Pests to know in Shreveport
Termites in Shreveport
- Formosan subterranean termites first showed up in Louisiana's port cities of Lake Charles and New Orleans and have since spread to 42 of the state's 64 parishes.[3]
- According to LSU AgCenter, Formosan termites build much larger colonies than native subterranean termites, have aggressive soldiers, and feed on a wide range of wood types.[4]
Invasive species reported here
Crape myrtle bark scale, an invasive felt scale insect, has been found in the Shreveport area. Infested trees develop black sooty mold on the bark and white, felt-like scale cases.[7]
Pests local experts flag
Caddo's mosquito program covers more than 900 square miles, the whole parish, using a fleet of eight spray trucks.[2]
Climate
Central Shreveport (ZIP 71101) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[8]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Caddo Parish Mosquito Control sets light traps across the parish to track mosquito numbers and species, then larvicides and adulticides the breeding sites it finds.[1]
- During spraying season, Caddo trucks normally spray from 6:30 to 10 p.m., weather permitting; residents can hear that evening's spray areas by calling 318-212-1207 after 2 p.m.[1]
- Caddo residents can request BTI larvicide granules or rat poison at no charge from Animal Services and Mosquito Control at 318-226-6624.[1]
- Caddo Parish sends mosquito specimens to the LSU veterinary lab for West Nile virus testing, and the parish says the virus continues to be present locally.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
Under Shreveport's property standards ordinance, grass 12 inches or taller is a violation.[6]
Hiring a licensed company
- In Louisiana, treating for termites and other wood-destroying organisms requires a separate Termite Control license from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.[5]
- Louisiana pest control technicians have to pass a state exam within 90 days of being hired, and anyone who hasn't passed within 180 days can't keep working as a registered technician.[5]
Free local help
For crape myrtle bark scale, the LSU AgCenter area forestry agent recommends a single treatment applied between May and July.[7]
Through the year
- Spring to Summer
- Formosan termite swarm season in Louisiana runs from April through June and peaks in early to mid-May, with swarmers flying at dusk on warm, humid evenings.[3]
Sources
- Caddo Parish Animal Services and Mosquito Control, “Mosquito Control.” caddo.gov/asmc/mosquito-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Caddo Parish Animal Services and Mosquito Control, “Mosquito spraying begins in Caddo Parish; state of the art drone technology to be employed.” caddo.gov/mosquito-spraying-begins-in-caddo-parish-state-of-the-art-drone-technology-to-be-employed/ (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)
- 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)
- City of Shreveport, “Frequently Asked Questions: Property Standards.” shreveportla.gov/m/faq?cat=23 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- LSU AgCenter, “Crape Myrtle Bark Scale.” lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/bossier/features/forestry_wildlife/crape-myrtle-bark-scale (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 71101 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/71101.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)