Louisiana Termite Laws for New Construction (And What Alvarez Construction Includes)
Quick Answer (TL;DR): Louisiana law requires all new homes to receive pre-construction termite treatment using approved termiticides, a licensed pest control operator, and a minimum 5-year warranty with at least $25,000 in damage repair coverage. This protects homes from destructive termites, especially Formosan termites, which cause over $500 million in property damage annually across Louisiana.
Why Is Termite Treatment Required for New Construction in Louisiana?
Termite treatment is required because Louisiana has one of the highest termite damage rates in the United States, especially from Formosan subterranean termites.
Louisiana’s climate creates ideal conditions for termite infestations due to:
- High humidity levels
- Warm temperatures year-round
- Frequent rainfall
- Abundant wood-frame construction
Formosan termites alone cause:
- Over $300 million in damage annually in New Orleans
- Over $500 million in damage statewide
- Structural failures, home condemnations, and costly repairs
Formosan colonies can reach 10 million termites, compared to 1 million in native species, and can consume structural wood rapidly.
Key Takeaway: Louisiana’s termite laws exist because termite damage is extremely common, expensive, and structurally dangerous.
What Does Louisiana Law Require Builders to Provide for Termite Protection?
Under Louisiana Administrative Code Title 7, Part XXV, builders must provide termite protection before completing new construction.
1. Pre-Construction Soil Treatment (Required Before Foundation Pour)
Builders must treat the soil before pouring the concrete slab or installing foundation supports.
This treatment creates a chemical barrier that prevents termites from entering through the foundation.
Treatment requirements include:
- Application before slab installation
- Treatment using EPA-approved termiticides
- Treatment performed by a Louisiana-licensed pest control operator
- Treatment notification filed with Louisiana Department of Agriculture
- Coverage of all soil areas beneath the home
This barrier protects the home from subterranean termite entry. Builders apply soil-applied chemical barriers using EPA-approved termiticides, which the EPA termite soil barrier treatment guidance identifies as the most common and effective prevention method.
2. Mandatory 5-Year Termite Damage Repair Warranty
Louisiana requires termite treatment contracts to include at least $25,000 in damage repair coverage for five years.
This warranty ensures:
- Repair of termite damage during the warranty period
- Coverage transferable to homeowners
- Protection against structural repair costs
This warranty is critical because homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover termite damage.
3. Required Termite Treatment Documentation
Builders must provide official documentation confirming termite protection.
Required documents include:
- Termite treatment contract
- Proof of treatment filing with Louisiana Department of Agriculture
- Pest control license information
- Treatment diagram showing protected areas
- Warranty certificate
These documents confirm legal compliance and protect the homeowner.
Termite treatment contracts must be in an approved standard written contract regulated by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Why Are Formosan Termites So Dangerous in Louisiana?
Formosan termites are the most destructive termite species in North America and are widespread in Louisiana.
Formosan termites differ from native species in several important ways:
| Feature | Formosan Termites | Native Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Colony size | Up to 10 million | Up to 1 million |
| Damage speed | Extremely fast | Slower |
| Aggressiveness | Highly aggressive | Moderate |
| Nest locations | Soil and above ground | Primarily soil |
| Structural damage risk | Severe | Moderate |
Formosan termites can:
- Consume structural wood rapidly
- Build nests inside walls
- Enter through foundation cracks
- Survive year-round
They are especially common south of Interstate 10 and Interstate 12 but are spreading throughout Louisiana.
What Termite Protection Does Alvarez Construction Provide?
Alvarez Construction meets and exceeds Louisiana termite protection requirements to protect homeowners.
State-Required Pre-Construction Treatment
Every Alvarez home includes:
- EPA-approved termiticide application
- Treatment by licensed Louisiana pest control operators
- Proper soil preparation before foundation installation
- Full foundation coverage
This ensures compliance with Louisiana law and protects the home from termite entry.
5-Year $25,000 Damage Repair Warranty
Alvarez Construction provides termite warranties that include:
- Minimum $25,000 structural repair coverage
- Protection against termite damage
- Warranty documentation provided at closing
This protects homeowners from costly structural damage.
Full Legal Documentation and Records
Homeowners receive:
- Termite treatment contracts
- Official treatment diagrams
- Warranty certificates
- Louisiana Department of Agriculture compliance documentation
These documents protect homeowners legally and financially.
Professional Pest Control and Monitoring
Licensed pest control companies provide:
- Initial treatment
- Inspection coverage
- Professional application standards
This ensures termite protection is properly installed and maintained.
