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Common Termite Species Found in New Orleans

Termites may be tiny, but in the warm, humid climate of New Orleans, they can cause massive problems for homeowners and businesses alike. With their ability to silently devour wood structures from the inside out, termites are not pests you want to ignore. Fortunately, J&J Exterminating has the expertise, tools, and solutions to deal with these unwelcome guests.

If you’re worried about termites or wondering what species you might be facing, this guide will walk you through the common termite species in New Orleans, how to identify them, and how we can help protect your home or business.

Why Termites Thrive in New Orleans

New Orleans provides the perfect conditions for termite infestations. Its warm climate, high humidity, and abundant wood structures create an ideal environment for these pests. Combine this with the presence of two particularly destructive species—Formosan and Eastern subterranean termites—and it’s easy to see why termite control is essential for property owners in this city.

Since termites are often out of sight (and, unfortunately, out of mind), knowing the species you’re dealing with is the first step toward effective treatment and prevention.

Most Common Termite Species in New Orleans

Formosan Subterranean Termites

Nickname: The “super termite”

Formosan subterranean termites are some of the most aggressive and destructive termite species in the world—and they’re especially prevalent in New Orleans. Originally from East Asia, these termites have made themselves right at home in the southern United States.

  • Appearance: Formosan termites are pale yellow or brown and about ½ inch long, including their wings.
  • Habits: These termites build enormous underground colonies, complete with mud tubes that allow them to travel between their nest and food sources (like your home’s foundation or wood framing). They can also infest trees and live above ground if moisture is available.
  • Why They’re a Problem: Formosans can cause catastrophic damage in a short time, eating through wood, drywall, and insulation. A single colony can consume over a pound of wood daily!

Eastern Subterranean Termites

Nickname: The “slow and steady destroyers”

Eastern subterranean termites are smaller and less aggressive than their Formosan cousins, but that doesn’t make them any less problematic for New Orleans residents.

  • Appearance: These termites are smaller than Formosans, usually creamy white or light brown, and measure around ¼ inch in length.
  • Habits: Like Formosans, Eastern subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel from their underground colonies to their food. They often focus on damp or decaying wood but won’t hesitate to attack sound wood if left unchecked.
  • Why They’re a Problem: While they don’t consume wood as quickly as Formosans, their colonies can still cause significant structural damage over time if not treated.

Drywood Termites

Nickname: The “hidden invaders”

Unlike the subterranean termites mentioned above, drywood termites don’t need soil or moisture to survive. They infest dry wood, like that found in furniture or roof beams, making them a unique threat.

  • Appearance: Drywood termites are light brown and slightly larger than subterranean termites, measuring about ⅜ to ½ inch long.
  • Habits: These termites thrive in undisturbed wood and don’t require contact with soil. They leave behind small piles of droppings (called frass), which resemble coffee grounds or sawdust.
  • Why They’re a Problem: Drywood termites are harder to detect since they live entirely within the wood they infest. This makes early discovery and treatment especially important.

Signs You May Have a Termite Infestation

Identifying termites early is key to preventing costly repairs. While termites are often elusive, they leave behind telltale signs of their activity, such as:

  • Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-thin tubes made of mud to protect themselves as they travel between wood and soil.
  • Discarded Wings: Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, shed their wings after mating. You may find these near windows, doors, or light sources.
  • Hollow-Sounding Wood: If wooden structures or furniture sound hollow when tapped, termites may have eaten through them from the inside.
  • Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind small piles of droppings, which look like tiny pellets or mounds of coffee grounds.
  • Warped or Bubbling Paint: This can indicate moisture buildup caused by termite activity beneath the surface.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act fast before the infestation worsens.

How J&J Exterminating Can Help

At J&J Exterminating, we understand how stressful termite infestations can be. That’s why we offer comprehensive solutions to identify, eliminate, and prevent termites from infiltrating your property.

1. Free Termite Inspection

Not sure if you have termites? That’s okay—our experts can evaluate your property for free. We’ll carefully inspect both the interior and exterior of your home or business to identify any signs of termite activity.

2. Advanced Treatment Options

Once we’ve identified the species of termite and the extent of the infestation, we’ll recommend a tailored treatment plan. Our methods include:

  • Liquid Treatments: Applied to soil or wood to create a barrier that kills termites.
  • Baiting Systems: Strategically placed bait stations attract termites and eliminate entire colonies over time.
  • Wood Treatments: Specialized products that penetrate wood to kill existing termites and prevent future infestations.

3. Long-Term Prevention

Effective termite control doesn’t stop with treatment. Our team can help you implement preventive strategies, such as:

  • Keeping woodpiles away from your home.
  • Fixing leaky pipes and gutters to reduce moisture.
  • Scheduling regular annual inspections to catch any new activity early.

4. Guaranteed Peace of Mind

We stand by the quality of our work. That’s why we offer guarantees on our termite treatment programs—because your peace of mind matters to us.

Don’t Wait for Termites to Make the First Move

Termites don’t work on your schedule. They infest 24/7, often staying hidden until the damage is severe. If you’re in New Orleans, protecting your property from these destructive pests is non-negotiable.

At J&J Exterminating, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners and businesses safeguard their properties from termites. With decades of experience and state-of-the-art treatments, we’re committed to keeping your property safe and sound.

Contact us today to schedule your free termite inspection. Together, we’ll build a barrier between your home and the termites trying to invade it.

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J & J Exterminating, Inc.

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105 S College Rd
Lafayette, La 70503
Phone : (337) 234-2847
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J&J Exterminating, Inc.