Year-round Average winter low about 48.0°F, so pests stay active (NOAA normals)Formosan termites Swarm at night around lights in late spring (NATS)Fire ants Bait the yard, then treat mounds (USDA APHIS)Roaches German roaches usually need bait and follow-up, not a single spray (UC IPM)Bed bugs They travel in luggage and used furniture (EPA)Rodents Seal entry gaps, trap, then clean up (CDC)Pest companies: rent or own this local guide. Month-to-month, no contract.Year-round Average winter low about 48.0°F, so pests stay active (NOAA normals)Formosan termites Swarm at night around lights in late spring (NATS)Fire ants Bait the yard, then treat mounds (USDA APHIS)Roaches German roaches usually need bait and follow-up, not a single spray (UC IPM)Bed bugs They travel in luggage and used furniture (EPA)Rodents Seal entry gaps, trap, then clean up (CDC)Pest companies: rent or own this local guide. Month-to-month, no contract.

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New Orleans pests, all year

New Orleans, Louisiana (population 362,701, U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 estimate) has short, mild winters, so pests here do not take the long winter break they do up north.

Season	What to watch for in New Orleans
Spring	Subterranean termite swarms; Formosan termite swarms on warm, humid evenings around lights (see the termite calendar below).
Summer	Mosquitoes after rain, fire ant mounds, big outdoor roaches (palmetto bugs) wandering inside.
Fall	Rats and mice look for shelter indoors as nights cool; roaches move toward warm kitchens.
Winter	German roaches and bed bugs keep breeding indoors all year; a good time for termite and rodent exclusion work.

Sources: LSU AgCenter: Formosan termites · UF/IFAS: Formosan subterranean termite · USDA APHIS: imported fire ant · CDC: rodents · Census population estimates

Common pests in New Orleans

Roaches

German roaches in kitchens and apartments; big American roaches (palmetto bugs) from outdoors.

Roach guide →

Bed bugs

Hitchhike in luggage and used furniture. Common in rentals and short-term stays.

Bed bug guide →

Rats & mice

Seal up, trap up, clean up.

Rodent guide →

Termites

Native subterranean and invasive Formosan termites.

Termite guide →

Mosquitoes

A New Orleans regular. See the guide.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons (credits on each pest page).

What treatment usually involves

Inspection. A licensed tech finds where pests hide, feed and get in.
Targeted treatment. Baits and crack-and-crevice products for roaches, traps and exclusion for rodents, soil treatment or bait stations for termites.
Follow-up. Roaches and bed bugs usually need more than one visit to catch the next hatch.
Prevention. Fix leaks, seal gaps, store food tight.

Sources: UC IPM: cockroaches · EPA: bed bugs · CDC: Seal Up! Trap Up! Clean Up!

Landlords & property managers

Under Louisiana Civil Code article 2682, the lessor must deliver the leased property, maintain it in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it was leased, and protect the lessee's peaceful possession. Article 2684 adds that it must be delivered in good condition suitable for that purpose. Prompt treatment at unit turnover is the easiest time to get ahead of roaches and bed bugs, before the next tenant moves in.

Source: Louisiana Civil Code arts. 2682 and 2684. Not legal advice.

Airbnb & short-term rental hosts

Bed bugs travel in luggage, so turnover between guests is when to check mattress seams and headboards. A roach on the counter can sink a review fast.

Source: EPA: protecting your home from bed bugs

Restaurants & food businesses

The FDA Food Code requires food establishments to control pests and keep the premises free of insects and rodents. Commercial pest control usually means scheduled service and written records.

Source: FDA Food Code 2022, §6-501.111

Call now More for landlords, hosts & restaurants →

Why pests thrive in New Orleans

NOAA's official 1991–2020 climate normals for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport show about 63.35 inches of precipitation a year and an average annual temperature of 70.5°F. Winters are mild: the average winter (December–February) low is about 48.0°F, and the average summer high is about 90.9°F. That 63.35-inch figure is up from 62.45 inches under the previous 1981–2010 normals, according to the National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge office.

