Types of Termites Found in New Orleans

Termites are one of the most damaging pests homeowners deal with in the Greater New Orleans area. Our warm climate, high humidity, and heavy rainfall create the perfect environment for these insects to thrive throughout much of the year. Knowing which species you might be facing can help you spot trouble early and protect your home. In this blog, we will walk you through the three main types of termites in New Orleans, what they look like, and the warning signs that come with each one! For a free estimate on termite control services in the Greater New Orleans area, please contact our team at Pied Piper Pest Control Inc. today!

Formosan Subterranean Termites

Formosan subterranean termites are the most destructive species you will find in the New Orleans region. These termites live in massive underground colonies and can number in the millions, which allows them to cause serious damage in a short amount of time. Swarmers have a yellowish brown color and translucent wings, and they often appear in large numbers during warm evenings in late spring. Signs of a Formosan termite infestation include:

• Mud tubes: Pencil sized tunnels running along your foundation, walls, or crawl space.
• Hollow sounding wood: Damaged areas that feel soft or sound empty when tapped.
• Discarded wings: Small piles of wings near windows, doors, or light sources.

Because these termites build large colonies and can attack from multiple directions, they require prompt professional pest control to keep damage under control.

Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern subterranean termites are also common across the Greater New Orleans area, though they tend to work more slowly than their Formosan relatives. Like other subterranean species, they nest in the soil and travel to their food source through mud tubes. Their swarmers are darker in color, usually black or dark brown, with wings that appear slightly smoky.

These termites feed on wood that touches or sits near damp soil, which makes moisture control an important part of prevention. You may notice small mud tubes near your foundation, bubbling or uneven paint, and wood that crumbles easily when pressed. While their colonies are smaller than Formosan colonies, they can still cause significant structural harm over time if left untreated.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites behave differently from subterranean species. They do not need contact with soil and instead live directly inside the wood they eat. This means they can infest attics, wooden furniture, door frames, and other dry areas of your home. Their swarmers are typically light brown and slightly larger than subterranean swarmers. Common signs of a drywood termite problem include:

• Frass: Small, dry fecal pellets that look like tiny grains of sand or sawdust.
• Kick out holes: Tiny openings in the wood where termites push out waste.
• Blistered wood surfaces: Areas that appear warped or slightly raised.

Because these termites hide deep inside wood, infestations can go unnoticed for long periods. Regular inspections are one of the best forms of termite prevention for this species.

Contact Pied Piper Pest Control Inc. for Termite Control in New Orleans!

If you have any questions about the types of termites we have in Louisiana or if you believe your New Orleans area home is being damaged by termites, please contact our team at Pied Piper Pest Control Inc. today! We have years of experience dealing with termites and can deal with the problem quickly, efficiently, & affordably! Give us a call at (504) 366-1333 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!