7 Common Household Bugs in Louisiana

There are many wonderful things about living in Louisiana, but the bugs usually aren’t at the top of the list! The warm, semi-tropical climate is favorable to pests, which is why Louisiana is known for its readily available supply of bugs and insects. Some insects are harmless, even though they may look fierce, while others carry disease. 

Nevertheless, all insects are a nuisance, and no family wants to share their home with them. At Ja-Roy, we get many calls for many types of pests. In this blog post, we’re sharing the most common household bugs and pests in Louisiana. Read on to learn more!

Common Pests in Louisiana

1. Termites >>

There are two types of termites in Louisiana: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites like to chew through the interior part of a wood structure. They then cover their tracks by filling holes with dirt or mud. By the time the damage is discovered, it’s too late. There are probably hundreds to thousands of dollars of damage. Drywood termites feast on dry wood and leave feces behind, but they don’t fill holes with dirt.

Louisiana termites are active from spring to fall, especially during warm, moist months (April-November) since these conditions are ideal for termite colonies to thrive and expand. So here are some seasonal pest control tips for these termites:

In the spring:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your property for signs of termite activity.
• Remove wood debris and mulch from around your home’s foundation.
• Repair any leaks or moisture issues in and around your home.

In the summer:

• Keep an eye out for termite swarmers, especially after rain.
• Maintain proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attics.
• Trim bushes and trees away from your home’s exterior.

In the fall:

• Remove fallen leaves and debris from your yard and gutters.
• Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.

While termite activity slows down in winter, they don’t ever hibernate. Continue to monitor for signs of termite presence indoors and address any moisture issues promptly.

2. Beetles >>

There are many species of beetles, but the most common in Louisiana include carpet beetles and powderpost beetles. Interestingly, carpet beetles in their adult stage aren’t much of a problem, but as larvae, they are quite a nuisance. They feed on household items such as clothes, linens, and food.

Powderpost beetles can be just as severe as termites as the larvae create tunnels on the inside of wood structures. It won’t be until these beetles chew their way out as adult beetles that you will see signs of damage.

In Louisiana, both beetles are most active in spring and early summer due to the warm, humid climate. These conditions provide ideal breeding environments for both species. Carpet beetles thrive as they seek out natural fibers to lay their eggs, while powderpost beetles are drawn to moist wood for reproduction and feeding.

Here are our seasonal pest control tips for beetles in Louisiana:

In the spring:

• Thoroughly clean and vacuum your home, paying special attention to carpets, upholstery, and closets.
• Inspect wooden structures for small holes or sawdust-like frass.
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home, especially in basements and crawl spaces.

In the summer:

• Keep windows and doors sealed to prevent adult beetles from entering your home.
• Store clothing and linens in airtight containers, especially if not in use for extended periods.
• Treat wooden surfaces with borate-based products.

Later when fall comes around, remove leaf litter and debris from around your home’s foundation to reduce potential beetle habitats. Inspect and clean air vents and ducts where carpet beetle larvae may hide. And in winter, continue to monitor indoor humidity levels and use dehumidifiers as needed. 

3. Mosquitoes >>

The wet, humid summers create the perfect environment for mosquitoes. Although mosquitoes are synonymous with Southern living, these insects can carry deadly diseases that can be transmitted to humans. With the recent threat of West Nile, it’s crucial to have professional mosquito repellents applied to your yard before mosquito season, which starts early spring here in Louisiana.

Mosquito season in Louisiana typically begins in the spring and lasts through the fall, with peak months being May through October. These conditions create an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes, allowing them to thrive and multiply rapidly. The abundance of standing water from frequent rainfall and numerous bayous further contributes to the mosquito population growth.

Here are some seasonal mosquito control tips for that time:

• Eliminate standing water. Remove or empty containers that collect water, such as buckets, old tires, and clogged gutters.
• Maintain your lawn. Keep grass short and trim bushes to reduce mosquito resting areas.
• Use mosquito-repelling plants. Plant citronella, marigolds, or lavender in your garden to naturally deter mosquitoes.
• Install or repair screens. Make sure all windows and doors have properly fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Apply EPA-approved repellents. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors.
• Schedule professional treatments. Have a pest control expert apply mosquito barrier treatments around your property every 3-4 weeks during peak season.
• Consider mosquito misting systems. Install automated misting systems for continuous protection in outdoor living areas.
• Wear protective clothing. When outside during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk), wear long sleeves and pants.
• Treat standing water. Use mosquito dunks or bits in ponds or other permanent water features to prevent larvae development.

4. Roaches >>

Between flying roaches and cockroaches, the roach population certainly shows its face in Louisiana. Roaches thrive off warm, moist environments, and some, such as cockroaches, are found in high-filth areas. They can also carry diseases such as E.coli and salmonella. Louisiana is home to many types of roach, including the Smokybrown cockroach, American cockroach, and German cockroach.

Roaches are active in the warmer months, late spring throughout summer. The heat and humidity in Louisiana create ideal conditions for their survival and reproduction. As temperatures rise, roaches become more active, searching for food, water, and shelter. The increased moisture during this time also provides them with the hydration they need to thrive.