Warm, wet weather is exactly what many household pests need. UF/IFAS calls water the most important factor in cockroach survival. Subterranean termites need moisture from soil or wet wood. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Rats and mice move toward food and shelter when storms flood their outdoor spots.

Because the cold months are short and mild, many pests in New Orleans slow down in winter instead of dying off the way they do farther north. That makes pest control here a year-round job, not just a summer one.

Sources: NOAA NCEI: U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 · UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management

Sources: NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge: new 1991–2020 normals

New Orleans pest calendar

Pests are active all year in New Orleans, but some are worse at certain times. Here is a rough guide based on the sources below.

Late winter and spring (February–May)

Native subterranean termites usually swarm in daylight in late winter and spring. Winged termites or piles of shed wings inside near windows and doors are worth a call. Ants start building new mounds as the soil warms up.

Formosan termite season

In Louisiana, Formosan swarms run from April into June, with the peak around Mother's Day. Formosan swarmers fly at night and are attracted to lights, so you may see clouds of them around porch lights and streetlights.

Summer (June–September)

Heat, humidity and afternoon storms bring out palmetto bugs, mosquitoes and fire ants. Big roaches often show up after heavy rain floods sewers, mulch beds and tree holes. Get rid of standing water every week to cut down on mosquitoes.

Fall and winter (October–January)

Cooler nights push rats and mice toward attics, garages and wall voids. German cockroaches and bed bugs live indoors, so they do not care what season it is.

Sources: North American Termite Survey: swarm seasons · CDC: Mosquitoes · CDC: Rodents

Roach types you'll see in New Orleans

Not every roach means the same thing. Telling them apart helps you know whether you are dealing with a stray from outside or a problem breeding in your kitchen.

American cockroach (palmetto bug)

A large, reddish-brown roach. UF/IFAS shows the adult at about 1½ inches long. Along with other large species it is often called a palmetto bug. It prefers damp, warm places like sewers, garages, storerooms and crawl spaces, and comes indoors from those breeding sites.

Smokybrown cockroach

A uniformly dark, shiny mahogany-to-black roach, about 1 to 1¼ inches long according to UF/IFAS. Both sexes have full wings, fly well and are attracted to light. Texas A&M notes they need high humidity, so they live in tree holes, mulch, woodpiles and attics, and often get in through lit doors and windows at night.

German cockroach

A small roach. UF/IFAS says adults of the smaller species are seldom more than ⅝ inch long. German cockroaches live indoors, close to food and water, usually in kitchens and bathrooms. Small, light-brown roaches in a kitchen, especially during the day, are the ones most likely to be breeding inside your home, apartment or restaurant.

What this means for you

UF/IFAS notes that outdoor roaches do not survive well indoors, and often just removing the ones that get in is enough. Small roaches multiplying in your kitchen are a different problem. They usually need baits, crack-and-crevice treatment and follow-up visits. See our roach guide for photos, and our roach treatment guide for how pros choose and use products like bifenthrin.

Sources: UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management · UF/IFAS: Smokybrown cockroach · Texas A&M: Smoky brown cockroach

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Where we cover: New Orleans neighborhoods and nearby towns

This guide is written for homes, rentals and businesses across New Orleans, Orleans Parish and the metro area. That includes New Orleans neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater, Tremé, the Garden District, the Irish Channel, Uptown, Mid-City, Gentilly, Lakeview, Algiers and New Orleans East.

It also covers nearby communities such as Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge, Chalmette, Arabi, Gretna, Marrero, Westwego and Slidell. Older homes with wood floors and crawl spaces, newer slab homes with mulch beds against the foundation, apartments with shared walls, and restaurants all have different pest risks, so tell the pro what kind of building you have when you call.

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Free local help: the LSU AgCenter, Orleans Parish office

Extension offices are a free, research-based source for identifying insects and learning how to manage them. The LSU AgCenter, Orleans Parish office is at 1300 Perdido Street, City Hall Room BW15, New Orleans, LA 70112.

