Termites
About
What are termites?
Tiny insects that feed on cellulose, termites are a pest that can damage the structures of buildings in Baton Rouge and cost property owners a lot of time and money. Termites are social insects that live and work together in extensive colonies and cause significant destruction as they tunnel through structural wood and other wooden objects, gathering food for their colony.
Two of the most common species of termites living across Louisiana are Formosan termites and native subterranean termites (eastern subterranean termites).
Formosan termites have large colony sizes; a single colony may have several million members. These termites have aggressive feeding habits; they can cause more damage in a much shorter period than other species. They are also unique in that they create nests in the soil both under the ground and above the ground.
Native subterranean termites live together in large, but slightly smaller colonies than Formosan termites. A single colony may "only" have hundreds of thousands of members. However, their presence is much more widespread than Formosan termites, and they cause significantly more damage to properties across the country each year.
Are termites dangerous?
Responsible for causing more than five billion dollars in damages across the country every year, termites are both dangerous and damaging pests. Termites enter into structures unseen and can eat away at them for months or even years without notice.
Why do I have a termite problem?
The warm, humid weather found throughout Louisiana most of the year, allows termite populations to thrive. Termites often become a problem for home or business owners after finding their way inside while foraging for food. They enter in through tiny cracks and crevices in the foundation, through wood making contact with the soil, or aerial attacks (Formosan termites).
Once inside, termites are tough to eliminate. The best way to protect your home year-round from termites is to partner with a professional. To begin protecting your home from wood-eating termites and the damage they cause, reach out to River City Termite & Pest Control today.
Where will I find termites?
The best sign that there's Formosan termites or Native subterranean termites on your property is by witnessing a termite swarm. Each year, typically in the spring, winged reproductive termites emerge from the colony with the purpose of mating and creating new colonies.
You will not find termites nesting within the pieces of wood they are feeding on. Instead, they travel back and forth from their nest to food source(s) each day. Native termites nest in moist soil in the ground while Formosan termites nest both in the ground and above the ground. You'll often find their aerial nests (carton nests) on rooftops, particularly on buildings with a flat roof or in wall voids.
How do I get rid of termites?
Eliminate termites and other pests from your Louisiana residential or commercial property with the help of River City Termite & Pest Control. We offer personalized termite control services you can count on to eliminate problems with pests and keep them from returning.
Get rid of termites from your property by reaching out to River City Termite & Pest Control for a termite inspection. We are happy to work with you to ensure that your Baton Rouge area home or business is kept free of termites. To learn more about our home pest control or commercial pest control services, give us a call today!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
Help keep termites out of your home with the help of the following, easy-to-implement termite prevention tips:
- Make sure gutters are running correctly and directing rainwater away from the foundation of your home. Overflowing gutters will cause moisture problems in the walls and roof.
- Instead of using wood mulch that retains water, use rubber mulch or crushed rock.
- Rake leaves, mulch, and other debris back away from the foundation.
- Cut back shrubs and bushes so the sun can hit the soil around the foundation and help to keep it dry.
- Repair any leaky pipes, drains, and faucets.
- Inside of your home, reduce humidity levels by using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
- Install ventilated fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keep crawl spaces well-ventilated.
- Remove fallen trees, brush piles, leaf piles, and tree stumps from your yard.
- Keep traveling termites out of your home by repairing cracks in the foundation and any damage to the roof or exterior walls.
- Eliminate wood to soil contact on your property.
- Replace any wood in your home that becomes damaged by water.