Termite Season is Here
March 25, 2026
As temperatures begin to warm across NorthEast Mississippi, termite season is officially underway—and now is the time for homeowners to stay alert.
Educate Yourself
Subterranean termites, the most common type in our region, become highly active in the spring as they swarm to establish new colonies. Many people mistake termite swarmers for flying ants but spotting them indoors is often a more serious warning sign. If you see termite swarmers inside or around your home, it likely means an established colony has already been growing and feeding for three to five years. Even more concerning, it’s possible for up to 25 separate termite colonies to be foraging and feeding on a single one-acre lot. Other signs of active termites can be discarded wings near windows, mud tubes along your foundation, or soft, damaged wood—these are all indicators of potential activity.
Prevention is Key
Because termites often work behind the scenes, significant damage can occur before they’re detected. Preventative treatments and regular inspections remain the most effective ways to protect your home and avoid costly repairs, especially during peak termite season. Protect your home early—before termites have a chance to settle in.
If you’ve noticed more ants in your kitchen, bathroom, or around windows lately, you’re not alone. In North Mississippi—especially around Starkville, Columbus, and nearby communities—it’s common to see a sharp increase in ant activity as the temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more frequent. Ants may seem like a small nuisance, but once they establish a trail into your home, they can become a persistent problem. Understanding why ants become more active during this time and how to prevent them can help you protect your home effectively. Why Are Ants More Active in Warm Weather? Ants are cold-blooded insects whose activity increases as temperatures warm. In summer, several factors combine to make ants highly active: Food availability increases. With warmer weather, people cook and gather more often, which means more crumbs and food residues both indoors and outdoors. Moisture drives movement. Rainfall and humidity encourage ants to relocate or expand their colonies, especially if water sources become scarce elsewhere. Colony growth accelerates. Queens lay more eggs in warm months, producing many more workers that forage further and more aggressively for food and water. Even small openings—like cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, or utility penetrations—can become entry points for ants looking to get inside. Common Ant Species in North Mississippi Homes The ants most commonly seen around North Mississippi homes include: Little Black Ants: Small, dark ants often found in kitchens, patios, and outdoor eating areas. Argentine Ants: Small, light to dark brown ants known for forming large, aggressive colonies that invade homes in search of food and water. Odorous House Ants: Frequent kitchen and bathroom visitors, named for the noticeable smell they release when crushed. Pavement Ants: Common near driveways and foundations, building nests in soil or cracks. Why DIY Ant Control Often Fails Many homeowners try sprays or store-bought baits, but these usually only kill the ants you see and don’t solve the root problem. This happens for several reasons: Colonies typically nest outdoors or inside hidden wall voids, far from visible trails. Killing visible ants can cause colonies to split or relocate—sometimes spreading infestations. Improper use of baits can actually increase ant activity by disturbing colony behavior. Without addressing the source colony, ants often return within days or weeks. How Professional Pest Control Makes a Difference At NorthEast Exterminating, our approach goes beyond simply treating where ants appear. We focus on stopping ants at their source by: Conducting thorough interior and exterior inspections Identifying ant species and nesting habits Applying targeted treatments at entry points and colony sites Using preventative perimeter treatments to reduce re-infestation risk Advising on moisture control and structural repairs to remove attractants This integrated pest management strategy offers lasting relief by tackling the problem comprehensively. Prevention Tips for Homeowners While professional treatment offers the best long-term control, you can reduce ants’ chances of entering your home by: Keeping kitchen surfaces clean and storing food in airtight containers Wiping up spills quickly, especially sugary drinks or food Sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations Trimming plants and vegetation away from the home’s exterior Repairing leaky pipes and eliminating excess moisture Simple daily habits, combined with home maintenance, can make a big difference. When to Call for Professional Help If you notice consistent ant trails, frequent infestations, or ants appearing in multiple areas of your home, it usually means a nearby colony is active and thriving. Early intervention is crucial—especially in Mississippi’s warm and humid climate where colonies quickly expand. NorthEast Exterminating is proud to serve homeowners in Starkville, Columbus, and surrounding North Mississippi communities. Our family-owned company is dedicated to keeping your home ant-free all year long with expert, friendly service you can trust.
As a locally owned and operated company right here in North Mississippi, NorthEast Exterminating is deeply committed to protecting our community from these bothersome and dangerous pests.
If you’ve recently noticed a bunch of tiny winged bugs flying around your home or suddenly found discarded wings near windows or doors, you might be dealing with swarming termites. These little insects can cause big problems if left unchecked, so it’s important to understand what they are, how to spot them, and what action to take.
Pest control services by Northeast Exterminating in Columbus, MS. Call 662-329-9992 today for fast inspections and reliable pest protection.
An invasion of ants, spiders, roaches, rodents and termites can become unmanageable, perhaps even threatening the structure of your home. This is when professionals can step in to help protect your home. Pest control is NOT a DIY trend. A deep understanding of pest behavior, proper product selection, and correct application methods separates true professionals from amateurs. The right professional pest control company can provide safe, effective, trustworthy and reliable service. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pest control company. Knowledge is Key. Effective pest control starts with expertise. Professional pest control companies use integrated pest management strategies to create effective and targeted plans customers. In the war on pests, knowledge is the most effective weapon. Pest identification, a deep understanding of available products and experience in various application methods are just a few items that separate the amateurs from the professionals. Local Matters, A Lot. It is important to select a company that is committed to the community they serve. “Big Box” pest control companies often have a one size fits all approach, whereas local companies have a better understanding of the people and pests specific to an area or region. This understanding allows local companies to tailor a more individualized experience, ultimately better serving you, the customer. Big Box companies have annual spring campaigns to sell, sell, sell and then leave. Local companies often have a greater long-term commitment to the communities which they service, some having served their communities for multiple generations. Price Doesn’t Always Equal Value. People often say “you get what you pay for”, but that is not always the case. Price shopping for the lowest rates can leave a customer with a less knowledgeable operator, or a company that does not use the best products available. Whereas companies with the highest price at times may be overcharging for their services or using fear tactics to sell unneeded services because they are more profitable. Choose a competitively priced pest control company dedicated to long term superior service. Customer Service. When choosing any service provider, customer service should be a top consideration. Some companies want you to conform to their programing. Great customer service allows the customer to choose services and times that best fit their lifestyle and schedule. Pest control service is not a one size fits all; it should be tailored to each customer and situation! NorthEast Exterminating is a fourth generation locally owned and operated pest and termite control company serving the Golden Triangle and Beyond. Since 1951, NorthEast Exterminating has combined the latest innovations in pest control technology with good old-fashioned customer service. Their team understands that effective pest control is about more than bugs—it’s all about people. For homeowners seeking trusted, local expertise and personalized service, NorthEast Exterminating offers free quotes and a long-standing family tradition of customer care. As they’ve said for generations: “If it Crawls… Call NorthEast Exterminating”.