If you are not sure what bug you have, a clear photo or a sample in a sealed bag can help Extension staff or a licensed pro identify it. Identification comes first, because German roaches, palmetto bugs, Formosan termites and native termites are each handled differently.

Sources: LSU AgCenter: Orleans Parish

Is pest control licensed in Louisiana?

Yes. In Louisiana, structural pest control is licensed through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, overseen by the Structural Pest Control Commission. LDAF publishes lists of permitted places of business and licensed professionals.

Before work starts, ask the company for its license number and the name of its certified applicator, then check it against the state's records. A licensed company should also be able to tell you exactly which products it will use.

Sources: LDAF: Structural pest control licensing · LDAF: Licensed and certified professionals

DIY or call a pro?

Where DIY can work

A single large roach that got in from outside: remove it and seal the gap where it came in.
Fixing leaks, emptying the drip pan under the fridge, and storing food in sealed containers. UF/IFAS lists these as key steps.
Emptying containers that hold water every week to cut down on mosquitoes.
Clearing clutter and sealing openings so rodents have fewer places to hide and get in.

When to call a licensed pro

Small roaches in the kitchen or bathroom, or roaches you see in daylight.
Any sign of bed bugs. The EPA says bed bugs are hard to eliminate, and many infestations need a professional.
Termite swarmers or shed wings indoors, mud tubes on walls, slabs or piers, or soft and damaged wood.
Rodent droppings, gnaw marks or noises in walls or the attic.
Rentals, short-term rentals and restaurants, where one problem can affect tenants, guests or inspections.

The EPA recommends integrated pest management (IPM): inspect, identify the pest, prevent it, and use pesticides carefully as one part of a larger plan. Always follow the label. The label is the law for pesticide use.

Sources: UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management · EPA: Do-it-yourself bed bug control · EPA: Introduction to IPM

What a pest visit usually looks like

1. Inspection

A tech looks at kitchens, bathrooms, under sinks, behind appliances, attics, crawl spaces and the outside of the building for signs of pests, moisture and ways in.

2. Identification

The right treatment depends on the species, so a good tech names the pest before treating.

3. Treatment

Depending on the pest, this can mean roach baits and crack-and-crevice products, traps and sealing for rodents, liquid soil treatment or bait stations for termites, or a mix of methods for bed bugs.

4. Follow-up

Roaches and bed bugs often need repeat visits to catch eggs that hatch after the first treatment. Termite protection is usually set up as an ongoing plan with regular inspections.

5. Cost

We do not list prices we cannot source. Costs vary by pest, square footage and plan. UF/IFAS suggests getting estimates from several reputable firms. Call and ask for a written quote and the company's Louisiana license details.

Sources: UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management · EPA: Introduction to IPM · LDAF: Structural pest control licensing

New Orleans prevention checklist

Fix dripping faucets and leaking pipes under sinks.
Empty and clean the refrigerator drip pan, and check AC condensate lines.
Don't leave water standing in sinks overnight.
Store food, pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
Take out kitchen trash every night. Keep outdoor bins closed and away from doors.
Seal gaps around pipes, cables, doors and windows.
Keep mulch and wet leaves a few inches back from the foundation.
Stack firewood off the ground and away from the house.
Trim tree branches and vines back from the roof so roaches and rats cannot climb in.
Once a week, empty, scrub, turn over or throw out anything that holds water, like buckets, tires, plant saucers and toys.
During Formosan swarm season, turn off unneeded outdoor lights in the evening and close the blinds.
Check secondhand furniture and luggage for bed bugs before bringing them inside.

Sources: UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management · CDC: Mosquitoes · North American Termite Survey: swarm seasons · EPA: Bed bugs · CDC: Rodents

Renters & landlords in New Orleans

For renters

Write down what you see: photos, dates, which rooms. Report pests to your landlord or property manager in writing so there is a record. Do not spray bug bombs or outdoor-only products inside an apartment. They can spread pests to neighboring units and are not made for indoor use. Read your lease to see what it says about pest control.

