Quick answer: A repair contractor who specializes in structural wood repair fixes termite damage — not a pest control company. In New Orleans, treat first (a licensed pest professional eliminates the colony), then a repair contractor rebuilds the sill plates, joists, subflooring, and framing the termites destroyed.
Termite damage repair is done by a repair contractor who specializes in structural wood repair — not by a pest control company. In New Orleans, fixing Formosan termite damage means two different professionals in sequence: a licensed pest professional to eliminate the colony, then a repair contractor to rebuild the sill plates, joists, subflooring, and framing the termites destroyed. This guide explains who does what, and how to choose the contractor for the repair.
Who repairs termite damage — a pest company or a contractor?
A repair contractor repairs termite damage; a pest control company does not. Pest control treats the colony — that is the pest professional’s job, and it stops the feeding. Pest control does not rebuild hollowed structural wood. Rebuilding a sill plate, sistering a weakened joist, or replacing a subfloor is carpentry and structural work, which is a repair contractor’s job. So a New Orleans homeowner with Formosan damage needs both, in order: the pest professional first, the repair contractor second.
What kind of contractor repairs termite damage?
The contractor who repairs termite damage depends on how deep the damage runs. Cosmetic damage — drywall, trim — is straightforward carpentry. Structural damage to load-bearing members, which is what Formosan termites cause in New Orleans homes, calls for a contractor experienced in structural and foundation repair, because replacing a sill plate means lifting the house on hydraulic jacks and rebuilding to code. For load-bearing damage, a structural engineer assesses the home and specifies the repair before the contractor begins. Matching the contractor to the scope — cosmetic, structural, or foundation-level — is how a New Orleans homeowner gets the repair done once and done right.
What should you do first if you find termite damage?
Do not start repairs first. When you find termite damage in a New Orleans home, take three steps in order. First, have a licensed pest professional confirm and eliminate the colony — repairing wood that still holds live termites only lets them move into the new lumber. Second, get the damage assessed, and have a structural engineer evaluate any load-bearing damage. Third, hire a repair contractor to remove the compromised wood and rebuild. The order matters because paying to repair before the colony is dead means paying to repair twice.
How do you choose a termite damage repair contractor in New Orleans?
Choose a termite damage repair contractor by matching them to the structural scope and confirming the sequence. A few things to look for: that the colony has been treated and confirmed eliminated before repair is scheduled; that load-bearing damage has a structural engineer’s assessment; that the estimate is written and itemized by repair (sill plate, joists, subfloor, framing); and that the contractor works in pressure-treated lumber to code for wood in contact with the foundation. In a Formosan market like New Orleans, where sill-and-joist damage is common, experience with structural repair on raised and pier-foundation homes matters more than general remodeling experience.
Sources
- HomeGuide — Termite Damage Repair Cost (2026) (address the infestation before repairs, or new damage returns; severe damage may require a structural engineer). https://homeguide.com/costs/termite-damage-repair-cost