Your comprehensive guide to 2017’s Termite Season in Louisiana is here! The guide below is designed to prevent termites from showing up at your door. Read below!
How Can I Identify Termites on My Property?
- Look for soft or rotting wood in and around your home. If there is buckling wood, or small holes, with no clear explanation, this could be a sign of termite activity.
- If you see thin, packed dirt trails along the foundation, brick, or concrete on your walls, these may be mud tubes. Termites travel back and forth through mud tubes to access food sources. In most cases, if you scrape away the dirt, you will find active termites inside.
- If your home is raised, inspect the interior floorboards for soft spots in the wood, while checking beneath the subfloor boards outside for mud tubes.
- Don’t be alarmed if you see termites swarming around your home! This activity only means there is a colony nearby. If you see termites in your home, you need to call a professional to inspect the inside of your home. Activity and Damage can vary depending upon the homes conditions and species of the termite.
When is Swarming Season?
- Swarming season begins in late March and lasts until July. During this time, it becomes increasingly common to see termites flying around outdoors. Seeing a swarm near your home is normal and simply means you live near a nesting area.
- Swarms inside your home, or garage, are a sign of an infestation or nearby colony. Contact your pest control expert immediately for an analysis of your home, termite coverage, and activity.
- Keep your interior and exterior lights off from dusk till about 9:30 p.m. Termites are attracted to light and will be drawn to your home.
When Should I Contact a Pest Control Professional?
- Being proactive is the best way to prevent termite infestations. Every home should be inspected annually by a pest control professional. Homeowners should also perform their inspections about once every three months. Check for leaks in your home, mud tubes, and rotted wood frequently to avoid attracting termites.
- Don’t forget to check shrubbery and trees surrounding your property, as well. These structures are vulnerable to termite damage and can lead colonies to your home. Contact a pest control professional for an inspection, if you spot termite activity on plants near your property.
- Make sure the company you choose includes subterranean and Formosan subterranean termites on their contract. These are the most common termites in Louisiana. This is important because, in regards to treatments, the law states a termite service contract’s warranty only covers damage by the termites named in the contract.
Arrow Termite & Pest Control wants to help you survive this termite season. Contact us today for a Free Estimate and to schedule your first inspection. It is only a matter of time before termites spot your home, make sure you have the right preventative measures in place!
