People across the New Orleans Metro area were greeted with an unwelcome visitor Tuesday night: Formosan termites are back.
The termites swarm as early as April and can be seen through July.
Although the swarms do not mean that homes are infested, there are some things residents can do to prevent termite damage in general.
The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center provided the following advice on how to deal with termites:
Protecting your home from termites begins with an inspection by a pest management professional, followed by a proper treatment depending on the situation. Because subterranean termites require cellulose and moisture to survive, homeowners can help ward off potential damage by limiting termites’ food and water sources. Here are several actions you can do to protect your home:
- Turn off outdoor lights at night in May and June to avoid attracting swarmers.
- Remove all wood, cardboard, and other cellulose-containing materials from around or under your home.
- Keep mulch 8 to 12 inches from the foundation or perimeter of your home.
- Fix dripping faucets outdoors and repair leaks in the roof or pipes.
- Slope the landscape so water will drain away from the house.
- Use only licensed and certified pest management professionals for termite treatments.
To learn more about these termites, click here.
READ MORE:What to do with your property now that termite swarms are back
