Living in New Orleans comes with a lot of perks, great food, rich culture, and one-of-a-kind events like Mardi Gras. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you also know that the bugs in this town are something else.
Between the humid weather, the Mississippi River, and plenty of standing water, NOLA is practically paradise for pests.
Here are the top 10 bugs you’re most likely to encounter in the New Orleans area and what makes them so persistent.
Key Takeaways
• American and German cockroaches are common in New Orleans homes and often need professional help to remove them.
• Termites in New Orleans can stay hidden while causing serious wood damage to older homes across the city.
• Mosquitoes, fleas, fire ants, and other biting pests are active year-round in New Orleans’ warm and wet climate.
• Local pest control helps homeowners in the New Orleans area stay pest-free with fast and guaranteed service.
1. American Cockroach
Locals call them palmetto bugs, but make no mistake. These are American cockroaches.
They’re huge, often more than two inches long, and love dark, damp places. You’ll find them scurrying in storm drains, sewers, and yes, sometimes right through your front door.
These roaches can even fly short distances, which is why it’s not unheard of to see them glide through the air during a summer night.
Their presence can signal larger issues with moisture and sanitation in and around your home.
2. German Cockroach
Unlike the palmetto bug, the German cockroach is smaller but far more problematic indoors. They multiply fast and thrive in kitchens and bathrooms.
If you spot one, there are likely hundreds hiding in crevices and behind appliances.
Their tiny size allows them to slip into nearly invisible cracks, and once the infestation is established, they’re notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help.
New Orleans homes, especially older ones, provide plenty of entry points for them.
3. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are a big issue in Louisiana, and they’re especially destructive in the New Orleans area. They tunnel underground, feeding on your home’s wooden structure from below.
Because they’re often hidden until serious damage is done, regular inspections are key.
With our high humidity and historic homes, termite infestations are more common here than you might think.
4. Formosan Termites
Even worse than their subterranean cousins, Formosan termites are an invasive species that have wreaked havoc in South Louisiana.
They’re aggressive, build massive colonies, and can chew through wood faster than any other termite species.
These pests are a big reason termite protection is considered essential in NOLA. They’ve been known to infest trees like the stately oaks found throughout the city, including those lining streets from Uptown to the Garden District.
5. Mosquitoes
With all the standing water around, from potholes to bayous, mosquitoes thrive in New Orleans. And they’re not just a nuisance.
Mosquitoes here can carry diseases like West Nile and Zika virus. The local Audubon Insectarium even educates visitors on their lifecycle, from larvae in the water to the blood-sucking adults buzzing in your backyard.
Protecting your yard and home with mosquito reduction services is a must for year-round comfort.
6. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs aren’t just a problem for hotels.
They’re found in homes across New Orleans, especially where there’s a high turnover of people, like apartment buildings and duplexes. They hide in mattresses, couches, and even behind picture frames, coming out at night to feed.
These critters don’t discriminate based on cleanliness, and they’re incredibly hard to get rid of without a comprehensive treatment plan.
7. Fleas
In a pet-loving city like New Orleans, fleas are a familiar headache.
Dogs and cats can bring them in from the yard or park, and before you know it, they’ve made themselves at home.
They thrive in the warm, humid climate here, and their bites can cause itching, allergies, and even transmit tapeworms. They’re especially common in homes with shaded yards and areas of thick grass.
8. Fire Ants
Fire ants aren’t just annoying. They’re aggressive.
Step on their mound and you’ll quickly regret it.
These ants are known for their painful stings and are common across Louisiana. Their mounds pop up in yards, gardens, and even along sidewalks.
Since they’re not easily wiped out by over-the-counter treatments, it usually takes a targeted professional service to eliminate them for good.
9. Crickets
While not dangerous, crickets are a common nighttime nuisance in New Orleans.
They sneak into homes through tiny cracks and crevices, and their constant chirping can make sleep nearly impossible. They’re especially drawn to warm, moist environments, something our city has in abundance.
Some species even damage fabric, paper, and other soft materials, adding to the frustration.
10. Buck Moth Caterpillars
If you’ve ever been stung by a buck moth caterpillar, you won’t forget it.
These spiky critters show up in the spring, especially in neighborhoods with oak trees, like Mid-City and Uptown. They fall from trees or land on outdoor furniture, and brushing against one can cause a painful sting.
Kids and pets are especially vulnerable, making seasonal control important in heavily shaded areas.
Bug Problems in New Orleans? Call LaJaunie’s Pest Control Today
From Formosan termites chewing through historic homes to German cockroaches crawling through kitchen cabinets, living in New Orleans means dealing with bugs year-round. But you don’t have to deal with them alone.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer same-day pest control services, thorough inspections, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whether you’re in the heart of the French Quarter or out in Metairie, our expert team is ready to help you take back your home.
If bugs have become more than just a nuisance, we’re here to help. LaJaunie’s Pest Control has been serving New Orleans neighborhoods for years, from Uptown to Metairie. Call us today for a free quote and let’s get your home pest-free.
