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Protect Your Home or Business From Winter Pests

Posted on October 27, 2022 by - Nuisance Animals

winter pests

Winter pests can invade your home or business even when it’s cold outside. It’s that time of the year again. Yep, winter. And with cooler weather arriving, populations of pests that are normally active in the spring and summer tend to decrease. But don’t be fooled. These pests haven’t disappeared. They only have relocated temporarily. Most likely they relocated to your home or business to ride out the winter weather. Oddly, winter is when most home and business owners believe they no longer need pest control services only to be surprised later when they discover a rodent or other pest has entered.

Rodents, spiders, cockroaches, ants and numerous other pests will make it their goal to find shelter inside your home or business this winter. Learn more about safe rodent control from the CDC here. Don’t let them catch you off guard. Take a moment to review our 8-point winter checklist.

  1. Foundation: Mice can enter your home or business through a dime-size opening. Sealing and securing any small openings can help prevent mice from getting in. They’re small and nimble.
  2. Roof: Replace or repair missing shingles and roof damage to prevent rats, mice and other pests from gaining access to your home or business.
  3. Vegetation: Trim back bushes or branches that are close to your home. Rats and mice can easily scale these to gain access to your attic.
  4. Screens: Repair holes or tears in window, door, and porch screens to eliminate easy entry points for smaller pests.
  5. Vents: Check vent covers, ensuring they are intact to prevent any pest entry.
  6. Outside: Eliminate any trash or yard debris, including wood piles that can provide shelter and hiding places for pests.
  7. Gutters: Remove any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  8. Garage: A properly sealed garage will keep rodents, insects, and spiders outside.

If after reviewing our 8-point checklist, you discover areas of your home or business needing repair, or more specifically, areas showing definite pest activity, The Bug Man can help. We offer preventative treatments and a thorough inspection of your home or business that will address seasonal pests and reduce the likelihood of pests entering, especially those that are active during the winter. Call The Bug Man today to set up a free consultation. 

How To Clean Your Kitchen And Prevent Pests All Year Long

Posted on August 5, 2022 by - Pest Control General

Kitchen Pest Prevention – clean kitchen to avoid pests

Kitchen pest prevention starts with keeping your cooking and food prep areas clean. Whether at home or in a commercial kitchen, flies, cockroaches, and rodents can sneak in through doors, cracks, and other openings. These pests can contaminate food, spread disease, and cause damage, making kitchen pest prevention essential all year long.

To help avoid pests from making their way into your home or business and causing problems, here are a few tips and tricks.

  1. It’s essential to maintain a clean kitchen

A clean kitchen isn’t just a pleasant environment; it will also help prevent the spread of bacteria and other unwanted contaminants. Always remember to disinfect countertops with a strong disinfectant cleaner. It’s a no-brainer, but remove food scraps that can attract pests. When using the cleanser, make sure to get all crevices and corners and spend an extra amount of time on food preparation surfaces. All in all, pretty simple. 

  1. Think of yourself as a pest management professional in the kitchen.

It may seem overkill, but having a calendar of when things are cleaned and disinfected is a great routine. That way, you know what was cleaned when and by whom. Grease can easily add up if not addressed, bringing those unwanted problems to the table. While doing this, keep an eye out for any sort of leaks in either the sink or any other appliance.  

  1. Sweep, sweep, sweep

Whether at home or running a restaurant, if you’re cooking food, it’s important to sweep daily to get those delicious crumbs off the floor. Make sure you clean under and behind your appliances and keep food storage areas free of clutter so you can spot an infestation. 

  1. Know the importance of a clean kitchen

It’s easy to want to keep dishes in the sink. Don’t! Dirty dishes are perhaps the primary food sources for pests. Wash them immediately or store them in the dishwasher. 

If you keep dishes in the sink, the pest at first may be a nuisance. However, eventually, it will completely overrun your kitchen. Save yourself the hassle and wipe your counters and keep your dishes washed.

  1. Hot days and months are especially troublesome

Food scraps can build up if you cook a lot or run a restaurant. If you have an unsealed trashcan, there’s a good chance pests have just found the perfect place for breeding.

Always keep your trashcan sealed and have it emptied regularly. If something spills, clean it up quickly because even the smallest amount can attract pests. 

  1. Call The Bug Man

Working with a quality pest control company with many years of experience combating pests is especially important. 

Recently, The Bug Man worked with a commercial kitchen for some training on drain cleanouts. They were being trained in bioremediation. Essentially, it’s the use of naturally occurring or deliberately introduced microorganisms or other forms of life to consume and break down environmental pollutants to clean up a polluted site. 

