Get a Grip on Yard Pests 

by Matt Dye 

As spring rolls into Southwest Louisiana, the climate is ideal for a variety of pests looking to stretch their legs on your property; the most common being Formosan termites, mosquitoes, ants, and roaches to name a few. But there are some measures you can take to help minimize and ideally eliminate those critters from your life. 

Robert Soileau, Branch Manager at J&J Exterminating recommends homeowners look for places where piles of leaves or grass and weeds have built up. “The winter months tend to allow things like moisture problems, overflowing gutters, and just general debris to pile up against the house,” he says. “These are all prime places for insects to thrive. It’s also a good idea to check all your doorways and windows and see if any openings have been created and things need to be re-caulked or weatherized.” 

Soileau points out that while there are products available at garden stores and feed stores, many of these are designed for only certain types of pests, and many are not effective against these bothersome critters due to either the make-up of the insect, their habits, or simply where they might be hiding in your yard and how deep. 

Instead, Soileau suggests homeowners perform weekly self-inspections of their yard, which can greatly help with prevention of pests as the season progresses. Trouble spots can pop up at any time and are best handled as soon as they are discovered.  

Fire ants leave behind their tell-tale ant mounds all over the yard, while termites can show themselves by swarming in the springtime. This happens when the colonies get to a certain size and age as they swarm to form new colonies. Some species of ants are also known to swarm during the warmer months and can be confused with termites, but either can be a problem that should be handled immediately. 

If an infestation is found, especially of termites, it’s best to call a professional to protect your home. This is a reactive measure and could be costly if termites are found and damages need to be repaired in addition to getting a termite treatment to control the infestation. The best plan is to have an inspection before a problem arises. Most pest control companies offer free initial inspections, so there is no obligation up front.  

Knowing how insects reproduce, where they live, and how they infest homes and yards are all part of pest management strategy. Being aware of what is going on in your own yard is optimal to keeping pests out and costs down. Being proactive and calling on a professional to help you handle your property might be the best option, allowing you choose the proper treatment procedures and best products for your yard.