With Louisiana’s warm and wet climate this time of the year, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain urges property owners to stay vigilant for termites beginning late spring through summer months. Strain says proactive measures are useful tools for protecting your property.
“Turn off your outside lights and use yellow bulbs so you don’t attract them and the big deal is fix anything that leaks or is rotted. Any leaks in the roof, pipes, anywhere where they can find moisture.”
Louisiana homes and buildings sustain more Formosan termite damage each year than homes and buildings in any other state. Those pesky insects cause over $5 billion in property damage across the U.S. annually, according to Orkin, and property owners spend over $2 billion to treat them. Strain says it’s important to clean your gutters and rid your property of wood lying around.
“Any wood lying on the ground or that old 2X4 that’s laying out back in the mud well that’s where they’re going to finally start living. You look for what we call mud tubes. You see mud tubes, you got termites.”
Termites can get especially active as they constantly seek out new food sources. Strain says hiring a licensed company is the best prevention plus new findings may be beneficial.
“The best thing you can have is a licensed termite contractor. This year’s research they’re finding a new way to prevent termites is impregnating wood with menadione vitamin K3 is highly effective.”
Property owners should also trim limbs that may be growing on the home. For resources, visit ldaf.la.gov.
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