertently allowing the fraudsters to further conceal their bad conduct. There are also regulators who can assist with the initial inspection of your home.

The lawyers at Cochran Bowers PC are not the only Alabama Termite Fraud and Damage Attorneys, however, we have collectively handled hundreds of termite fraud, and damage claims in Alabama and across the Gulf States. We know that there are a lot of law firms that will promise you the Moon just to sign you up. We will not do that. Our pledge is simple: we will evaluate your claim for free, and, if we believe we can help, we will work with you to develop a plan that works for you and your unique situation; on the other hand, if we believe we are not the right fit for you, or your unique situation, we will let you know that as well.

If you need additional information, please visit: www.cochranbowers.com.