Recent rains causing problems

By Howell Dennis

CITY EDITOR

CROWLEY – The recent heavy rains that have soaked Acadia parish have caused another problem aside from the damage caused by the storm - a boost in mosquito and termite activity.

The water that has collected in area ditches and low lying areas has created several new breeding sites for mosquitos, which thrive anywhere there is standing water.

“We began to double our efforts last week,” said Glenn Stokes, owner of Mosquito Control Contractor Inc. (MCCI). “It usually takes a few days for a mosquito to evolve from their larvae form so we expect a large increase in activity in the coming days.”

Termites, unlike mosquitos, don’t require standing water to breed. However, rain, wind and humidity causes the insects to swarm.

It’s very difficult to track termites because they have no distinct migration pattern.

“Termites are like hitchhikers,” said Floyd Simpson. “They have to be brought here.”

Termites can be found in lumber, wood structures, utility poles, mulch, and paper. Though termites cause no threat to humans, they are notorious for the damage they can cause to homes or any other wood structure.

The cost to eradicate mosquitos can range anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on how soon they are detected and the extent of the damage.