Written by Jon Sumrall, Co-Founder & Lead Technician at Paramount Pest Solutions
With over 25 years of experience treating termites along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, our team has seen firsthand how the region’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for termite activity. This guide covers everything homeowners and property managers need to know about termite prevention, identification, and treatment in the Gulf Coast region.
Why the Gulf Coast Is a High-Risk Termite Zone
The Gulf Coast region, including Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and surrounding areas, experiences year-round warm temperatures and high humidity. These conditions make Mississippi one of the highest-risk states for termite damage in the United States. The Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is the most common species we encounter, though Formosan Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus) have become increasingly prevalent along the coast.
According to the Mississippi State University Extension Service, termite damage costs Gulf Coast homeowners millions of dollars annually. Early detection and professional treatment are critical to protecting your property.
Signs of Termite Activity
During our inspections, we look for several key indicators:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, or crawl space supports – these shelter tunnels are built by subterranean termites traveling between soil and wood
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood when tapped, especially near the foundation, door frames, and window sills
- Discarded wings near windows and doors, typically found after spring swarming events (March through May on the Gulf Coast)
- Bubbling or peeling paint that may indicate moisture from termite galleries behind walls
- Frass (droppings) – small pellet-like droppings near wood surfaces, more common with drywood termites
- Moisture damage patterns in crawl spaces, particularly where wood contacts soil or where ventilation is poor
Our Inspection Process
Every Paramount termite inspection follows a thorough, documented process:
- Exterior Assessment: We examine the foundation perimeter, looking for mud tubes, wood-to-soil contact, moisture issues, and landscaping that may promote termite access
- Interior Inspection: We check all accessible areas including baseboards, door frames, window sills, and any visible wood structures
- Crawl Space / Substructure: We inspect piers, joists, sill plates, and subfloor for activity, moisture readings, and structural compromise
- Moisture Mapping: Using professional moisture meters, we identify high-moisture areas that attract termites
- Documentation: We provide a detailed Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report documenting all findings with locations and recommended treatments
Termite Treatment Methods
Liquid Barrier Treatment
Liquid barrier systems remain one of the most effective methods for subterranean termite control. The treatment involves applying a termiticide around and under the foundation to create a continuous chemical barrier between the soil and the structure.
How it works: A trench is dug around the perimeter of the foundation, and the termiticide is applied at the proper rate per manufacturer label specifications. For slab constructions, holes are drilled through the concrete at regular intervals and the product is injected beneath the slab. All entry points are treated to ensure complete coverage.
Modern liquid termiticides are non-repellent, meaning termites cannot detect the barrier. They pass through the treated zone, pick up the active ingredient, and transfer it to other colony members through normal grooming and feeding behavior. This transfer effect leads to colony elimination over time.
Baiting Systems
Termite baiting systems use strategically placed monitoring stations around the property perimeter. These stations contain wood or cellulose material that is regularly checked for termite activity. When termites are detected, bait containing a slow-acting growth regulator is introduced.
The bait works by disrupting the molting process in termites. Worker termites feed on the bait and share it with the colony through a process called trophallaxis (food sharing). Over several weeks to months, the growth regulator prevents successful molting, gradually reducing the colony population until elimination.
Baiting systems are particularly effective for situations where liquid treatment is impractical, such as properties near water features, wells, or sensitive landscaping.
Combination Approach
For severe infestations or high-value properties, we often recommend combining liquid barrier treatment with a baiting system. This dual approach provides immediate protection from the liquid barrier while the baiting system works to eliminate the entire colony, including satellite colonies that may not be reached by the liquid treatment alone.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Several factors influence which treatment method we recommend:
- Construction type: Slab-on-grade, crawl space, or pier-and-beam each require different application techniques
- Severity of infestation: Active vs. preventive treatment needs
- Property conditions: Proximity to water sources, soil type, landscaping, and drainage
- Budget and preference: Initial cost vs. ongoing monitoring costs
Our technicians evaluate all these factors during the initial inspection and provide a customized treatment recommendation for your specific situation.
What to Expect After Treatment
After a liquid barrier treatment, it typically takes 30 to 90 days for the active ingredient to fully affect the colony through the transfer effect. You may see continued termite activity during this period, which is actually a positive sign – it means termites are contacting the treated zone and carrying the product back to the colony.
For baiting systems, the process takes longer – typically 3 to 6 months for colony elimination, depending on colony size and activity level.
We schedule follow-up inspections to monitor treatment effectiveness and ensure complete colony control.
Prevention Tips for Gulf Coast Homeowners
- Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance between soil and any wood components of your structure
- Ensure proper drainage around your foundation to reduce soil moisture
- Keep crawl spaces well ventilated and monitor moisture levels
- Store firewood, lumber, and cellulose materials away from the foundation
- Repair any leaking pipes, faucets, or AC units that create moisture near the foundation
- Schedule annual termite inspections, especially for properties over 5 years old
- Address any wood-to-soil contact identified during inspections
Schedule Your Free Termite Inspection
Paramount Pest Solutions provides comprehensive termite inspections at no cost for homeowners in the Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and greater Gulf Coast area. Our licensed technicians (MS License #36693) bring decades of hands-on experience to every inspection.
Call us at (228) 896-6087 or visit our Credentials & Licensing page to verify our qualifications. You can also learn about our pest control pricing for transparent service costs.