This is the time of year we really start to notice the insects in your yard. You might see a butterfly or bee doing what they do amongst the flowers. However, it's the insects that you might not see or even notice that could put your home and family at risk.

Termites are a big problem in Louisiana. Our warm and wet conditions are just what these insects need to reproduce and destroy. The Formosan termite is especially costly to homes in and around the state. It is estimated in the New Orleans area alone Formosan subterranean termites are responsible for $300 million dollars in damage every year. Every year that number grows higher.

Gregg Henderson is an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter, he told the Louisiana Radio Network that homeowners should be on the lookout for these costly  pests. One way to spot these termites is the shelter tube they build up the foundation of a home.

"Walking around the house looking for those shelter tubes.  Trying to keep mulch away from the foundation so you can see the foundation so you can see those shelter tubes should they come up."

 

Henderson suggests that treatment of termites be left to the  professionals. Quite often their colonies number in the tens of thousands of insects. So treating one spot will not necessarily do the job.  There are some other tips homeowners should keep in mind to avoid termite trouble. You should keep wood mulch away from your foundation. You should also consider changing the outside lighting of your home.

"And yellow lights and red, insects can't see very well. So you're not going to pull termites into the light at your house if you're using yellow lights."
When having your home inspected for termites you should also have the technician check the trees in your yard. Quite often a tree is where the infestation starts. Henderson said not all termite inspectors consider the trees when doing their inspections so to be safe, it's always good to ask.

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