The LSU AgCenter says Louisiana homeowners should prepare for upcoming termite swarms. Entomologist Karen Sun says the peak swarming season is from May to June, with a big peak around Mother’s Day. She says people who notice swarming termites should have a pest control professional inspect their homes and trees.
“Do it yourself pesticide applications are really not effective, you will need professional pest control services.”
The swarms begin at dusk and Sun says generally dissipate by 10:30 PM, at which point you should be able to turn back on outside lights.
Another tip for keeping your house termite free is cleaning up any moisture and pipe leakage, so that if a termite does breach your gates, they can’t start a family under your roof.
“If there is no food, and no moisture, then termites will not survive, and swarms cannot start a new colony.”
The bugs will be swarming for roughly the next two to three months, notably starting in early May.
A lot of folks know about clearing dead wood from the perimeter of your home, but Sun says many residents don’t realize that gardening mulch can pose just as much of a threat to your foundation.
“Avoid using mulch in your yard, especially mulch contacting your home.”
