Types of Termites in Baton Rouge

A subterranean termite soldier in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlUnfortunately, here in Baton Rouge LA, we have more than one type of termite to worry about. Termites are the most destructive pests in the country, and each species attacks our homes and businesses in different ways. Being able to identify different types of termites by their appearance and the damage that they cause will be a huge help in the event that you find evidence of their arrival on your property. To learn more about the different types of termites in Baton Rouge, read on. Our termite exterminators at Dugas Pest Control have put together some vital information that could protect your home or business down the line!

What Kinds of Termites Live in Baton Rouge?

There are a few different termite species living in our area that we have to watch for. These termites all attack from different angles and pinpoint different parts of our properties, so it’s in your best interest to learn to predict and prevent each kind. Here are the main four to watch out for:

  1. Dampwood termites: Dampwood termites are generally found in damp and decaying wood close to the ground. They usually form small colonies, but they are the largest individual termites in Baton Rouge. You can prevent dampwood termites by ensuring that you don’t have any plumbing leaks and you aren’t leaving woodpiles out in the rain.
  2. Drywood termites: On the flip side, drywood termites feed on dead trees, hardwood floors, structural timbers and furniture like rocking chairs and bookshelves. Because their colonies are quite small, it’s easy to overlook drywood termites until they’ve destroyed something inside your home. It’s important to use treated wood and close off any gaps leading from outside to your home’s interior to prevent them.
  3. Formosan termites: Formosan termites originated in East Asia but has ended up becoming a major force in the southern United States. They are one of the most destructive and productive termites in the world, infamous for their ability to make quick work of large quantities of wood. Treated wood and carefully sealed structures paired with consistent monitoring will work to prevent them.
  4. Subterranean termites: These are the termites that create the largest colonies and cause the most damage in Baton Rouge. You can tell that they’re on your property if you see mud tubes popping up in your yard. Subterranean termites are quite hard to prevent because they enter your home from under the ground.

Although they vary greatly in size, habits, and appetite, all four of these termites can cause extensive damage to different parts of your home.

Experienced Termite Exterminators

If you’ve found termites or evidence of termite damage on your property, reach out to your local termite exterminators for a wood destroying insect report. The termite control experts at Dugas Pest Control are trained and certified to perform many different termite removal tactics, and can have your entire property termite free in no time. Reach out to learn more and receive a free quote!

Is There an Animal in the Attic?

Inspecting an attic for pests in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlDo you hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from your ceiling? Unusual noises are usually the first sign that animals may be living in your attic or walls, but there are other indicators as well. Without experience, it can be difficult to tell what kind of animal is in the attic and how serious the problem is. Our staff of experts at Dugas Pest Control can help with this assessment! We have seen all kinds of animals living in our customers’ homes and businesses in Baton Rouge, and we can help you remove them quickly and safely. Keep reading to learn more!

Signs of Animals in the Attic

When you believe that the sounds you’re hearing in your attic are being caused by invading wildlife, you should look for signs of animal activity all around your property to figure out who’s there, why they’ve come, and how bad the issue is. Here are some signs that you have animals in the attic:

  • Animal waste in your crawl spaces, behind appliances, and along walls
  • Insulation that has been destroyed or nested in
  • Scattered branches, leaves, or torn paper inside the attic or around the roof
  • Bite marks left by animals gnawing on your belongings or your building’s structural materials

Which Wild Animals Do I Have?

As soon as you know there are animals upstairs, it’s time to identify them so that you can handle them safely. Here are the animals that most commonly invade attics in Baton Rouge  LA, along with the signs that indicate their presence:

  1. Rats and mice: Rats and mice sometimes build nests in attics by tearing up insulation. Additionally, they need to chew on hard surfaces in our homes constantly to prevent their incisors from overgrowing. When you see these signs combined with scampering sounds, you can be sure you have rodents.
  2. Raccoons: Raccoons can tear off your roof shingles or chew holes in your walls to get in. Because raccoons are nocturnal, you may hear loud bumps at night.
  3. Squirrels: Squirrels sneak into our homes via roof vents or eave gaps, as opposed to raccoons, which are much more destructive. Squirrel noises tend to be lighter and more rapid than raccoon noises, so you can determine which pest is living above you by its sounds.
  4. Birds: Birds, of course, have the most easily identifiable sounds. Nesting and droppings from nuisance birds spread filth and diseases, so it’s important to act quickly to get rid of them when you hear them.

How to Safely Remove Animals in the Attic

Keeping an eye out for wildlife activity and sealing off holes that could lead into your attic and walls is the best way to prevent wildlife problems. However, if wild animals have already established their nests inside your attic, the safest and most effective way to get rid of them is to hire a professional critter control company. At Dugas Pest Control, we train our technicians in safe and humane removal tactics. We also provide complete service reports to our customers to help them identify and stop similar issues from arising in the future. Contact us today for a free quote!