BATON ROUGE — If it feels like termite swarms are everywhere lately, you’re not imagining it. Across south Louisiana, people are posting videos and photos showing massive clouds of termites surrounding lights, homes and even vehicles.
One of the most viral examples came from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office after a deputy working an overnight shift encountered what the sheriff’s office jokingly described as “approximately 6 billion termites.”
The video, shared Tuesday night, showed a patrol unit nearly engulfed by swarming termites under bright lights. The termite swarms were so bad that they even showed up on weather doppler radar.
While the swarms may look alarming, experts with the LSU AgCenter say termite activity is common this time of year in Louisiana’s warm, humid climate. But they warn homeowners should still pay attention because swarming termites can also signal a nearby infestation.
The AgCenter says outdoor lighting is one of the biggest attractants for swarmers.
Experts recommend turning off unnecessary outdoor lights in the evenings when possible to help reduce the number of termites gathering around homes.
Homeowners are also encouraged to look for mud tubes along walls or foundations, which are one of the most common signs termites may already be inside a structure.
The LSU AgCenter also recommends:
- Keeping wood, mulch and debris away from a home’s foundation
- Fixing leaks and reducing excess moisture around the property
- Monitoring for indoor termite swarms or signs of wood damage
Experts say homeowners should not panic if a few termites fly inside after a door opens. However, swarming indoors, especially repeatedly, can be a warning sign of a larger problem.
If you begin noticing mud tubes, interior swarms or structural damage, the LSU AgCenter says it may be time to contact a pest control professional.
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