What Louisiana law says

Source: Louisiana Civil Code arts. 2682 and 2684. This guide is not legal advice.

For landlords and property managers

German roaches and bed bugs can spread between units that share walls, plumbing and attics, so one complaint is worth a fast inspection. Unit turnover is the easiest time to inspect and treat before a new tenant moves in. Keep records of inspections and treatments.

Sources: EPA: Bed bugs · UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management

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Airbnb & short-term rental hosts

Guests bring luggage, and the EPA notes that bed bugs travel in luggage, clothing and furniture. A short check during each turnover can catch problems early.

Turnover checklist

Check mattress seams, box springs and headboards for live bugs, shed skins, or small rusty or dark spots.
Wash and dry linens on high heat.
Look under the sink and behind the fridge for roach droppings or egg cases.
Leave no food out between guests.
Empty trash and recycling before you leave.
Check outdoor containers for standing water after it rains.

If a guest reports bugs

Ask for a photo, keep the unit empty if you can, and call a licensed pro to identify the pest before the next booking. Do not use foggers. The EPA cautions against relying on them for bed bugs.

Sources: EPA: Bed bugs · EPA: Do-it-yourself bed bug control

Restaurants & food businesses

The FDA Food Code, which many health departments base their rules on, requires food establishments to control pests and keep the premises free of insects and rodents (§6-501.111). German cockroaches are especially common in commercial kitchens because they live close to food, water and warmth.

Daily habits that help

Clean under and behind equipment, not just the surfaces people can see.
Fix leaking prep sinks, dish machines and ice machine drains.
Store dry goods sealed and off the floor.
Keep dumpster lids closed and the dumpster area clean.
Keep back doors closed, and seal gaps around pipes and doors.
Check deliveries for roaches before they go into storage.

Work with a licensed pro

Ask for scheduled service, written service reports and pest sighting logs you can show an inspector.

Sources: FDA Food Code 2022 · UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management · CDC: Rodents

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Termites: New Orleans's biggest risk to buildings

Formosan termites are the headline pest in New Orleans. The LSU AgCenter calls the Formosan subterranean termite the most destructive structural pest in Louisiana. It was first reported in the port cities of Lake Charles and New Orleans and has spread to 42 of the state's 64 parishes. The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board estimates these termites have caused about $300 million in local damage. Swarm season runs from April into June, sometimes into July, with the peak around Mother's Day, on warm, humid, windless evenings when swarmers fly to lights.

Signs to look for

Swarms at night around lights (Formosan), or daytime swarms in late winter and spring (native termites).
Dead swarmers or shed wings on windowsills, in spider webs or inside porch light covers.
Mud tubes on foundations, slabs, piers or walls.
Wood that sounds hollow or crumbles.

See our termite guide for more.

Sources: LSU AgCenter: Preparing for the termite swarms · City of New Orleans: Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board, termite control · NOLA.com: Formosan termite swarm season (Board staff quoted) · North American Termite Survey: swarm seasons

Other New Orleans pests

Fire ants

Fire ants are common in New Orleans lawns, parks and neutral grounds. The USDA keeps a federal imported fire ant quarantine on moving soil, sod and nursery stock out of infested areas.

Mosquitoes

New Orleans has its own city agency for this: the Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board handles mosquito, termite and rodent work on city property and does public outreach. At home, follow the CDC rule and dump standing water every week.

Rats and mice

The CDC's advice is seal up, trap up and clean up: close openings, trap rodents, and clean up droppings safely. See our rodent guide.

Bed bugs

The EPA says bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but they are hard to get rid of. See our bed bug guide.

Sources: USDA APHIS: imported fire ant · City of New Orleans: Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board · CDC: Mosquitoes · CDC: Rodents · EPA: Bed bugs

New Orleans pest control FAQs

Are palmetto bugs the same as cockroaches?

