The Easiest Mosquito Control System You’ll Ever Own

Have mosquitoes taken over your backyard?

Are you afraid to spend an evening outdoors grilling and watching a football game for fear of being bitten?

As much as you may try to avoid mosquitoes in your outdoor space, these pests are stubborn and have a way of taking over. Mosquitoes leave behind itchy bites and carry disease such as the sometimes fatal West Nile Virus.

When traditional pest control methods are no longer effective, you need a safe, family friendly mosquito system to rely on.

At Dugas Pest Control, we believe The CoastalMister Mosquito System is hands down the best mosquito control system on the market today. This system automatically sprays a fine mist of pyrethrum-based insect repellent at certain times of the day. The system repels and kills mosquitoes around the yard and gives homeowners the peace of mind that their backyard is safe and comfortable.

What Makes the CoastalMister System the Best?

If you’ve tried repellents that haven’t worked, we can understand that you’ll be skeptical with other types of products. The CoastalMister System is a different type of product, and it has been proven to work. The system has been built by some of the country’s finest entomologists and pest management professionals. The equipment included in the system is of the highest quality, and it can only be installed by licensed professionals, such as Dugas Pest Control. This is how the system sets the standards for perfection.

In addition to the actual construction and mechanism of the CoastalMister System, the best insecticides are used. Dugas Pest Control will determine the right product, formulation and dosage based on your needs. Generally speaking, a pyrethrum-based insect repellent will be used, and these repellents kill adult mosquitoes. The mist that goes off not only targets mosquitoes, but also rids the property of flies and gnats, which are also responsible for drawing in mosquitoes.

Does the System Require a Lot of Maintenance?

We know you’re busy, and the last thing you need is another system to work with. Fortunately, the CoastalMister Mosquito System is maintenance free. The spray duration, frequency and timing are controlled by an electronic mechanism so you never have to worry about a thing! If you do want control, there are four operation modes: fully automatic, manual, remote control and timer function. So, if you want more coverage, you can operate the system from indoors and provide yourself and your guests with additional protection.

The CostalMister will need to be refilled, and this depends on how often the system goes through the repellent. Once your individual usage is calculated, your installer can tell you how often the repellent will need to be refilled. The good news is that you can set the system to spray more repellent in the summer and fall when mosquito numbers are worse, conserving the mists in the winter when the threat of mosquitoes is lower.

Benefits to Choosing the CostalMister System

Louisiana is home to mosquitoes, and if you’ve been struggling with them in your yard, now is the time to take control. The CostalMister System can be installed by a professional from Dugas Pest Control, offering the following benefits:

  • Intuitive operation, as the system is set to the size and layout of your yard

  • Effective pyrethrum repellents that kill and repel mosquitoes, gnats and flies

  • System focuses on the areas where you spend the most time

  • Hands-free, no-fuss operation

  • Nozzle and tubing are hidden for a seamless look

  • Peace of mind that your family is protected from mosquito-borne diseases

  • System starts working immediately from the time of install

The CoastalMister Mosquito System is a wonderful option for families, but it also works well for businesses. As we learn more about the types of diseases that are spread from mosquitoes, it becomes more important for everyone to work together to decrease the mosquito population around our homes and businesses. The CostalMister System removes the threat from the equation and offers the unsurpassed peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to protect the people that matter most.

Interesting Mosquito FAQ

Dugas Pest Control provides mosquito control service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana

It’s time to learn about one of our least favorite Louisiana residents – mosquitoes!

Although we look at these pests as nuisances, they are actually quite fascinating and a natural part of our ecosystem. There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, and only a couple hundred bite or bother humans. They’ve been on Earth for over 100 million years, and they live just about everywhere. But, as much as mosquitoes do play a role in ecology, we could fare just fine without them.

General Mosquito Questions

Q: How fast can mosquitoes fly?

A: Mosquitoes can fly about 1 to 1.5 miles an hour.

Q: How far do mosquitoes fly?

A: Mosquitoes prefer breeding around the home, and many have limited ranges of 300 feet. Some species travel further, up to 7 miles from their breeding spots. The farthest we’ve seen mosquitoes travel is 100 miles, but this is rare.

Q: How big are mosquitoes?

A: Mosquitoes are small, weighing 2.5 milligrams on average. The largest mosquito species weighs 10 milligrams.

Q: How much blood does a mosquito suck from a human?

A: A mosquito feeds for repletion, generally taking in .001 to .01 millimeters.

Q: Why do mosquitoes feed on blood?

A: Female mosquitoes are the ones that feast on blood because they need it to mature their eggs. The blood itself serves no nourishment or function. Males do not feed on blood.

Q: How long do mosquitoes live?

A: Most adult female mosquitoes live for 2-3 weeks. There are some species that can live up to 6 months, but these ones overwinter in garages and attics.

Mosquitoes’ Role in Our Environment

Q: Do we really need mosquitoes in our ecosystem?

A: Mosquitoes are sources of food, and they pollinate plants. But, if mosquitoes eradicated, chances are high that other species would fill their niche rather well. That said, don’t expect mosquitoes to be going anywhere soon. They have been here since the Cretaceous Period and acclimate well to all temperatures and environments.

Q: Which states have the most mosquitoes?

A: Texas has the most species of mosquitoes while Virginia has the least.

Q: Can mosquitoes survive in cold climates?

A: Yes! When they do survive cold winters, they are hibernating and overwintering eggs. Mosquitoes are found in just about all parts of the world, including cold places like Alaska.

Mosquitoes in Our Homes

Q: How do mosquitoes get into my house?

A: Mosquitoes can get in through any portal, such as a hole in a screen or a gap in the attic. Garages are some of the most popular spots.

Q: How can I avoid getting mosquito bites?

A: Avoid going out during dusk and dawn, wear insect repellent when outdoors and remove standing water from around the home. Since mosquitoes are weak fliers, you can place a fan outside, as well as candles that blow smoke to keep some pests away. Yellow lights are better than incandescent light bulbs as well.

Q: Should I consider a backyard misting system?

A: Misting systems can be highly beneficial at targeting specific places, such as your patio or around the pool, targeting mosquitoes and other small pests. Still, it’s important to take good care of your yard to prevent mosquitoes from breeding; we can’t leave everything up to misting systems.

Q: What types of preventative tools are available?

A: In addition to mosquito misting systems, there are also mosquito traps, ultrasonic devices and bug zappers.

Mosquito Bites

Q: Why does my friend get bit more than I do?

A: There are several theories about why some people get bit more than others. They have to do with the human blood type and odors of the human. It’s believed that mosquitoes are attracted to the type of carbon dioxide that we exhale. When we breathe out, the mosquitoes zoom in and decide if they want to make a meal out of us.

Q: Do mosquitoes transmit AIDS?

A: No.

Q: How should I treat a mosquito bite?

A: Your best bet is to leave the bite alone. You don’t want to keep itching it, otherwise it could lead to infection. There are some effective ways to ease the itch and pain, such as by placing a cold pack on the bite, adding a drop of honey or tea tree oil or applying basil, peppermint or witch hazel.

 

 

 

Avoiding Mosquito Problems in the Summer Months

Dugas Pest Control provides mosquito control service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they carry disease and health risks that can be especially dangerous for elders and young children. And in case you didn’t know it, mosquitoes LOVE summer!

While you can’t stop the plague of mosquitoes in southern Louisiana all together, you can make smart decisions that will protect your home and your family from bites and other problems. The most important factor is that you prevent the pests from breeding, as this will greatly reduce numbers around your home while also reducing the risk of being bitten and spreading transferable diseases.

Tips for Preventing Mosquitoes from Breeding

If mosquitoes don’t have water, they can’t breed. Water is necessary for all stages of the breeding process, so eliminating this source is highly effective.

  • Empty out all outdoor things – watering cans, bird baths, swimming pools, barrels – that can hold water. If possible, turn them over so water can’t pool in them, or continue to dump out the standing water.

  • Maintain your swimming pool. Small plastic kid pools should be emptied regularly and stored inside when not in use. Larger pools should be cleaned and have chlorine levels maintained.

  • Prevent outdoor leaks. Window air conditioning units tend to leak, and the water will pool on the ground. Plumbing that runs outside can also be affected by the temperature, resulting in small leaks. Have these repaired immediately; it conserves water, too.

  • Empty and clean plant pans. These tend to collect excess water from the plants, and they are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Empty and clean the liners at least once a week.

  • Clean bird baths. We understand that you may enjoy having native birds come to your home, but bird baths are breeding grounds for pests. If you choose to have a bird bath, change the water and scrub down the bath at least once a week.

  • Mow your lawn weekly. Not only will your neighbors appreciate it, but also it will prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in tall patches of grass.

Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites

By preventing mosquitoes from breeding, you’re doing your home and family a big favor. By working together, a community can make a real difference in mosquito problems! Unfortunately, the Louisiana weather and rains still produce a great place for mosquitoes to live, so you must continue to practice good habits when outdoors to protect yourself from bites. Here are a few helpful pointers for preventing mosquito bites.

  • Wear insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing. The best ones are EPA-registered, so look for this label.

  • Cover up sensitive areas. We know the LA summers are hot, but if you’ll be camping, there’s no reason not to wear a long sleeve shirt or pants at night.

  • Avoid mosquito prime times. This includes dusk and dawn, so avoid them when possible. If you are out at this time (we know how Louisiana residents love their fishing!), wear long sleeves and pants, a hat and insect repellent.

  • Support local programs in your area. You can learn a lot about what your community wants you to do to protect your neighborhood, such as by applying insecticides.

  • Know the symptoms of West Nile. By identifying West Nile early on, you can treat the symptoms. The most common effects include a fever, stiff neck, headache and disorientation. Seventy to 80 percent of people have no side effects, however.

Mosquitoes may be pests, but we have to share the environment with them. Thankfully, proactive measures go a long way in keeping your family protected. In addition to keeping mosquitoes away from the home, keep them out of your home. Make sure that all screens are tight-fitting and secured, with no holes or gaps. This will prevent other pests from staying out of the home as well.

If you need the help of professional help with mosquito control, don’t hesitate any longer.  Dugas Pest Control offers cutting edge technology using the Coastal Mister system to rid your property of mosquitoes.

Crazy ants taking over Baton Rouge

Close up image of tawny crazy antsHave you seen ants in your home that you don’t recognize? A new speciest of ants is taking over Louisiana, and they are being called “crazy ants”.

No, “crazy ants” are not ants that are celebrating a victory of LSU over Alabama in football. They are a completely unique species of ant which is new to the Baton Rouge area.

Also known as “tawny ants”, they show up in huge numbers and can literally blanket your yard or home in no time at all.

These unusual ants do not build mounds. Instead, they live underground, making them very hard to detect where they are coming from.

But don’t worry, crazy ants don’t bite or sting, but they can contaminate your home or even chew through wires.

West Nile Update for Louisiana – August 2013

For Louisiana residents, the West Nile virus is a concern each year, and 2013 is no different.

West Nile is the most commonly transmitted disease from mosquitoes to humans, and symptoms include flu-like effects, fever, stiff neck and confusion. Only 1 in 5 people will actually show symptoms, but for those who do, the side effects can be severe. Elders and young children are most at risk for developing serious symptoms from the virus. Thankfully, wearing insect repellent, avoiding the hours of dusk and dawn and covering the skin when possible are effective preventative measures.

2013 Numbers for the West Nile Virus 

On a national level, West Nile cases have been reported in most states. Some states favor the virus in animals over humans, but Louisiana is one of the states that has had human activity. At the start of August 2013, there were seven new cases of West Nile reported in Louisiana, bringing the grand total to eight.

Out of the cases that have been reported, two were neuroinvasive, according to the Department of Health and Hospitals. The neuroinvasive disease affects the brain and spinal cord and can lead to death, brain damage or paralysis. It is the more severe disease. The DHH also reports four milder cases of  West Nile. These cases were recorded in St. Tammany and Lafayette Parishes, while the severe cases came from Calcasieu and Ouachita Parishes.

Additionally, there was an asymptomatic case reported in St. Tammany Parish, meaning that there were no symptoms present. This is the most common outcome for people who contract the disease, but it can be picked up in a routine blood test or medical test. There was also a case reported in Caldwell Parish – this was the first documented case in LA this year, confirmed on July 22.

How Does this Year Stack up to the Rest? 

Last year was a big one for Louisiana, with 160 cases of West Nile reported. The worst year was in 2002, with 204 cases reported. So far, this year has been slower, and the first recorded case of the virus didn’t occur until July. This is late in the season, but with the cooler spring months that we had, it’s suspected that mosquitoes didn’t start breeding until late in the season.

As we waited for cases to emerge at the start of the summer season, mosquitoes trapped in Baton Rouge were tested for West Nile and found to be positive. Since this evidence was found early on, mosquito truck crews in the area began spraying in May, focusing heavily on areas where the virus was found. Areas were sprayed about three times each week in the spring, so these proactive measures may have also played a role in the decrease of the virus. Some years, crews go out as early as March, but the cool spring gave us additional time.

The West Nile virus remains a threat each year, but it seems that this year is more hopeful than last. Still, the warm, humid weather and rains can linger in Louisiana throughout the fall and early winter, giving mosquitoes ample time to gain in numbers. If you remember from last year, cases were being reported long into the months of October and November.

Be Smart – We Still Have a Long Mosquito Season! 

The DHH recommends taking precautions to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites no matter what Parish you live in or the age that you are. Water is necessary for mosquito breeding, so it’s important that all residents do not harbor breeding areas from bird baths, rain barrels, swimming pools and the like. Standing water should be dumped out, screens should be tight fitting and without holes and leaky outside pipes and window air conditioners should be repaired. By working together, the residents of Baton Rouge can greatly decrease mosquito numbers and cases of West Nile.

5 Tips for Getting Rid of Ants

Dugas Pest Control provides ant extermination services in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana

It’s summertime, which means you’re probably seeing plenty of ants around your home. Getting rid of ants can be a difficult task because these insects have a stubborn way about them. Many products that you buy in the stores work directly on the ants to kill them, but you’ll have new ants at your doorstep the next day. This is why it’s important to adopt a plan that not only kills the ants on contact but also erases trails and wipes down new colonies.

With summer upon us, we’d like to offer the following tips for getting rid of

Tip 1 – Identify the Ants Properly

Many ants look the same, but you can learn a lot about the ones in your home if you find out what species it is. Take a close-up photo of the ant and email it to a local university, a local exterminator or do your own research online. When you identify the type of ants in your home, you can learn more about where they nest and how to get rid of them.

Incorrectly identifying ants is a big problem for homeowners trying to solve the problem themselves.  If you are not sure what type of ants you have, call us today for an inspection to ensure a correct identification.

Tip 2 – Keep the Home Clean

Your best defense against ants and other pests is simple: keep your home clean. Sweep up food crumbs, wipe up spills, wash dirty dishes and have trash securely wrapped in garbage bags. This can be difficult when you have a full house of kids on your hands, so consider purchasing a small dustbuster that can get crumbs and spills off the floor throughout the day. If you have pets, spray a mixture of vinegar and water (three parts water, one part vinegar) around the food bowls to keep ants away without disrupting Fido’s schedule.

Tip 3 – Erase Ant Trails

You never see just one ant. Where there is one, there is a hundred more. This happens because ants leave a scent trail for other ants to follow, so even if you eradicate the ants you see on the floor, others will follow shortly after. Unfortunately, cleaning the floors isn’t enough to erase this scent. Instead, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray where you’ve seen ants. This should prevent them from continuing to look for food in your home and erase scent trails.

Tip 4 – Eradicate Ant Colonies

Unfortunately, using a vinegar and water solution isn’t enough to eradicate ants that are already living in your home. You will need a more powerful bait solution to take care of this problem. Interestingly, the ants you see crawling around initially are scent ants that are sent to scope out the area. Instead of killing these ants, learn from them so that you can wipe out the colony. Ants prefer fatty and oily foods in the summer, so purchase ant traps that are geared to this taste. Set out the bait trap and wait. You will see more ants at first, but don’t worry. This means more of the ants will eat the bait and share it with the colony. Ants have various taste preferences, so you may find that liquid bait works better one time, while solid bait works best another time.

Tip 5 – Spray Entry Points to the Home

Once you’ve been effective at using bait, you need to take proactive steps to make sure ants don’t return. Spray insecticides around doors and windows, and make sure that there are no gaps or cracks that lead into your home. These can be easily sealed up with caulk. It’s best to use insecticide sprays that contain permethrin or bifenthrin after you have used bait traps since they can interfere with them, and insecticides will not kill ants already in the home. You may also spray a barrier product around the perimeter of the home; look for products that say “barrier treatment” on the label.

Extra Tip – Call a Professional!

At the beginning of this article we promised 5 tips for getting rid of ants…but now we’ll offer you one free bonus tip!

Sometimes, ant problems get out of hand, especially when dealing with fire ants that are more resilient to traditional insecticides.  In fact, many homeowners call us after unsuccessfully trying to get rid of ants on their own.

If this is the case, call our team of professionals exterminator at Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge, Louisiana if you want a solution that will erase an ant problem for good!

The Difference Between Commercial & Residential Pest Control

Pest Control When reviewing the various services that pest control companies in Louisiana offer, you’ll find that some businesses offer commercial or residential services, while others offer both.  Since pests are no stranger to the LA environment, we have many clients who require pest control in both the home and the business.

At Dugas Pest Control, many of our clients ask what the difference between the two types of services is.  Let’s take a look at what makes commercial pest control different than residential methods and why both services are necessary to a clean and healthy community.

A broader scope of services

Commercial pest control has a broader scope of services. Residential treatment is designed specifically for the home, so we know that we’re dealing with it when we arrive. With commercial services, we need to be on our toes because we could be offering pest control in a daycare center, hospital, or industrial facility. Knowing how to treat the scope of problems that occur in these locations is significant, and we must be able to tailor our pest control methods to meet the needs of the location.

Multi-Site Accommodations

When working with commercial locations, we must anticipate that there may be problems at more than one site. For instance, commercial locations like hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants deal with pests on a regular basis. If we meet with an owner of one of these locations, they may request that we inspect their other locations as well. Our knowledge and expertise allow us to create a treatment plan that addresses the business’ needs as a whole while providing each site with its own pest control method.

Require More Flexible Scheduling

Residential customers need flexible scheduling, but commercial clients need it even more. We understand that businesses can’t keep their employees and customers waiting, and some problems just can’t wait. We work diligently to meet the timelines of our commercial clients so that their employees can return to a pest-free workplace, and they don’t have to have their business slowed down.

Dugas’ Six Step Plan

At Dugas Pest Control, we have a Six Step Plan that is scientifically proven to minimize chemical exposure while maximizing efficiency.

1. Inspection

On our first visit to your site, we will inspect your location to determine which pests are present and why. We look for sanitation problems, harborage areas and resource sites, and evaluate potential health concerns for staff and customers.

2. Evaluation

A comprehensive pest management program is created after our initial inspection based on what we find. We always use EPA-registered pesticides that include bait traps, crack and crevice products and flushing agents.

3. Education

It’s important that people are educated on how to keep their properties safe from pests, especially since many pest problems can be avoided by taking preventative measures. We are happy to provide a follow-up visit where we will discuss how our commercial clients can take care of their properties to avoid harboring pests.

4. Eradication

Now for the fun part. The eradication will be carried out directly as we talked about according to the treatment plan. If we arranged for bait stations, they are placed out one week after treatment.

5. Follow-Up

Many methods of pest control require additional applications, which you will know about in advance. Everything in the follow-up is included in your original treatment plan, allowing you to make the proper modifications to your business ahead of time.

6. Quality Assurance

Each commercial client gets a site history file where our technicians document everything that was seen, such as fecal deposits and harborage sites. As our program is enhanced with new technologies, we inform our clients and work with them to keep a pest-free workplace.

Pests are a nuisance to commercial locations, and these problems need to be managed so that they don’t cause large infestations. We encourage our clients to also educate their employees on keeping a clean workplace to avoid leaving behind food sources. The warm, humid climate in Florida makes both commercial and residential locations targets for pests, but nothing will stand in the way of Dugas Pest Control.

How Do I Get Rid of These Roaches?

Dugas Pest Control provides cockroach extermination service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana No one likes roaches, except maybe roaches themselves. When you find one in your home, you most likely have more making themselves right at home somewhere you can’t see them.

The hard part is that roaches hide during the day, so they can be difficult to find. Considering that roaches need three things to survive – food, shelter and water – you know that they must be living somewhere where these three sources are available. To confirm your suspicions, check for droppings, egg sacs and exoskeletons, and place sticky roach traps around the home.

First Steps – Making Life Difficult for Roaches

While you’re waiting for your results, be sure to do some tidying up. Clean up piled newspapers, cardboard boxes, paper bags and piles of laundry. Remove fresh fruits, veggies and breads from the counter, clean the stove and microwave, and keep all food in sealed containers. Vacuum, sweep and take out the trash regularly. A clean house is not a friend of the roach.

When you have determined where the roaches are hiding, or at least have a good idea, you can administer treatment most effectively. Since you have taken away the roaches’ sources of food, water and shelter by cleaning up the home, your next step is to move the roaches out of their nests. Let’s discuss the various methods for eradicating roaches.

