Protect Your Home from Termite Swarms

As spring unfolds across Louisiana, termite season is in full swing—often peaking around Mother’s Day, earning these pests the wry nickname “the gift that keeps on giving.” 

Formosan subterranean termites, our most destructive local species, typically swarm from April through June, with the height in early to mid-May, drawn to lights on humid evenings. 

Our humid, wooded environment makes Louisiana prime termite territory, with Formosans contributing to major annual property damage—our state ranks among the hardest hit. 

A practical tip many homeowners overlook: turn off outdoor flood lights, yard lights, porch lights, garage lights, and even minimize indoor lights shining outward (keep blinds or curtains closed) during peak swarming hours from dusk onward. This reduces attraction to your home, lowering the odds of swarmers landing nearby and potentially starting a new colony in soil or foundation cracks. 

While you’re at it—especially with spring cleaning underway—take a quick walk around your property and remove any piles of wood, firewood, lumber or debris stacked up next to the home. 

J&J’s Technical/Training Director and Associate Certified Entomologist Adam Woodard explains swarming clearly: “The termite swarm is basically an annual event in nature when termite colonies that are around five years old produce winged members…called alate swarmers…They fly out in pretty large numbers to create new colonies. So, when a male and a female termite swarmer land, they pinch off their wings, they pair up, and they find a suitable location in the soil to begin a new termite colony.” 

On spotting signs: “A good rule of thumb is if you see termites just crawling inside your home, a few crawling around on the windowsill, those could have gotten in through a crack,” Woodard says. “But if you see 50 or more termites flying around in your living room . . . it’s a good chance that that colony was already established in your house. And then you definitely would need to give us a call to come get that checked out.” 

At J&J Exterminating, in business over 65 years, they emphasize proactive protection. As Woodard notes, “Most everybody has homeowners’ insurance and most policies do not cover damage from termites. So, the investment to protect your home from termites is small in relation to the value of your home. Why not make a small investment to protect that asset from termites?” 

J&J offers reliable termite prevention (with systems like Termidor® and Sentricon®), one-time mosquito event sprays or ongoing yard control, plus services for bed bugs, rodents and more—tailored to South Louisiana’s challenges. For extra pest barriers, energy savings, insulation and noise reduction, ask about their T.A.P.® Total Acoustical Pest control insulation, an EPA-approved spray foam. 

Family-owned for three generations of “Louisiana Strong,” from humble Crowley beginnings to statewide service, J&J keeps homes safe.  

Get a free estimate today: visit jjext.com or call 1-800-737-2847 to “Get the Shield.”