Getting familiar with termite season, as well as the types of termites in New Orleans will assist you in preparation for a termite infestation. Termites are not your friend, as they can cause destruction to your home, and cost you a pretty penny in the process. To ensure you don’t become a victim, we’ll teach you how to identify the most common termites in New Orleans.
Termite Season in New Orleans
Termite season in New Orleans tends to be from March to July, however, it is possible they can show up a little earlier or later. It’s always best to have a pest control company inspect your home and trees, as your neighbor might be the source of the infestation. Getting ahead of the issue before it progresses is always the best course of action.
Depending on the termite, you might experience a swarm during various times of the year. Getting familiar with different types and when they arrive will be a key component of preparing for a pest infestation. The termites in Louisiana thrive due to the humid weather and have the potential to cause significant damage to your belongings.
Formosan Subterranean termites can cause millions of dollars worth of damage each year. This species is extremely aggressive, dangerous, and destructive. They will often enter your home without your knowledge, and eat away at structures for months, or even years.
Types of termites in New Orleans
The most common and prevalent termites in New Orleans include drywood and subterranean termites. Each has its own unique characteristics and things to look out for when checking for an infestation.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites infest drywood and walls, and tend to shed their wings within moments of arrival. They are light brown in color, and their body is long, narrow, and oval-shaped. Aside from their wings, you’ll know if you have a drywood termite infestation if you come across piles of fecal pellets.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites infest wood from underground and are extremely destructive. Unfortunately, the majority of people may not be aware of a subterranean termite infestation until it has become a larger problem.
You’ll find them nesting in moist wood, and they’ll actually attack any wood that they can access from the ground. They’ll usually build mud tunnels to reach wood that is out of reach for them; This makes it much easier for them to enter your home.
- Native Subterranean: This species is known for snacking on paper products, as well as cellulose-based products. Native Subterranean termites are black in color, and about one-third of an inch long. This species swarms during the day, during February and March.
- Formosan Subterranean: These swarmers are much larger than those of Native Subterranean termites. Their bodies are caramel-colored, and half an inch long. They usually swarm at night, and right before the summer season.
What are the signs of termites in your home?
Termites are capable of causing a lot of damage, so it’s best to know exactly what to look out for. Knowing these signs will decrease your likelihood of a more serious infestation, as well as help you be more prepared in the future.
The signs of termites include:
- Mud tubes
- Peeling paint
- Small holes in drywall
- Damaged wood
- Piles of wings
Mud Tubes
Termites build mud tubes to hide from predators, as well as to gain entry into structures to access food sources. This also keeps the termite moist during travel. These tunnels are made up of soil, wood, and even their own feces. Sometimes, it is possible to find termite mud tunnels that are no longer active. You can get rid of these as soon as possible by calling your New Orleans pest control company.
Peeling Paint
Painted surfaces may bubble as a result of the moisture brought on by termites below the wood’s surface. They tend to live under the surface of the wood as a form of protection from dry air and light. Peeling paint is a strong sign of a termite infestation.
Small Holes in Drywall
Termite holes are about one-eighth of an inch or smaller. Swarms will often make exit holes in the wood, which will be a great identifier in knowing if you have a pest infestation. A pest control professional will be able to assist you in providing the best course of treatment.
Damaged Wood
Wood damage by termites can often go unnoticed on the surface, but there is a method you can use to detect it. Take a screwdriver, and tap the wood every couple of inches using the handle. If the wood sounds hollow, this might be a sign you have damaged wood.
Piles of Wings
Termite wings often resemble fish scales, and will be left behind as a way to make themselves known after swarms. You will likely find these wing piles where you’ll find light, such as basement windows, or even spider webs.
Professional Termite Treatments in New Orleans
Here at LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer free termite inspections in Louisiana. Our goal is to make sure you and your home are protected from pests at all times. Our termite control in New Orleans is conducted by trained professionals who put you first. We offer:
Our Perimeter Defense Guarantee Termite Control Plan:
- Treatment that rids your home of Subterranean termites, so that you never have to worry about an infestation.
- Annual inspections and treatment coverage for the duration of your plan. This ensures that you are never responsible for repair costs in the event of damage.
- We’ll re-inspect your home between regular inspections for your peace of mind.
Pre-Construction Termite Control:
- A plan that protects your home from future termites.
- We’ll perform a soil treatment prior to construction, and include a one-year warranty during and after construction.
- Same-day termite control service.
- A 10-year warranty that covers you when you enroll in our Termite Protection Plan.
Allow LaJaunie’s Pest Control to protect your home against termites, and provide unmatched, top-quality service. If you’re not happy, neither are we! We service Southern Louisiana, and have been in business for a decade with raving reviews. Give us a call at 985-859-7378 for your free termite inspection quote.