Storms are part of life in Louisiana, especially in places like Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
But when the rain stops and the floodwaters recede, your home may be at risk of more than just water damage.
Termites, especially subterranean species, thrive in post-storm conditions. If you’re not careful, your property could become the perfect spot for a new termite colony.
Key Takeaways
• Subterranean termites become more active after storms due to moist soil and access to wood.
• Flying termites (alates) are often spotted swarming in storm-damaged areas.
• Homeowners should schedule a termite inspection soon after severe weather.
• Preventative termite control, like bait stations or liquid barriers, can protect your property.
Why Storms Lead to Termite Activity
Louisiana’s humid climate and frequent storms create ideal conditions for termites. After a storm, downed trees, wet wood, and pooling water around foundations become irresistible food sources for pests.
Formosan subterranean termites are especially attracted to these wet conditions
When the ground is saturated, they move closer to the surface, increasing the odds of them finding your home. That’s why it’s common to see termite swarms after a storm. These winged termites (called swarmers or alates) are looking to start new colonies.
Warning Signs to Watch For After a Storm
Keep an eye out for these signs of termite activity:
• Mud tubes along your home’s foundation or walls
• Discarded wings from flying termites around windows and doors
• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Soft spots or bubbling paint on wood surfaces
• Swarmers inside or outside your home
Early detection makes all the difference in preventing structural damage and expensive repairs.
Why Flying Termites Swarm After Storms
Seeing flying termites is a major red flag; they didn’t appear out of nowhere. Swarms indicate that a nearby termite colony is mature enough to send out reproductive alates. These winged termites search for moist wood to start new colonies, which is easier to find after a storm.
Swarming typically peaks during Louisiana’s termite swarming season (March through July), but heavy storms can trigger swarms outside of that window, too.
Termite Hotspots: Areas of Concern Post-Storm
After a storm, termites often target:
• Leaky roofs and damaged soffits
• Water-damaged siding
• Wood debris and mulch piles
• Tree stumps and fallen limbs
• Wet crawlspaces or slab foundations
Moisture is a magnet for termites, especially Formosan subterranean termites, which are known for building large and aggressive colonies.
How to Protect Your Home Right After a Storm
Here’s what you can do right away:
1. Remove Moisture and Debris
Clear out wet debris, fallen branches, and damaged wood as soon as possible. Don’t stack firewood or mulch near your home’s foundation.
2. Dry Out Your Home
Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out crawlspaces and other damp areas. Check basements and attics for signs of water intrusion.
3. Inspect for Signs of Termites
Look for mud tubes, wood damage, and swarmers as these are the most common signs of termite infestation. If you find anything suspicious, don’t wait; schedule a professional termite inspection immediately.
4. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection
Even if you don’t see visible signs, getting an inspection is a smart move. Homeowners often don’t notice termites until significant damage has occurred. At LaJaunie’s, we perform thorough inspections and check for signs of different termite species, especially in areas that are hard to access.
Why Bait Stations Work Well in Wet Conditions
After a storm, bait stations are an excellent defense against subterranean termites. We place them around your home to intercept foraging termites. These stations contain a cellulose-based bait that termites share with the colony, eventually wiping it out.
Because bait stations work through termite behavior, not repelling them, they’re effective even when the ground is saturated.
Termite Control Is Year-Round in Louisiana
While swarming season may be seasonal, termite activity is year-round in South Louisiana. That’s why regular inspections and year-round protection plans are key.
LaJaunie’s Pest Control offers long-term termite protection through our Complete Protection Program, which includes baiting systems, perimeter trenching, and annual renewals. We’re locally owned and service cities like Thibodaux, Houma, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and more.
When to Call an Exterminator
If you see mud tubes, signs of termite damage, or notice a termite infestation after a storm, it’s time to call in the pros. DIY termite control is rarely effective and may delay proper treatment.
With LaJaunie’s, you get fast service, local expertise, and a clear plan for termite treatment and prevention. We even offer same-day service in many areas.
FAQs
What should I do if I see flying termites after a storm?
Contact a pest control company immediately. Flying termites (swarmers) mean a nearby colony is ready to spread. Early treatment can stop an infestation before it starts.
Are bait stations better than liquid treatments after a storm?
Often, yes. Bait stations work well in wet conditions because they rely on termite behavior, not soil dryness. A termite expert can recommend the best method.
How long should I wait after a storm before scheduling a termite inspection?
Don’t wait. Schedule a termite inspection as soon as your home is safe and dry. Termites can move in quickly when moisture and wood are available.
