Questions people ask about pests in Lafayette
Most questions fall into four groups: what to do in the first days after a swarm, how termite work is planned, how a rental is shared between owner and tenant and how the credentials for the work are checked.
- Serving Lafayette Parish
- Formosan termite swarm season
- Safety notes for children and pets
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The first days after a swarm
What should I do first?
Keep a few wings in a sealed container, note the date and place, switch off the light drawing them if it is safe, and call. The line is answered 24/7.
Are termite swarmers the same as flying ants?
No. Termite swarmers have a broad, straight waist and two pairs of equal wings that break off after flight. Flying ants have a pinched waist and a longer front pair.
Does the swarm mean the house has termites?
It means a colony is nearby, which is enough reason to inspect the house and the trees. Only the inspection can say whether a colony is in the structure.
How termite work is planned
Why look for Formosan termites?
A 1999-2001 Louisiana survey lists Lafayette Parish among the places where they are established. The inspection should look for the species as well as the native ones.
Is a soil barrier or bait better?
Neither is better in every case. The inspection decides, and the plan says why one method, or a combination, suits the property.
What can an inspection miss?
Galleries inside finished walls and colonies in trees or stumps outside the house. The report should list what was not reached.
Licenses and credentials
How do I check the license?
Ask for the license number and the applicator's name, and check them against the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry's licensing pages. The About page sets out who holds which credential.
What is an applicator certification?
A separate credential for the person who applies the product. A business license and an applicator certification are different, and both should be checked.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.