You can’t live in Mobile or Baldwin County without hearing about termite infestations. Each year, these destructive insects wreak havoc on homes across southern Alabama, causing millions of dollars in damage — much of it not covered by homeowners' insurance or shady pest control warranties.

At Steele Ritchie LLC, we regularly help families who’ve been victimized not just by termites, but by the companies that promise to protect them and fail to deliver. In this blog, we break down what you need to know about termite damage lawsuits, your rights, and how to protect your home.

Why Is Mobile, Alabama a Hotspot for Termite Activity?

The Gulf Coast climate — with its warm, humid summers and mild winters — creates ideal conditions for termites to thrive year-round. In fact, the Mobile area is often cited as one of the worst in the country for termite infestations.

Subterranean termites, the most common type in Alabama, begin swarming in the early spring. These bugs live underground and build mud tubes to reach food sources like wood framing, drywall, and even furniture. Once inside your home, they can remain hidden for months — or years — silently chewing through your property.

Real-Life Stories of Termite Damage in Alabama

We’ve seen firsthand the emotional and financial toll termite damage takes on Alabama families. Here are just two examples:

• A young couple in Mobile hung a picture on the wall, only to have the entire wall collapse. Behind the drywall? Termites had completely hollowed out the studs and structural supports. Although the couple had a termite protection contract, the pest control company initially denied responsibility. Only when they threatened legal action did the company agree to fix the damage — likely in hopes of avoiding a lawsuit.
• Another local couple lived in their camper for two years while battling their pest control company over untreated termite damage. Despite having paid for termite coverage, the company had never even treated the home.

These cases are not uncommon. In fact, they illustrate just how frequently pest control companies in Alabama fail to uphold their end of the deal — and why legal action is sometimes the only way to get justice.

Warning Signs: How to Know If Termites Are in Your Home

Some homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Here are common signs of termite activity to watch for:

• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Mud tubes along your foundation or interior walls
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Discarded wings from swarmers
• Cracks in drywall that grow rapidly

If you see any of these signs, act quickly. The longer termites feed, the more expensive the damage becomes.

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?

If you find termites in your home and you have a termite bond or warranty, there are two major red flags that signal it’s time to call a lawyer:

1. The pest control company refuses to inspect or says it won’t cover structural damage unless you pay out of pocket to expose the areas.
2. The company denies liability, even though you’ve paid them for protection, inspections, or treatment.

You don’t have to accept that. Alabama law protects consumers from bad faith pest control practices. A termite damage lawyer can help you pursue:

• Full repair costs (sometimes exceeding $50,000+)
• Temporary housing expenses if you have to vacate your home
• Diminished property value
• Emotional distress and punitive damages

Why Pest Control Companies Get Away With It — and Why You Shouldn’t Let Them

Many national and regional termite companies use fine print to protect themselves — not your home. They often:

• Limit the payout amounts for damage
• Exclude coverage for specific types of termites
• Require you to expose damage at your own expense
• Skip or rush inspections

Even worse, some homeowners never even receive the treatments they paid for.

At Steele Ritchie LLC, we hold these companies accountable. We’ve gone up against some of the biggest names in the pest control industry — and won.

Can You Sue for Termite Damage in Alabama?

Yes. Under Alabama law, you may have grounds to file a breach of contract or negligence lawsuit if:

• You paid for termite protection that wasn’t provided
• The company failed to inspect properly
• They denied legitimate claims
• You suffered damage or were forced to vacate your home

Our team will review your contract and termite history at no cost. If we believe you have a case, we’ll fight to recover the maximum compensation available.

How to Protect Your Home From Termites Now

Even if you haven’t seen termites yet, don’t wait. Here are some steps you can take:

• Get an independent inspection from a licensed pest professional
• Review your current termite bond or warranty
• Document everything — inspections, communications, invoices
• Avoid signing new contracts without reading the fine print

And remember: Spring is termite swarming season. If you live in Mobile, Baldwin County, or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, now is the time to act.

Call Steele Ritchie — Alabama’s Trusted Termite Damage Law Firm

At Steele Ritchie LLC, we’ve earned a reputation as the go-to termite damage attorneys in Mobile, Alabama. Our legal team has decades of experience helping families recover what they’ve lost due to pest control negligence and contractor fraud.

We’re not just lawyers — we’re your neighbors. We know what it’s like to live here and we’re passionate about protecting our community.

Give us a call at 251-666-1212 or request a free consultation here.

We are proud to be called the “personal injury lawyers near me” by many people here in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

Allen Ritchie
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer