Why Is Springtime So Busy for Termites in Baton Rouge?

It’s no secret that many insects become more active in the spring, after the winter cold has subsided. One of the few positive aspects of winter in Louisiana is getting a break from the bugs.

Spring Is Termite Time in Baton Rouge

When you start your spring-cleaning, you may find the evidence that pests are in your home. You’re certainly more aware of them during the spring than you are in the winter. Termites begin their swarming in the Bayou state in the months of spring. In warmer winters, activity may begin earlier in March . As the weather warms, termites continue to swarm in other areas as April goes into May.

Spring brings us thoughts of flowers and warm weather. However, for pest control companies, Spring starts their peak season. This is the time of year when insects are coming from their winter spots and mating. Some of them may try to find their way into your home. Spring is the peak time for termites to become a threat to your house and property.

In northern climates when termites may not survive the winter weather, a new colony may be started when infested wood is brought into a different location, or by a process known as division.

Division usually occurs when new food sources are located. A subcolony will be formed in order to exploit the food source. Eventually, the subcolony will produce necessary reproductive termites from younger termites – known as nymphs – and break off as their own colony.

When Do Termites Swarm in Louisiana?

In Southern Louisiana, the most commonly found termites are native termites, which swarm in daytime hours, and Formosan, which swarm near dusk. Formosan termites may be seen near porch lights or streetlights. They are rather like moths in their attraction to light, so they will enter your house through small cracks near doors and windows. You may not notice native termite swarms as much, since they do so during daytime hours, when you may be at work, and the children are in school.

Swarms should cause concern for you and your neighbors. When you see them or hear about the swarms, you should be rightfully concerned. Your property may not be infested or even in danger yet, but it’s better to make sure. Termites originally live in the ground around homes. Pest control companies are tasked with keeping termites underground, away from homes and other buildings.

Signs of Termites

Termite swarms and the wings that are shed and left behind are two of the few easily visible signs that termites are in your area. Due to this, there are many people who think that termites are only a springtime problem. However, some species of termites may remain out of sight but active throughout the year, especially if the winter is mild. In this case, there may be termites at work eating wood, just as they do during other times of year.

Most species of termites cannot crawl on open ground like the ant. Rather, they build mud tubes as travel mechanisms between the existing colony and their new food source. Mud tubes are a sign you should look for when you do a self-inspection for termites. Check for bubbling wood and paint, too. This usually makes a hollow sound when you tap it. If you see signs, you need to call in a professional even if you don’t see any signs, have your property inspected once a year.

How to Keep Termites Away from Your Home

Keeping shrubs and branches away from your house is one way to keep termites outside and away from your house. You should also seal holes and cracks near windows and doors. Eliminating moisture or standing water near the house will be helpful.

Contact a professional exterminator like Dugas Pest Control for immediate identification and eradication. Termites are stubborn pests, but they won’t stand a chance against our team.