Spring is one of the best seasons in Baton Rouge thanks to its balmy temperatures and abundant sunshine. But alas, spring also marks the start of termite season. As temperatures warm up and humidity rises, termites become more active and ready to invade homes looking for wood to feast on. The damage they cause can be extensive and expensive, but the good news is that early action makes a big difference.
For proactive termite control in Baton Rouge, use this spring checklist to make sure your bases are covered.
Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection
Even if you don’t see signs of termites, they could still be present. These silent destroyers often work undetected inside walls and under floors. Arceneaux Pest Management Service recommends scheduling a yearly termite inspection, especially in spring when activity increases.
Termite inspections should always be conducted by a licensed pest control professional. The inspector will walk around your home to look for signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, wood-to-soil contact, damaged wood, and excess moisture near the foundation.
Inside the home, the inspector will check baseboards, walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, attics, and basements for termite activity. They will also look at the windowsills and door frames, which are common entry points, and any areas with bubbling paint, hollow-sounding wood, or sagging floors.
To help their inspection, termite professionals may use tools like moisture meters, flashlights, or infrared cameras. After the inspection, you’ll receive a written report documenting the findings.
Look for Signs of Termite Activity
It’s important that you do your due diligence, as homeowners also play an important role in recognizing termite activity. While some signs can be subtle, here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Mud tubes on foundations or walls
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Frass (termite droppings) that look like sawdust
If you spot any of these, don’t wait. Call a termite control expert immediately for an inspection.
Eliminate Wood-to-Ground Contact
Termites travel easily from soil to wood. That’s why one of the most effective ways to prevent them is by eliminating wood-to-ground contact. Inspect your property for places where wood structures like decks, fences, or siding touch the ground. Use concrete or metal barriers where possible and replace decaying wood around your home’s exterior. Additionally, remove old lumber, tree stumps, and firewood that sit directly on the ground.
Clear Out Moisture Sources
Termites thrive in moisture. Baton Rouge’s wet climate can make your home a prime target if water isn’t draining properly. To prevent this issue, clean out your gutters and downspouts, repair leaky pipes and spigots, and use dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements. However, the most important measure is to ensure your yard drains away from your home’s foundation. Too often, water drains toward a property, creating the optimal environment for termites and other pests.
Trim Back Landscaping
As part of your spring maintenance, trim overgrown shrubs, vines, and mulch beds. Overgrown vegetation can trap moisture and give termites a cozy environment. Trim back bushes and keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the house. You can even try using landscaping materials and plants that repel termites, such as cedar or cypress mulch and plants like vetiver grass and marigolds.
Invest in Termite Protection
Even if you’ve never had a termite problem, prevention is key. Arceneaux Pest Management offers effective, eco-friendly termite treatment options tailored for Baton Rouge homes. Our long-term protection plans, and termite bonds can save you thousands in potential damage. We take soil type, saturation of soil, and type of foundation into consideration to ensure your termite control plan is as personalized as possible.
Don’t Let Termites Ruin Your Spring. Count on Arceneaux for Termite Control in Baton Rouge.
Your home is one of your biggest investments, so you don’t want termites to threaten it. By following this spring checklist and working with trusted local experts like Arceneaux Pest Management, you can enjoy peace of mind all season long. Call us today at 225-791-9911 to schedule your spring termite inspection and take the first step toward a termite-free home.