What Should Homeowners Do After the Initial Termite Warranty Period?
Homeowners must renew termite protection annually to maintain coverage.
Annual termite contract renewal typically includes:
- Termite inspections
- Continued warranty coverage
- Treatment maintenance
Typical renewal costs range from $400 to $600 per year, which is significantly less than termite damage repairs that can exceed $3,000 to $50,000.
How Can Homeowners Help Prevent Termite Infestations?
Homeowners should take preventive measures to reduce termite risk.
Recommended prevention steps include:
Inside the home
- Fix plumbing leaks immediately
- Reduce humidity
- Ensure proper ventilation
Outside the home
- Keep wood away from foundation
- Maintain proper drainage
- Keep mulch away from foundation
- Store firewood away from home
These steps help maintain termite protection effectiveness.
How Termite Protection Improves Home Value and Safety
Proper termite protection provides important benefits.
Structural protection
Termite treatment protects structural integrity and prevents costly repairs.
Mortgage approval requirements
Most lenders require termite protection documentation for new construction homes.
Resale value protection
Termite protection provides reassurance to future buyers and increases resale value.
FAQ: Louisiana Termite Laws and New Construction
Is termite treatment required for new construction in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana law requires termite treatment before foundation installation, performed by licensed pest control operators.
Does termite warranty coverage last forever?
No. Initial termite damage repair coverage lasts five years, but homeowners should renew annually for continued protection.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?
No. Termite damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance, making termite treatment warranties essential.
Are Formosan termites common in Baton Rouge?
Yes. Formosan termites are widespread throughout Baton Rouge and Louisiana.
Can homeowners choose their own termite company after closing?
Yes. After closing, homeowners can choose any licensed pest control provider for annual termite contract renewals.
Why Alvarez Construction Takes Termite Protection Seriously
As a family-owned Louisiana builder with 30+ years of experience, we've seen the devastation Formosan termites can cause. We've watched other builders cut corners, only to leave homeowners facing structural damage, financial hardship, and unsafe living conditions.
That's not how we do business.
Every Alvarez home receives comprehensive termite protection because:
- It's the right thing to do – Our family name is on every home we build
- It's required by Louisiana law – We follow all state regulations to the letter
- It protects your investment – Your home is likely your largest purchase; we protect it
- It provides peace of mind – You deserve to sleep well knowing your home is protected
When you choose an Alvarez Construction home, you're getting more than quality construction—you're getting Louisiana-specific protection against our state's most destructive pest.
Conclusion: Termite Protection Is Essential for Louisiana Homeowners
Termite protection is legally required for new construction in Louisiana because termites cause severe structural damage throughout the state. Builders must provide pre-construction termite treatment, licensed pest control application, and a minimum five-year warranty to protect homeowners.
Formosan termites are especially destructive and widespread, making proper treatment essential for long-term home safety.
Alvarez Construction follows Louisiana termite laws and provides professional termite protection, proper documentation, and warranty coverage to protect homeowners from termite damage.
Proper termite protection helps ensure your home remains safe, durable, and protected for decades.
Explore Protected New Homes in Louisiana's Top Communities
Ready to find a new home built with comprehensive termite protection and Louisiana expertise?
Browse Alvarez communities across the Baton Rouge area:
- Zachary communities – Cheval Trails, Afton Oaks Townhomes
- Denham Springs communities – Juban Gardens, South Creek
- St. George communities – Garden Hill, Oak Colony, Woodstock Park
- Baton Rouge communities – Turnstone Landing, Silverside Cove, Dawson Bluff
- Central communities – The Settlement on Shoe Creek, Village at Magnolia Square
- Madisonville communities – Bedico Creek, Live Oak Landing
- Gonzales communities – Belle Maison
Each community offers move-in ready homes and customizable floor plans with complete termite protection.
Start Your Journey to a Protected Louisiana Home
Have questions about termite protection or want to learn more about building with Alvarez Construction?
Contact us today:
- Call: (225) 240-4662
- Visit: Contact Alvarez Construction
- Learn more: Alvarez Construction Process
- Read our warranty: Warranty Information
At Alvarez Construction, we build homes designed to withstand Louisiana's unique challenges—from termites to hurricanes, from clay soil to intense humidity. Let us show you why 30+ years of Louisiana building experience makes all the difference.
Your dream home awaits—protected, quality-built, and ready for Louisiana living.
