Skip to content

Termite Identification

Termite Learning Center

Termites are small insects often confused for ants. Most are no bigger than ½” and vary in color from off-white to brown. Some termites, called swarmers, have wings that enable them to fly.
Characteristics of a termite
A light brown termite with translucent legs and antennae crawls on a white surface. Its body segments and mandibles are clearly visible.

In Louisiana, we deal with subterranean termites, formosan termites, and drywood termites. All three have the potential to cause a lot of damage on homes and businesses.

What termites are in Louisiana?
Termites are crawling on and around decayed, textured wood, engaging in typical colony behavior with some moving and others appearing stationary.
Some of the signs of termites include damaged wood, mud tubes on the perimeter of a building, frass (termite droppings), discarded wings, and, of course, seeing an actual termite.
Signs of termites
A decayed wooden baseboard shows extensive termite damage, creating a large hole in the middle, with a white, weathered wooden wall in the background.
Termites are active all year long in Louisiana. However, they are known to swarm in the spring and summer months, which is why many people call the springtime swarming season.
When are termites active?
A white downspout curves towards the ground, with clusters of fallen brown leaves resting against a stained, textured wall, surrounded by scattered leaves on a partially moss-covered surface.
The queen termite lays eggs, young larvae will hatch, and the larva will molt several times until it is assigned its designated caste. These castes include worker, soldier, and reproductive.
Life cycle of a termite
Termites are clustering together, with their translucent bodies and segmented antennae, on a piece of decaying wood in close-up view.
Termites may be found all over the country, but different types of termites are active in different areas. Termites prefer mild to warm, wet climates like the one in Louisiana.
What do termites call home?
A light-colored split-level house with a black roof stands on a concrete driveway, surrounded by green lawn and trees, featuring two garages and a staircase leading to the front door.

7. How do termites spread in Louisiana?

The factors that can encourage their ability to thrive include availability of cellulose, presence of wood in contact with soil, amount of moisture present, climate, as well as the age and size of the colony.
How do termites spread?
Two large termites with dark heads and yellowish legs crawl on a rough, brown, woody surface, exploring their immediate surroundings.

Termite Identification in Southern Louisiana

Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.

Serving Washington | Tangipahoa | Saint Tammany | Livingston | East Baton Rouge | West Baton Rouge | Orleans

Lafayette Parish | Caddo Parish | Calcasieu Parish | Ouachita Parish | Livingston Parish | Rapides Parish | Bossier Parish | Ascension Parish | Terrebonne Parish | Lafourche Parish | St. Landry Parish | Iberia Parish | Acadia Parish | Vermilion Parish

Schedule Pest ControlPest Control Reviews
$99 Initial Pest Service

When you sign up for a preventative plan