How Long Is Termite Season In Louisiana?

Of course, termite swarming starts in the spring

While termites are active 24/7/365 in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Northwest Louisiana, their swarming season typically occurs in the spring. This period usually spans late February through early June, with peak swarming activity happening in April and May.

What are termite swarms?

When a subterranean termite nest matures, it produces winged reproductives. These are called swarmers because they gather into a swarm during their nuptial flight. Their purpose is to find mates and establish new termite colonies.

Termites aren’t the only insects that swarm in our region; many ant species do as well, so it’s easy to mistake flying termites with winged ants.

Termite swarmers have two pairs of wings of equal length. They typically have thick, dark brown bodies and straight antennae.

On the other hand, winged ants have two pairs of wings, with the front pair being longer than the back pair. They usually have dark-colored bodies with pinched waists and elbowed antennae.

Here’s why homeowners should care about termite swarmers

Louisiana homeowners should pay close attention to termite swarms for several reasons, including the following:

• Indicates a termite infestation nearby
  Termite swarms are a clear sign that an active termite colony is nearby. If termites start swarming from electrical outlets or elsewhere inside the house, they are already infesting.
  
  
• Potential for termite damage
  Although termite damage does not occur overnight, these wood-damaging pests are notorious for causing minor to significant structural damage to homes and other buildings. Early detection during swarming season may help prevent costly repairs.
  
  
• Proactive action
  Spotting a termite swarm allows homeowners to act before an infestation worsens. Of course, if the swarm is inside, termite damage may have already occurred, but there is still an opportunity to prevent further damage.

What termites do during a Louisiana summer   

Once termites have found mates and created nests, queens and kings will produce workers. They then send these workers out in search of food. The desirable food source for termite workers is wood and other cellulose materials. Unfortunately, they often find what they’re looking for inside homes, particularly those with water-damaged wood present. Once a food source has been found, workers will travel back and forth from the colony to the source inside mud tubes.

Fall and winter termite activity in Louisiana

Termites remain active during the cooler months, but their behavior often changes compared to spring and summer. They continue feeding and maintaining their colonies. Depending on the temperatures, they may move deeper into the soil or structures where conditions are warmer. Unfortunately, termites inside a structure will continue to feed on wood and cellulose and cause damage.

Termites don't stop, so your termite control can't stop either

Since termites do not have downtime, homeowners need a termite solution that is always working. We use the award-winning and trusted Sentricon® with Always Activeä at Anti-Pest to eliminate and prevent termite infestations.

The Sentricon® System is strategically placed in the ground around the structure's perimeter. When foraging termites find the bait stations, they feed on them and carry the bait back to share with the rest of the colony. The result is the complete elimination of the entire termite colony – even the queen!

The Sentricon System also offers continuous protection year-round. This means termites cannot establish new termite colonies around the house.

Contact Anti-Pest for the best termite control in the Sister Cities!

Contact Anti-Pest today if you’re ready to protect your home from termites! Our termite control services include:

• An initial termite inspection
• Sentricon System installation
• An annual termite inspection
• One-year termite re-treatment warranty

You can rely on our locally owned and family-operated pest control company to take care of termites, whether they’ve just arrived or have been infesting your home for a while. Contact us today to schedule a termite inspection!