Shreveport, Louisiana, has its share of troublesome pests. And most of them are invasive, meaning they were imported from other countries a long time ago.
In this informative guide, you’ll learn:
- The top five pests in order of aggravation to homeowners
- The reason why Shreveport harbors so many insects
- How to identify each type of pest
- Simple tricks the pros use to get rid of them for good
#5. Argentine Ants
The Argentine ant is an invasive species originating from South America. Its workers are about ⅛ inch long and are dark brown.
Most ant species display some inter-colony rivalry. But not the Argentine ant. Workers from aligned colonies are highly cooperative.
Some scientists believe that this exception is why the Argentine ant is so successful. But also, they are highly aggressive toward other species. And they can take over an entire home within a few weeks.
It’s best to get rid of Argentine ants this way:
- Utilize optimal sanitation measures around your home or business
- Fix leaky plumbing to limit water sources
- Employ solid bait stations where you see foraging ants
- Spray with a residual insecticide outdoors to keep ants from invading your home
#4. German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are also called kitchen roaches. However, you can find them almost anywhere there’s adequate food and water available. So, whatever the location, German roaches are hard to eradicate from your home.
You can identify them this way:
- Adults are ¾ inch long
- Golden brown
- Egg capsules are about ¾ the length of an adult female
- Fecal material looks similar to ground black pepper
Take these steps to eliminate German roaches from your kitchen:
- Vacuum live adults, eggs, moltings, and fecal material using a shop vac
- Clean all areas using a solution of bleach and water
- Utilize roach bait stations throughout kitchen and storage areas
- Apply bait get into cracks and crevices
#3. Asian Tiger Mosquito
Originally from Southeast Asia, the Asian tiger mosquito was first discovered in the U.S. in 1985. Since then, it has spread throughout the Southern states and as far north as Maine.
Scientists don’t know why, but the Asian tiger mosquito is competing successfully with native species. But it’s probably due to the favorable environment and the reduction of natural predators in North America.
Due to their increasing populations, controlling the Asian tiger mosquito can be a challenge. For that reason, pest control operators suggest doing this:
- Reduce trash around your home
- Empty pools that aren’t in use to reduce mosquito breeding areas
- Use carbon dioxide traps outdoors
- Employ UV light traps to draw mosquitoes away from outdoor gatherings
- Be generous when breaking out the citronella candles
#2. Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants get their name from mistakenly being identified as one of the ancient plagues of Egypt. However, what’s not in dispute is its reputation as one of the most difficult household ants to control.
Pharaoh ants are also called sugar ants. That’s because they feed on sweet foods. However, they will also consume anything high in fats and oils.
These tiny red ants are only about two millimeters in length. They are red, with their abdomens being darker than the rest of their bodies.
Pharaoh ants typically nest in wall voids, and their colonies can range from 1,000 to over 500,000. That’s because it takes only about 28 days for them to get from an egg to an adult.
Here are the best ways to get rid of Pharaoh ants:
- Clean soda and food spills immediately
- Keep trash in tightly closed containers
- Use silicone caulking to seal entry points around windows, doors, and electrical outlets
- Use liquid ant bait stations in known foraging areas
- Avoid spraying worker ants to prevent the queen from splitting the colony
#1. Formosan Termites
The Formosan subterranean termite is a non-native species in the U.S., and it was first discovered in Louisiana around 1980. Since then, it has spread throughout Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and all of the Southern states in between.
Formosan termites are larger than their Eastern subterranean cousin. Also, it can infest high up into a structure without the need to be in contact with soil. So, for that reason, they are generally more destructive than any other termite species in the U.S.
Only professional exterminators should tackle Formosan termites using these methods:
- Barrier treatments. The technician digs a trench around the home and fills it with termiticide. This method creates a chemical barrier between the colony and the wood structure.
- Liquid foam termiticide injections into wall voids help treat termites above ground level.
- Bait stations placed around the home provide a way to eliminate the colony slowly. They also offer an alternative treatment for termiticide-resistant species such as Formosan termites.