Protect Your Home with a Termite Inspection in Louisiana
Termites are destructive pests that feed on wood and other organic materials — including the very structure of your home. In Louisiana, termite infestations are a year-round concern, but they become especially active during the spring and early summer months. That makes now the perfect time to schedule a free termite inspection with Matthews Landscape & Pest.
These silent destroyers often begin damaging homes from the inside out, hiding behind walls, beneath flooring, and inside foundations. Many homeowners don’t realize they have a termite problem until serious structural damage has already occurred.
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage each year across the United States. Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage because it’s considered preventable through routine inspections and maintenance.
That’s why annual termite inspections are one of the most important investments you can make for your home.
At Matthews Landscape & Pest, our licensed termite professionals provide thorough inspections designed to identify termite activity, moisture issues, and conditions that may attract termites before costly damage occurs. If termites are found, we’ll create a customized treatment plan to help protect your property and give you peace of mind year-round.
Termite Infestation Risk Map
This is a termite infestation risk map of the United States. Termites thrive in warm, humid climates. This means that homes in Louisiana have a very high risk of termite infestations. We recommend yearly inspections to every homeowner to protect your biggest investment.
Map courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Termite Swarmers
What Are Termite Swarmers and Why Shouldn’t You Ignore Them?
If you notice what looks like flying ants or large black flies around your home, you might be seeing termite swarmers—the reproductive members of a mature termite colony. Unlike worker termites, swarmers have wings and are often mistaken for harmless bugs. But their presence is a serious red flag.
Seeing termite swarmers means a colony is nearby, and they’re actively searching for new food sources—like your home. You might also spot discarded wings or dead swarmers near windows, doors, or floors. These are clear signs of a termite infestation and should be addressed immediately.
Termite Workers
Termites without wings (worker termites) can look like cream-colored or brown ants and are good at blending in with wood.
Termite Mud Tubes
Mud Tubes: A Common Sign of Termite Activity
One of the most recognizable signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are made of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva, and they serve as protected highways for termites to travel between their underground colony and their food source—usually the wood in your home.
If you see mud tubes along your foundation, walls, or crawl space, it’s a strong indicator that subterranean termites are actively feeding on your property.
Don’t ignore mud tubes—schedule a termite inspection as soon as possible to stop the damage before it worsens.
Termite Damage
What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
Termite damage can vary depending on how long termites have been feeding. In the early stages, you might notice subtle signs like blistering wood, bubbling paint, or hollow-sounding walls. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for water damage or other structural issues.
That’s why it’s important to have a licensed pest control technician inspect the damage to determine if termites are the cause. Catching termite activity early can help prevent extensive and costly repairs.
How Termite Bait Stations Work
Termite bait stations are an effective, low-impact solution for eliminating termite colonies. These small canisters are installed in the ground around your home, each containing termite bait and small entry holes that allow termites to access the poison undetected.
Once termites find the bait, they consume it and carry it back to the colony, where it gradually spreads and kills the entire termite population over time. This method targets the source of the infestation without disrupting your home or landscape.
If you’re looking for a proactive way to protect your property, ask us about professional termite bait station installation and monitoring.
Termite Inspections
The Importance of Annual Termite Inspections for Homeowners
Annual termite inspections are a critical part of protecting your home from the costly damage caused by hidden termite activity. Termites can infest a structure for months or even years without obvious signs, silently eating away at wood and compromising your home’s integrity. A professional termite inspection every year ensures early detection and allows for fast, effective treatment before damage becomes severe. This is especially important in Louisiana, where the warm, humid climate makes termite infestations more common. Since most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover termite damage, preventive inspections by a licensed pest control company are your best defense. Schedule a FREE yearly termite inspection today and protect your home from one of nature’s most destructive pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a termite inspection?
Most homes in Louisiana should have a professional termite inspection annually.
Are termites common in Shreveport and Bossier City?
Yes. The climate in Northwest Louisiana makes termite activity extremely common throughout the region.
Can termites damage a home quickly?
Yes. Over time, termites can cause significant structural damage if left untreated.
Do I need termite protection if I haven’t seen termites?
Preventative protection is one of the best ways to avoid expensive termite damage before it starts.