Termites in Louisiana

Termite Activity in Louisiana

Termites are active across the state, from Shreveport to Monroe and from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Louisiana.

What Types of Termites Are in Louisiana?

Subterranean termites and drywood termites are known to damage homes in Louisiana.

Drywood termite:

Subterranean termite:

Are Formosan Termites in Louisiana?

Louisiana homes and buildings sustain more Formosan termite damage each year than homes and buildings in any other state. In the greater New Orleans area alone, residents and businesses spend an estimated $300 million annually to control Formosan termites and repair the damage they cause.

New Orleans is home to Operation Full Stop, a government-funded program designed to help control Formosan termites in the area and share Formosan termite control research with scientists and pest control professionals nationwide. The program has been successful in using bait systems to control Formosan termites in entire neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter.

Formosan termite:

When Do Termites Swarm in Louisiana?

Because Louisiana is so warm and humid, different species of termites are likely to swarm during most of the year. The swarming habits of the most common species in Louisiana are described below.

• The eastern subterranean termite typically swarms from February to May. This species typically swarms in the morning hours.

• The Formosan termite swarms at night during the late spring.

• The dark southeastern subterranean termite swarms during the day in March and June.

• The light southeastern subterranean termite swarms during daylight in the fall.

• The arid-land subterranean termite swarms during the day in the spring and fall.

• The southeastern drywood termite swarms at night in the spring.

• The tropical rough-headed drywood termite swarms at night from April to July.

• The western drywood termite swarms during the day in summer.

• The dark southern drywood termite swarms during summer afternoons.

More Information about Termites in Louisiana

According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), Louisiana is located in TIP Zone #1 (very heavy), which means the potential for termite damage is considered significant. Areas with higher probabilities for termite activity require more termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with less frequent activity.

In states like Louisiana where termites are very active and widespread, it is essential to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program. If you own a home in Louisiana, talk to your termite control expert about methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.