When it comes to termite infestations, misinformation can be just as dangerous as the pests themselves. As one of the most trusted termite companies in Baton Rouge, we’ve heard it all, from “termites only eat old wood” to “I’d definitely see them if I had them.” The truth is that termites are silent, persistent, and costly, and believing these myths could delay critical treatment.
Arceneaux Pest Management Service doesn’t just deal with pests; we also educate home and business owners so they know how to protect their properties. By identifying the signs of termites early, you can prevent thousands of dollars (or more!) in damage. Let’s bust some of the most common termite myths and set the record straight with real, science-based facts from the experts!
Myth #1: Termites Only Infest Old or Damaged Homes
Fact: Termites don’t care if your home is brand new or a century old. They’re drawn to wood, moisture, and access to the soil, not the age of your house. Even new construction in Baton Rouge is at risk, especially if preventative treatments weren’t applied during the building phase. Bottom line: Every home should be inspected regularly, no matter its age.
Myth #2: If I Had Termites, I’d See Them
Fact: Most termite species work silently and out of sight. Subterranean termites, the most common in Louisiana, travel through mud tubes under your foundation or inside walls. You’re unlikely to spot live termites unless an infestation is severe or during swarming season when winged termites emerge to reproduce. What you’ll want to watch for instead are mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or discarded wings.
Myth #3: DIY Termite Treatments Work Just as Well as Professionals
Fact: Store-bought treatments only address the surface of the problem. While some DIY solutions might kill visible termites, they often fail to eliminate the colony. Professional termite exterminators like Arceneaux use targeted products and techniques, such as liquid termiticides and bait systems, that reach deep into the soil and stop termites at the source.
Myth #4: Termites Are Only Active During Spring
Fact: Termites are active year-round in Baton Rouge. While spring is common for termite swarms, colonies continue feeding and expanding all year long, especially in our warm, humid climate. Waiting for spring before acting could give termites several more months to damage your property.
Myth #5: Termite Damage Is Covered by Home Insurance
Fact: Most home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage. That’s because termite damage is considered preventable with regular inspections and maintenance. Unfortunately, many homeowners only discover this after thousands of dollars in structural repairs. The good news is that scheduled annual inspections can help you save both money and stress by identifying problems early on.
Myth #6: Termites Only Eat Wood
Fact: Wood is their favorite, but it’s not their only target. Termites also chew through paper and cardboard, drywall and insulation, baseboards, flooring, and even furniture. They’ll exploit any material that contains cellulose, and they often go undetected while doing it.
Myth #7: Once Treated, My Home Is Termite-Proof Forever
Fact: We wish this were true, but no treatment lasts forever without proper maintenance. Depending on the type of treatment, termite protection can last several years. To maintain long-term protection, regular monitoring and follow-up inspections are key. Arceneaux offers ongoing monitoring plans to ensure your home stays protected year after year.
Protect Your Home with Trusted Termite Experts in Baton Rouge
Don’t let myths put your home at risk. The best way to prevent costly termite damage is to stay informed and act early. At Arceneaux Pest Management Service, we specialize in termite inspections, customized treatment plans, and long-term prevention—all backed by decades of experience serving homeowners in our region. To learn more about why we remain one of the most trusted termite companies in Baton Rouge, contact us today at 225-791-9911.