Yes. UF/IFAS says the larger cockroaches, including the American and smokybrown, are often called palmetto bugs. They usually live outdoors and come inside when they wander in or are carried in.

Is one big roach a sign of an infestation?

Not always. UF/IFAS notes that outdoor cockroaches do not survive well indoors and that people often overreact to them. Small roaches in the kitchen or bathroom, seen in daylight or in numbers, are more likely to be German cockroaches breeding inside. That is the time to call a pro.

When do termites swarm in New Orleans?

In Louisiana, Formosan swarms run from April into June, with the peak around Mother's Day. They swarm at night and are drawn to lights. Native subterranean termites usually swarm in daylight earlier in the spring.

Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?

The EPA says do-it-yourself control is possible in some cases, but bed bugs are hard to eliminate and the EPA recommends a pest management professional for many infestations. Do not use outdoor-only pesticides indoors.

How much does pest control cost in New Orleans?

Prices depend on the pest, the size of the property and the plan, so we do not publish numbers we cannot back up. UF/IFAS advises getting estimates from several reputable firms. Call and ask for a written quote.

Is pest control licensed in Louisiana?

Yes. Commercial pest control in Louisiana is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), Structural Pest Control Commission. Ask any company for its license number before work starts.

Who pays for pest control in a rental?

It depends on Louisiana law, the lease, and what caused the problem. See our landlord section and its source (Louisiana Civil Code arts. 2682 and 2684), and read your lease. This guide is not legal advice.

Where can I get free help identifying a bug in New Orleans?

The LSU AgCenter, Orleans Parish office offers research-based help, and a licensed pro can identify pests during an inspection.

Sources: UF/IFAS: Cockroaches and Their Management · North American Termite Survey: swarm seasons · EPA: Do-it-yourself bed bug control · LDAF: Structural pest control licensing · LSU AgCenter: Orleans Parish

Pest guides

From the blog

All posts →

Meet The Enemy!

Common pests around New Orleans, LA, with sourced facts. Bars are a relative visual guide, not measurements. Amazon links are affiliate links (we may earn from qualifying purchases); for an active infestation, call first.

American cockroach (palmetto bug)

SizeAbout 4 cm (1.6 in) long

Life cycleUp to about 700 days

Growing upNymphs take 6–12 months to mature

Cold limitAdults could not survive several days at 10°C (50°F) or below

Where found: Sewers, basements, crawl spaces, porch cracks, foundations and walkways next to buildings.

The largest cockroach routinely found in homes, often called a palmetto bug or waterbug. It is common in warm climates, and studies found adults could not survive several days at 10°C (50°F) or below, which is why mild southern winters suit it.

What it means for your home: Big roaches inside usually came in from outdoor harborage; seal foundation and porch gaps and call a pro if you see them often.

📞 Squash this bug!Roach bait stations on Amazon

Sources: Wikipedia

Photo: Termiteman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.

Smokybrown cockroach

Size32–35 mm long

Water lossLoses moisture about twice as fast as the American roach

WarmthActive when temperatures are above about 20°C (68°F)

Egg case11–14 mm; a female can produce 10 or more

Where found: Tree holes, mulch, woodpiles, gutters and attics; flies toward lit doors and windows at night.

A uniformly dark, shiny mahogany-to-black roach with full wings in both sexes. It dries out easily, so it lives where humidity is high, which is why it is one of the most common "palmetto bugs" in humid Southern neighborhoods.

What it means for your home: Trim branches off the roof, clean gutters and keep mulch back from the slab; frequent indoor sightings deserve a perimeter treatment by a pro.

📞 Squash this bug!Roach bait stations on Amazon

Sources: Wikipedia · UF/IFAS

Photo: Len Worthington, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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Photos via Depositphotos: bed bug (Cimex hemipterus) macro: smuayc · termite damage wood in house: weerapat · mosquito on plant: zhangyuangeng · kitchen interior: iriana88w.