Roach Baits and Boric Acid

Roach baits work by luring in cockroaches and then poisoning them when they come into contact with the chemical. They can be easily applied in cracks and crevices where roaches hide. Roach baits should only be used in areas that are out of reach of children and pets, and never in food preparation areas.

Boric acid can be purchased in its pure form and then lightly dusted in cracks, especially those openings that can’t be sealed with caulk. The advantage to boric acid is that it’s not highly toxic to humans and pets, so it’s a safer alternative to traditional pest control products. Still, boric acid can be toxic if ingested, so you must keep it out of reach of kids and pets.

Boric acid can be mixed with other ingredients such as flour (to make it stick), cocoa (to lure in the roaches) or sugar (lure). The mixture can be placed in the backs of drawers, cabinets or under appliances, and you may need several cycles to eliminate the problem. A fine sweep of boric acid is better than a scoop, so don’t feel that you need to apply generously to see results.

 

Pesticides

There are many pesticide products on the market, but the EPA recommends using them as a last resort. Pesticides can be purchased at most home improvement stores, but keep in mind that many do not solve roach problems forever. They work by keeping the problem controlled, but roaches often move to another part of the home. Also, read the bottle, because many products are “contact repellents” and must actually be sprayed onto the roach for them to work.

Pesticide products are much more toxic to the environment, children and pets, which is why they are not a first-choice option. Still, there are some pesticides that must be used to take hold of a bad situation. Here are a few of the individual products you can buy:

Desiccants – Used to dry out roaches and kill them.

Insect Growth Inhibitors – Used to inhibit the growth and reproduction of roaches.

Repellents – Premade sprays that repel roaches.

Foggers – Chemicals are released into the air to kill off the roach nests. You must evacuate the home prior to this treatment.

Emulsifiable Concentrates – These concentrated solutions have you add water to use them as insecticides. Good for covering large areas.

 

When DIY Fails

Despite your best efforts, you still may have roaches in your home or business.  After all, roaches can survive just about anything right?

When this happens, you can call in a professional exterminator who can get your home roach free. Still, it’s important that you have a multi-step approach, as not one solution will take care of the problem forever.

For instance, if you’ve successfully removed roaches from the home, you must also do your part by keeping piles of clothes or papers off the floor and sealing up food and fresh produce. Certain areas are more prone to roaches than others, but by keeping a clean home and using boric acid at the start of a problem, you can keep roach infestations under control.

What You Should Know about Subterranean Termites in Louisiana

Dugas Pest Control provides termite treatment and extermination service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana Subterranean termites are the most destructive pests in our country, and they cost homeowners and businesses billions of dollars each year. They are found in all states except for Alaska, and they are most common in the southern states. Louisiana is one of the top states for termites because of our warm, subtropical climate. Even though termites are known as pests to humans, they hold an important part in our ecosystem.

Termites are not pests by definition, as they break down cellulose into usable nutrients. The nutrients, otherwise known as biomass, are then recycled into the soil as humus. The problem is that when subterranean termites get into the home, they can attack the internal wooden structure. From sheds to warehouses to the frames of homes, termites can quickly eat away, causing severe, long-term damage.

It’s important for homeowners to know the signs of a termite infestation since these pests can live in the walls or baseboards of the home without anyone knowing until it’s too late. By understanding the appearance, life cycle and signs of an infestation, you can identify a problem earlier and minimize risk to your home.

What is a Subterranean Termite Colony Like?

Subterranean termites are social creatures that live in colonies underground. The colonies contain millions of termites, but they have a very specific working order. The social order includes reproductives, workers and soldiers. The reproductives are designed to reproduce and expand the colony, and they can be either winged or wingless.

The workers make up the bulk of the colony, and they are the ones that do all of the labor, as in chewing through the wood. The soldiers are the ones that defend the colony. They most commonly attack against ants and other termites, and although the soldiers are fierce, they rely on the workers to feed them.

How Can I Identify a Subterranean Termite?

Since you want to protect your Louisiana home to the greatest extent, it’s important to know what a subterranean termite looks like. There are various stages that these pests go through, including the following:

  • Egg
  • Larva
  • Wingless Workers
  • Nymph
  • Soldiers
  • Adult Swarmers

The reproductives can be either winged or wingless, and the colors vary from dark black to pale brown. If they do have the wings, the wings are a smoky gray or brown color. There is even a social order within the reproductives, as some females lay eggs while others serve as a backup for the queen in case she is injured or dies. These termites have a creamy white color instead and are considered secondary reproductives. The workers are white or cream-colored and wingless. Soldiers have a similar look, with the exception being that they have brown heads with strong jaws.

