Pests to know in Lafayette
Termites in Lafayette
LSU AgCenter calls the Formosan subterranean termite an invasive species and the most destructive structural pest in Louisiana, now spread to 42 of the state's 64 parishes.[6]
Pests local experts flag
Lafayette Parish residents can request truck spraying or report a possible mosquito problem by phone, through the contractor's service-request page, or through Lafayette 311.[1]
Climate
Central Lafayette (ZIP 70501) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9a, where the average coldest winter night is 20 to 25°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Lafayette Parish runs an Integrated Mosquito Management program built on four strategies: surveillance and disease testing, larval control, adult control, and public education.[1]
- The Louisiana Department of Health says West Nile virus has been spreading across Louisiana since it was first detected in the state in 2002.[2]
- State health officials consider West Nile virus endemic to every part of Louisiana, and statewide dead-bird reporting has been discontinued.[2]
- Louisiana has four mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses: West Nile, Saint Louis, Eastern Equine, and California.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
Inside the City of Lafayette, grass may not grow taller than 12 inches; in unincorporated Lafayette Parish the limit is 24 inches, or 12 inches within occupied subdivisions.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
- Louisiana requires a separate Termite Control license from the state agriculture department to treat for termites and other wood-destroying organisms.[4]
- Licensed Louisiana pest control companies must notify the state at least one hour before pre-treating slabs or pier construction with termiticides; Lafayette Parish falls under LDAF's Opelousas District.[5]
Free local help
- LSU AgCenter notes Formosan termites form much larger colonies with more aggressive soldiers than native subterranean termites, and turning off outdoor lights can reduce swarm activity.[7]
- LSU AgCenter lists the red imported fire ant as a common lawn pest in Louisiana; the ants do not harm turf but build mounds and sting people and pets.[8]
Through the year
- Spring to Summer
- Formosan termite swarm season in Louisiana can start in April and run through June, peaking in early to mid-May.[6]
Sources
- Lafayette Consolidated Government, “Mosquito Control Program.” www.lafayettela.gov/living-here/mosquito-control-program/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Louisiana Department of Health, “West Nile Virus.” ldh.la.gov/page/west-nile-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Lafayette Consolidated Government, “Property Maintenance and Code Compliance.” www.lafayettela.gov/living-here/property-maintenance-and-code-compliance/ (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 reporting.” www.ldaf.la.gov/business/pest-control/reporting (accessed 2026-10-06)
- LSU AgCenter, “Preparing for the Termite Swarms.” www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/qsun/articles/page1620966062329 (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, “Louisiana Home Lawn Series: Red imported fire ant.” www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/aiverson/articles/page1532013285171 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 70501 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/70501.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)