Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) reminds residents to stay vigilant as termites begin to swarm in the spring and summer.
While termites are active year round, most species of underground termites swarm in Louisiana during the spring and summer months, according to LDAF. Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM, reminds owners to stay vigilant and protect their properties.
“We have a humid climate, especially at this time of year, and termite colonies are constantly looking for new sources of food. Now is the time to take proactive steps to keep termites from ruining your investments, ”added Strain.
Strain offers these tips to help protect properties:
- Fix any leaks in the roof, pipes and outside taps of your house.
- Turn off the outside lights at night or use yellow lightbulbs to attract non-swarming termites.
- Repair rotting wood on wood siding, soffits, and exterior wood surfaces.
- Pick up wood that’s laying on the floor under and around your house.
- Store firewood outside your home.
- Clean the gutters of your home and repair any damaged areas.
- Prune branches and vines that may be growing in your home.
- Do not allow water to collect next to the slab or under your house. Drain the water.
- Most importantly, only use licensed and certified pest control professionals for termite treatments.
In between professional inspections, property owners should consider the following: mud hoses on slabs, pillars or walls and pinholes in wall boards, softness in the floor, or bubbles in paint or wallpaper.
Consumers can contact the LDAF at 225-925-4578 to find out which companies are certified and licensed. Treatments and annual inspections by a licensed, insured and tied pest control company are good termite prevention.
More information is available on the LDAF website at www.ldaf.state.la.us.
————————————————– ———-
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or to report a typo / correction, click HERE.
Sign up for newsletters sent to your inbox via email. Choose from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Specials
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
