Termite Control Guide for Homes in Louisiana - Saving Your Property From Termite Damage

Saving Your Property From Termite Damage
 
Your home or business is an investment that should stand the test of time. It should appreciate throughout the years and provide a solid foundation for future generations. When termites and other invasive and destructive creatures gain access to it, they can quickly undermine everything you have worked so hard for and compromise your safety. At Bug Ninja Pest Control, we understand how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be to lose your home to termites. We encourage you to take a proactive stance by learning about the signs of infestation, termite treatment and prevention protocols.
 
Termites are often a silent threat that many homeowners and business owners are not aware of until there is a large infestation. It is not uncommon for people to confuse them with swarming or flying ants, and they are active all year round. Our Baton Rouge termite control service wants to make it easier for property owners to protect their investments. Here is a brief overview of termite identification, prevention and treatments.
 
Seasonal Pest Inspections Are Highly Encouraged
 
Ideally, you should inspect your business’s and home’s foundation and baseboards for signs of termite infestation at the start of every season. This may seem counterproductive because most building foundations are made of concrete; however, cement does not deter termites, as they can create mud tubes on cement. They do not eat concrete, but they do ingest wood. They use the mud tubes to gain access to the more internal wooden structures of a property.
 
Other common areas where signs of termite infestation tend to occur are the crawlspace, attic and basement. Do not rely solely on visual signs to determine if there are termites onsite. In any areas where you suspect there are mud tubes, lightly press on them with your thumb; if the area seems soft or gives way, it is likely there is some termite activity.
 
Lightly tap some of the potentially compromised areas in your home, and listen for hollow sounds. Look for discarded termite wings, as termites shed their wings after they have finished swarming. You may also notice droppings, bubbled paint and warped wood. It is common to see some of these signs on the outside of your home as well.

Types of Termites That Infest Louisiana Properties
 
Louisiana is home to two types of termites: drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites target dry wood and do not need soil or moisture to thrive. They do not leave behind mud tubes, but they do leave behind droppings. They often hide in old furniture, dead trees and other wooden structures where there is minimal moisture. Subterranean termites are the biggest termite threat in the country. They can be found in both soil and wood and are often discovered in the home and outside in the yard. These termites build mud tubes and require moisture. Subterranean termites love cellulose products and have been known to eat books, paper and plants.
 
It can be hard for homeowners to identify the type of termite that is eating away at their home. It is important to have a professional inspection to determine the correct termite species and get the right treatment. The most effective removal method for large drywood termite infestations is fumigation. For smaller infestations, spot treatments are ideal.
 
You Suspect Termites—Now What?
 
Once you suspect that there is a termite problem in your home, you should call a pest control company. Though you might feel like screaming and stressing about what happens next, you don’t have to. Most termite infestations are treatable, and the presence of termites does not mean you will lose your property. There are remediation options that can help restore your home or business to its former glory; however, before you can explore those solutions, the property must be treated and termites eliminated.
 
It is important for you to be selective about your options. A company that is highly rated, bonded and established and that specializes in termite infestations is ideal. You may run across other companies that focus on a wide variety of pests; however, if they do not have experience dealing with termites directly, you could end up with a bigger problem.
 
There is no one-size solution for termite eradication, and often it takes a combination of treatment and preventative measures to resolve the issue. At Bug Ninja Pest Control, we utilize treatment control barriers and more. There are many types of barrier methods, such as chemical, particle and sand, and we’ve found treatment barriers to be highly effective at getting rid of termites and keeping them out.

How Do Treatment Barriers Work?
 
Before any treatment begins, our pest control technicians perform an in-depth inspection. We pinpoint termite entry points and locations and potential nesting areas in and outside of the property. We devise a plan of action based on your building’s structure, past infestation history and current termite and pest management needs. Upon your approval, we may install physical barriers such as (chemically treated) sand or steel mesh to discourage termite activity in certain areas of your home. Using a combination of treatment techniques, we can devise the right solution to safeguard your property.
 
Other types of treatment options include the following:
 

• Repellants
• Bait
• Non-repellants
• Tenting
• Borate preservatives

 
Regardless of the treatment option you choose, we treat the interior and exterior of your home and business. For extreme drywood termite infestations, tenting fumigation may be necessary to prevent further damage to your home or structure. If tenting is recommended, you will need to remain off the premises for a few days while the treatment takes effect, but once the process is complete, your home is safe for you to return to.
 