Subterranean termites are approximately ¼” to 3/8” long and live in colonies. So, chances are likely that you’ll identify signs of an infestation rather than seeing a termite crawling around the home. These pests don’t wander from their colonies like that, unless they are swarming.

Signs of an Infestation in Your Louisiana Home

Hollow sounding wood – Termites don’t feed on the surface of the wood; instead, they feed on the inside of it. If the wood in your home sounds hollow, it could be because termites are eating away at the inside.

Mud tubes on exterior walls – Subterranean termites in Louisiana build mud tubes on surfaces in order to bring the colony moisture while searching for food. Mud tubes are always a sign of termite activity.

Swarmers – These reproductives can look a bit like flying ants, and they come out in the spring to mate. Swarmers can be found on windowsills or flying around the home, and they indicate that a colony lives nearby.

Wings – Finding discarded wings is another sign of a termite infestation. Look for wings in cobwebs, windowsills or other entry points.

Louisiana’s great climate has many advantages, but it also makes it prone to more pests such as our subterranean termite friends. Although termite damage can be difficult to suspect, being proactive is key. If you notice any signs of a possible infestation or start to see damage to wood, contact a professional exterminator immediately.

Why do Formosan Termites Swarm?

Formosan Termites When you think of the word “swarm,” the image of a group of insects flying together may come to mind. Yet when it comes to swarms in the termite world, the word means something very different.

What is a Termite Swarm?

A Formosan termite swarm is not aggressive or tightly grouped together. Instead, a swarm occurs when the environment triggers a large number of winged termites to leave the colony. What these swarmers do is mate and find new places to look for food. When a female becomes impregnated, she burrows into the ground with her mate, laying eggs and starting a new colony.

Since swarmers have two things on their mind – reproducing and survival – you can expect that these pests know exactly what they’re doing. You can just imagine how many Formosan termite colonies would burrow into the ground and start eating away at wood if they all survived, but Mother Nature plays her role here. Many swarmers are eaten by predators like birds and bats. Others die from natural causes before they’re able to find a mate. Only the strong survive.

Still, there is a good number of swarmers that live on and are able to find a mate and a place to start a new colony. These Formosan termite colonies don’t just emerge overnight, however. In favorable conditions, it can take 4 years for a new colony to produce swarmers. If the conditions are not favorable, it will take longer. It’s true that to humans, Formosan termites are certainly nuisances and damaging pests, but they are actually quite delicate in the chain of life.

What Triggers a Termite Swarm?

In many cases, it’s something in the environment that triggers a large number of termites to leave the nest. Swarmers are most common in the spring months, following suit with the natural swarm cycles. However, there are other factors that can trigger a swarm beyond the traditional cycles. Surprisingly, one of these factors can be a pesticide that is being used on the home.

If a Formosan termite colony has a lack of food or water, a swarm may be triggered. These circumstances can be brought on by using certain types of pesticides, so in order for the termites to survive, the termites will leave the nest. When Formosan termites are stressed, either in the soil or inside wood, they will leave their colony and seek food and water somewhere else. These termites depend on moisture, so they can’t go long without some type of water.

Where do Swarms Occur?

Swarms are very common in Louisiana, primarily in the spring and fall. Formosan swarmers prefer to fly in the warm evenings of the spring and summer, and they especially enjoy the climate after a light rain. Swarmers are attracted to lights, so it’s not uncommon to see Formosan termites flying around the lights of Baton Rouge in the evenings. Flying times for these termites is sundown to midnight, whereas other species of termite swarmers prefer the daylight hours. No matter where you are – home, work or out shopping – swarmers flying around is a sign that a termite colony is nearby.

What Should I do to Protect my Louisiana Home?

The best step is prevention. Turn off lights around the home or business at night in order to avoid attracting Formosan swarmers to your area. Make sure that windows and doors are screened and sealed, and look for other cracks or gaps around the home’s exterior. Formosan swarmers are very small, so they look for open areas to get underneath the home to start a new colony.

If you notice swarmers around your home, call a professional exterminator. There may be a colony nearby, but that doesn’t mean your home is infested. Still, it’s important to be proactive, and if the exterminator does think you have a problem, a product like Sentricon can be offered for control and elimination of Formosan termites.