Thibodaux residents can become liable for pest control

Published: Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 7:21 p.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 7:21 p.m.

Thibodaux residents who violate the tall grass laws will be liable in the future for any needed pest control measures.

The Thibodaux City Council passed an ordinance at its Tuesday night meeting making property owners responsible for pest control.

Once residents are warned and the city is forced to take action on nuisance properties, pest control treatments will be contracted out at the expense of the property owner, Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete said.

A lot of times when we have especially those vacant lots that have become grossly overgrown, theyre not only an issue in reference to tall grass, but they start attracting insects and pests and so on. And in some instances we really would have liked to have contractors spray or treat the area once the grass was cut, Eschete said.

Before the ordinance passed, he said the city didnt have the legal right to hold owners accountable for pest abatement.

It gives us a little more leeway to bring property into compliance and hopefully help eliminate the issues that the neighbors have, Eschete said.

Normally once grass is cut and debris removed, problems with rats, mice and snakes subside, Eschete said. But other smaller nuisances often remain.

Mostly were talking about insects, which range anywhere from ants to fleas, which are really rampant, he said. Those insects still hang around if its left untreated.

Councilwoman Constance Johnson asked how pest control companies would be selected if they are required.

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Thibodaux residents can become liable for pest control