Pest Control in Louisiana

Termites pressure in Louisiana is rated Extreme (10/10). Year-round extreme pest activity. Call (844) 920-3454 to connect with a licensed Louisiana specialist who can assess your specific property risk and recommend the most effective treatment approach.

Formosan subterranean termites are an invasive species established in the Gulf Coast region and spread to areas of the Southeast, California, and Hawaii. Their colonies can contain one million or more workers -- far larger than native subterranean termite colonies -- and they construct hard carton nests within wall cavities that allow them to maintain moisture independent of soil contact. They are considered the most destructive termite species in the U.S.

Swarming alates are the primary mechanism for spreading termites between properties -- they fly from established colonies to mate and potentially establish new colonies. Termites also spread through soil contact when ground-level wood or cellulose-containing materials allow colonies to extend into adjacent properties. Infested wood, lumber, or mulch moved between properties can also introduce termites to new locations.

Subterranean termite foraging activity slows and ceases in most climates once soil temperatures drop below approximately 50°F. However, termites don't die -- they retreat deeper in the soil and resume activity when temperatures warm. In climates where soil temperatures remain above 50°F year-round, including the deep South, Gulf Coast, and warm coastal markets, termites remain active throughout winter.

Active termite damage has live workers present in galleries, and mud tubes appear moist with new construction at their edges. Inactive damage shows no live termites, mud tubes that are dry and crumble easily, and galleries that are empty. The distinction matters for treatment decisions -- inactive damage still requires treatment if conditions remain favorable for reinfestation.

Drywood termites can infest wood furniture, picture frames, hardwood flooring, and structural trim without soil contact. Subterranean termites require soil moisture and are far less likely to infest furniture unless it has soil contact or is positioned in a very moist environment. Infested furniture moved from a high-pressure region can introduce drywood termites to new areas -- a documented pathway for urban spread.