Here are some roach control tips for that time period in Louisiana:

• Seal entry points. Inspect your home’s exterior and seal any cracks, gaps, or holes that roaches could use to enter.
• Reduce moisture. Fix leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Keep it clean. Regularly clean up food debris, store food in airtight containers, and take out the trash frequently.
• Trim vegetation. Keep trees, shrubs, and grass trimmed away from your home’s foundation to reduce hiding spots.
• Use natural repellents. Place bay leaves, cucumber slices, or garlic in areas where roaches are common.
• Implement a baiting system. Use roach baits in strategic locations around your home, especially in dark, moist areas.
• Schedule professional treatments. Consider quarterly pest control services to maintain a roach-free environment year-round.
• Remove standing water. Eliminate sources of standing water around your property, as roaches are attracted to moisture.
• Inspect and clean appliances. Regularly clean behind and under refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances where roaches may hide.
• Use weatherstripping. Install weatherstripping on doors and windows to create a tighter seal and prevent roach entry.

5. Spiders >>

Spiders are versatile insects that can be found in just about any climate, but the fact that Louisiana is warm and sub-tropical makes it a great location for all breeds of spiders. They especially prefer dark, moist places like underneath flowerpots or garbage can handles. Some of the most common spiders found in Louisiana include your typical garden spiders, fishing spiders, and bold-jumping spiders. However, some have poisonous venom that can cause serious reactions in humans, including the brown widow spider, black widow spider, and brown recluse spider.

Spiders in Louisiana are active year-round, but are most noticeable in the summer and fall. During summer, increased insect activity provides ample food sources, leading to a spike in spider populations. In the fall, spiders become more visible as they seek warm places to overwinter, often entering homes. 

Here are our seasonal spider control tips:

In the summer:

• Keep outdoor lights off when possible to reduce attracting insects (spider food).
• Remove webs regularly from eaves, corners, and other areas.
• Use natural spider repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar solutions.

In the fall:

• Inspect and clean storage areas, garages, and basements.
• Install door sweeps and weather stripping to prevent entry.
• Reduce clutter inside the home to eliminate hiding spots.

Afterwards in the winter, continue to remove visible webs indoors and outdoors. Check firewood for spiders before bringing it inside. Then when spring comes around, remove yard debris and leaf litter where spiders may hide. And trim vegetation away from your home’s exterior.

6. Fire Ants >>

With a warm climate and close proximity to Central America and Mexico, Louisiana is known for its colonies of ants, more specifically, red fire ants. Fire ants can have up to 700 colonies per acre, which can include up to 250,000 crawling members. Fire ants are also fierce predators, carry disease and destroy property. If you are noticing an excess of fire ant mounds, be very cautious and reach out to your local ant control experts.

Fire ants are most active in the spring and fall because these seasons provide optimal conditions for colony expansion and foraging. In spring, warmer temperatures and increased rainfall stimulate nest growth and reproductive activities. Fall brings cooler temperatures and often more moisture, encouraging ants to forage more actively before winter sets in.

Seasonal pest control tips for fire ants in Louisiana include:

In the spring:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your property in early spring.
• Apply granular baits when ants begin foraging after winter.
• Treat individual mounds with approved insecticides.
• Maintain a well-trimmed lawn to discourage nesting.

In the summer:

• Continue monitoring for new mounds, especially after rain.
• Avoid disturbing mounds to prevent colony relocation.
• Use liquid baits during hot, dry periods when ants seek moisture.
• Keep food sources sealed and clean up outdoor eating areas promptly.

In the fall:

• Reapply granular baits as ants prepare for winter.
• Treat any new mounds found during fall cleanup.
• Remove leaf litter and debris that could serve as nesting sites.
• Check for ants entering structures as they seek warmth.

When winter comes around, seal entry points around your home’s foundation. 

7. Silverfish >>

Silverfish have small pinchers, and although they are not poisonous, their pinchers will hurt. They have a fish-like shape and are a gray or silver color. They prefer dark, moist areas and are most commonly seen at nighttime when they leave their nest. Homeowners are accustomed to seeing these tiny bugs in kitchens and bathrooms, where there is excess moisture.

Silverfish are most active in the winter months because they seek warm, humid environments to escape the cold outdoors. In Louisiana, where humidity levels remain high year-round, silverfish can be a persistent problem. However, they tend to become more noticeable during winter as they move indoors to find shelter and food sources.

Here are some seasonal pest control tips for silverfish in Louisiana:

• Reduce humidity in your home by using dehumidifiers, especially in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent silverfish from entering.
• Store books, papers, and cardboard boxes in dry areas, preferably in sealed plastic containers.
• Regularly clean and vacuum areas where silverfish are commonly found, such as behind appliances and in dark corners.
• Remove leaf litter and mulch from around the foundation of your home, as these can harbor silverfish.
• Use airtight containers for storing pantry items, especially those high in carbohydrates like flour and cereals.
• Consider using natural repellents like citrus or lavender oils in areas prone to silverfish infestations.
• Repair any leaky pipes or faucets promptly to eliminate potential water sources for silverfish.
• Use weatherstripping on doors and windows to reduce moisture infiltration and block entry points.
• Schedule professional pest control treatments quarterly, with extra attention during the fall and winter months.

Need Help With Louisiana Insects & Pests?

Pests are a fact of life in Louisiana — all year long. To keep you, your family, and/or your business safe from Louisiana bugs and insects, the experts at Ja-Roy can help. Contact our licensed pest control experts today to see how we can keep these seasonal pests out.