Pests to know in Baton Rouge
Termites in Baton Rouge
Louisiana was one of the first places in the U.S. where Formosan subterranean termites established colonies, according to LSU AgCenter.[4]
Invasive species reported here
The invasive crazy raspberry ant, which invades homes and can damage electrical wiring, has spread naturally into the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, according to LDAF.[8]
Pests local experts flag
Parish voters created the East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control District on January 20, 1979.[2]
Climate
Central Baton Rouge (ZIP 70801) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9a, where the average coldest winter night is 20 to 25°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- East Baton Rouge Parish residents can ask Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control for mosquito inspections and treatment around homes, schools, and recreation areas.[1]
- The parish's Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control inspects homes for rats and mice and gives rodenticide bait to homeowners, but it won't enter homes or handle squirrels or nutria.[1]
- West Nile virus was introduced into East Baton Rouge Parish in 2002, which raised operating costs for the parish mosquito district.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control also inspects non-maintained swimming pools and enforces the City-Parish Bee Ordinance.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
- Louisiana requires a Termite Control license to treat for termites and other wood-destroying organisms, and a Place of Business Permit to run a structural pest control company.[6]
- Louisiana's Structural Pest Control Commission, under the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, governs structural pest control licensing and how pesticides are applied for specific pests.[7]
Free local help
LSU AgCenter has light-trapped Formosan termites at several sites across East Baton Rouge Parish since 2009 to track their numbers.[5]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- To keep pools from breeding mosquitoes, East Baton Rouge's mosquito district advises keeping pool chlorine up in cooler months and running the filter May through October.[3]
- Spring to Summer
- LSU AgCenter says Louisiana's peak Formosan termite swarming season runs May to June, peaking around Mother's Day, with swarms at dusk near lights.[4]
Sources
- East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control, “Operations.” www.brla.gov/446/Operations (accessed 2026-10-06)
- East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control, “History.” www.brla.gov/443/History (accessed 2026-10-06)
- East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control, “Tips for Residents.” www.brla.gov/447/Tips-for-Residents (accessed 2026-10-06)
- LSU AgCenter, “Louisiana homeowners should prepare for upcoming termite swarms.” www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/rbogren/articles/page1556114773709 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- LSU AgCenter, “Formosan Termite Numbers Rising in East Baton Rouge and Louisiana.” apps.lsuagcenter.com/news_archive/2015/April/headline_news/Formosan-termite-numbers-rising-in-East-Baton-Rouge-and-Louisiana.htm (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, “Structural pest control licensing and registration.” www.ldaf.la.gov/business/pest-control/pest-control-licensing (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, “Structural pest control.” www.ldaf.la.gov/business/pest-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, “PEST: Crazy Rasberry Ants (Nylanderia pubens).” assets.ctfassets.net/pc5e1rlgfrov/1zvXxRylaW1FcZO4agf04S/b08b3992bdf0c6fb0d869cdd78cf9f8e/Crazy-Rasberry-Ants_R03-23-2026.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 70801 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/70801.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)