Four Invasive Insect Species In New Orleans

New Orleans is home to legendary music, great food, and unfortunately, several insects and other pests. While most of the pests that we have to deal with here in New Orleans are a native to the region, there are some that are invasive, meaning they have been introduced to the environment. One common problem with invasive species is that some of them do not have any natural predators in the area, leading to overpopulation that can cause environmental damage. In this article, we’ll talk about four different invasive insect species that can be found in the Greater New Orleans area! 

Red Imported Fire Ants

Red imported fire ants are small creatures with a painful sting. Their bodies have a reddish-brown tint, which makes them easy to spot among plants, lawns, and other greenery. These fire ants make their nests or mounds by digging tunnels into the soil. Not only do fire ants cause painful stings, but they can also be dangerous because they damage wooden structures and infiltrate homes. Red imported fire ants are quite aggressive when their mounds are disturbed, so it’s essential to check your property for signs of their nests in order to protect yourself and your pets.

Formosan Termites

Formosan subterranean termites are believed to have originally come from China and are thought to have arrived in the southern United States in the ‘60s. These termites have a brownish-orange color with ¾” wings. Formosan termites have a “swarming season” (the time of year when the winged reproductive termites are active) that typically spans from April through July in New Orleans. These termites can cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to homes, so if you see any signs around your property that may indicate an infestation, you should contact a pest control professional like our team at Pied Piper Pest Control as soon as possible!

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes

Asian tiger mosquitoes are a type of mosquito that was first brought to the United States in the 1980s. These mosquitoes have small white markings all over their body that can be used to differentiate them from other mosquito species. Asian tiger mosquitos carry a wide range of diseases that can be transmitted to humans through bites, including West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Dengue. These mosquitos can also spread heartworms to dogs. One of the best ways to limit the number of these mosquitoes around your property is to get rid of standing water in bird feeders, gutters, flower pots, and other containers that could hold water.

Tawny Crazy Ants

Tawny crazy ants are a type of ant that originated in South America and arrived in the United States in the early 2000’s. They get the name “crazy ants” because they are known for their quick, erratic movements. While these ants do not sting or bite, they commonly invade homes in large numbers, causing problems for residents throughout the region. If you’ve noticed these types of ants in or around your home, you should contact a pest control company as soon as possible!

Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!

If you’re a resident of the Greater New Orleans area that is experiencing a pest infestation in your home, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Pied Piper Pest Control for a free pest control estimate! We provide a wide range of pest control & extermination services for insects, termites, small mammals, birds, bats, and more to home & business owners throughout the New Orleans area! Contact us today to get a free estimate on a pest control service by calling us at (504) 366-1333 or by filling out the contact form on our website!