We do not stop there. Keep in mind, more time, monitoring and treatment are needed for larger infestations. We continue to monitor the property for termite activity and provide treatment until the problem is gone. We also provide professional termite inspections year-round.
 
Our methods are very effective. However, some homeowner and business activities may interfere with the results; we will inform you of what they are. We also encourage you to ask questions and let us know your concerns at any time before, during and after the treatment process.
 
DIY Termite Prevention Tactics
 
Termites are more likely to infest properties where conditions are ideal for their survival. By making your home less friendly for them, you can keep them from invading your space.
 

• Get Rid of the Moisture - Termites and other types of pests are attracted to water. Eliminate sources of moisture around your home. Check your faucets and repair all leaks. Do not leave water or open beverages out. Check your home’s humidity, especially in the attic, basement and crawlspace. If it is too high, use a dehumidifier and other ventilation techniques to restore proper levels. Clean the gutters, and make sure they divert water away from the property’s foundation. Double check your air conditioning unit for leaks and to ensure that it drains away from the house. Have it serviced if necessary.

• Maintain Your Home - Maintaining a home may seem expensive at times. But the damage termites and other pests can cause is much more expensive and, in some cases, can cause financial hardship. Inspect your roof every season, and replace all damaged shingles, soffits and fascia. Repair any loose or damaged window panes and entryways.
• Do Not Store Wood Close to Home - If you like to keep firewood or lumber in your yard, make sure it is kept at least 20 feet away from your property. Do not keep wood on soil; instead, keep it on an elevated platform that is made from material that is not termite friendly (PVC). It should be at least 6 inches above the ground. Keep the wood dry.
• Space Between Home and Soil - Inspect the perimeter of your home to assess the condition of the wooden structures. Any wooden areas that are in close contact with soil must have a large space between them. A gap of 16 to 18 inches between the soil and your property’s wood components is ideal to keep termites away.
• Trim the Trees – Termites nest in trees and can use the branches to enter your home. Trim the trees and bushes near your home, and remove dead and diseased plants and stumps. If you keep mulch in your yard, keep it several feet away from the house.
• Eliminate Cardboard Storage – Many homeowners store items in cardboard boxes, which are a food source for termites. Consider keeping your things in plastic storage totes to protect them from moisture, dust and termites.

 
Regular inspections are necessary to ensure potential termite infestations are caught and treated during the initial stages. The longer termites remain in your home, the greater the damage and repair expenses. Get in the habit of checking your property and getting a professional termite inspection to be safe.
 
Is Professional Pest Control Really Necessary?
 
You may feel that you can handle a termite infestation on your own using DIY solutions. However, those measures often involve a lot of trial and error. When it comes to termite infestations, the whole colony must be stopped. DIY termite solutions can enable you to target small-time infestations, but if you do not eradicate the whole problem, the damage that is being done to your home or business will continue. You do not want to wake up to learn that your pest management attempts did not work and your property is in danger of being condemned. Professional pest management is a long-term, cost-effective solution. You must be willing to invest in the right measures for termite treatment and prevention.

Why You Should Choose Bug Ninja Pest Control?
 
We make it easy for you to save your property from termites. Untreated infestations can undermine the safety and habitability of your place, and termite damage can provide access for other pests, such as ants, mice, squirrels and more. Your home is not a zoo, nor do you intend for it to become one. You expect for your home to provide a safe, nurturing and secure environment for you and your loved ones. We can help you achieve that and more.
 
Your home is like our home. That means you can expect for us to treat it and you with respect. We go above and beyond to show our customers why they always come out on top with us. No matter the nature of your pest control issue, we are here to provide the support and integrated pest management solutions necessary to restore your peace of mind. We offer one-time treatments, service contracts and pest management bundling to make protecting your property more convenient and affordable.
 
Contact Us To Save Your Property
 
By doing your part to prevent pests from inviting themselves over and combining that with our highly effective pest management treatments, your property can become a fortress against insect and rodent invaders. We’ve helped countless families and businesses in Louisiana protect their properties against some of nature’s most destructive creatures and insects.
 
Do not take chances with pests of any nature. From termites to bed bugs, rodents and mosquitos, we are the experts you can trust. Termite survival in your property is contingent on its destruction. From the very first moment you begin to suspect there are termites or any other type of pest inside of your home or on your property, get professional help. Regardless of whether you need advice, have questions or are looking for estimates, Bug Ninja Pest Control is here to save the day and your property. Contact us at 225-414-2020 to arrange an in-home/business pest inspection and learn treatment options.