If you stay on top of these tips, you can keep your kitchen pest-free. However, if your pests have already made their way into your kitchen, contact The Bug Man. We’ll get them before they get you. 

 

Pantry Moth Purge

Posted on July 13, 2022 by - Pest Control General

Pantry Moth infestation in kitchen pantry

While spring cleaning is often the norm, we think one great big summer clean out of your pantry is even better because that’s when pantry moths are most likely to reproduce  (and your kids are home to help)! You may be asking yourself What’s a pantry moth? And how would I know if I have them? We’re here to tackle those questions and more.

What are pantry moths?

With gray, tan and brown features, pantry moths are a common species of meal moth that feeds primarily on dried foods, like rice, flour, pasta, cereal, spices, nuts and more. As their name suggests, you’ll always find them near food – in pantries, kitchens, grocery stores and even food processing plants.

How can I tell if I have pantry moths?

Oftentimes, you’ll spot the adults flying around your kitchen – but they aren’t the ones you need to be worried about. It’s the larvae that are hatched in your dried goods (females can lay 400 eggs at a time), producing the moths which will eat through your supply and leave excrement and silk webs in their tracks. While the moths themselves may not bite or sting humans, they can easily spoil the food you’ve worked hard to provide.

How did they get in?

Believe it or not, the most common way for pantry moths to get a foot (or wing) in your door is through the dried goods that you bought at the grocery store. Factories and processing plants often house them without even knowing it. But this shouldn’t stop you from purchasing these items – see the section below for how you can minimize the risk of bringing them into your home.

How do I get rid of moths in my pantry?

If you suspect that pantry moths may be in your presence, it’s important to act as quickly as possible because they can spread very rapidly. Follow these steps:

  1. Clean out your pantry and throw away any sort of containers where you suspect moths, whether you spot holes in packaging, webs in your food or caterpillars themselves eating away at your dried goods. Be sure that you take the garbage outside.
  2. Vacuum up your pantry, kitchen and in the general vicinity of your infestation. Then wipe down the entire area -walls, shelves, door hinges, baseboards and floors – with warm water and soap (and vinegar if you have it).
  3. Put any food deemed safe in airtight containers -plastic, metal or glass- to avoid an opening for moths to slip in.

How do I prevent pantry moths from invading my kitchen?

Save yourself from the stress of having to manage an infestation, by taking these precautionary steps:

  1. When purchasing dried goods at the grocery store, always check the packaging for any signs of holes or tears before placing it in your shopping cart. The USDA provides guidance on identifying moths in packaged foods. And then when you get home, you can be extra safe by placing your goods in the freezer for a few days before putting them away.
  2. Start using as many airtight containers as possible to store your dry goods.
  3. Store pet food and bird seed away from your food.
  4. Use peppermint as a natural deterrent -pantry moths aren’t a fan of the smell. 

If you believe pantry moths have made themselves at home in your pantry, you can always give The Bug Man a call at 923-BUGS. Our professionals know exactly how to rid your kitchen of these pests for good. Get in touch now!

Dissecting What A Wood Destroying Insect Report Is

Posted on June 2, 2022 by - Termites

Wood Destroying Insect Report inspection

Although the housing market has shown small signs of slowing, many are still taking advantage of low mortgage rates to purchase a new home. While it may feel like a whirlwind, especially with the very-likely case of multiple offers, above-listing pricetags and split-second decisions, you may feel inclined to skip a couple of steps along the way. One you should never overlook is a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR). While not all types of loans require a WDIR to be completed, it is absolutely always in your best interest to do one. The last thing you want is to find your perfect home, move in and then realize you have a huge infestation on your hands. Let’s break down what a Wood Destroying Insect Report is and why it’s important to get one.

 

What is a Wood Destroying Insect Report?

A Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) is put together by a professional, registered pest control company after they perform an official inspection. The goal of the inspection is to search for any present or previous signs of wood destroying insects, such as termites, so that the buyer can be aware of any damage, repairs or treatments that may need to be incurred before making an offer (and to see if it’s worth the time and money to move forward with the purchase). 

 

What are inspectors looking for?

The inspector will thoroughly inspect all accessible structures of the home, including outdoor decks, railings and porches, for traces of any wood boring insects themselves or for any signs that the structure has or once had damage caused by them. The inspector will diligently search every area that can be seen without removing or altering any structures of the home.

 

Does the report only cover termites?

While the WDIR does cover termites, which is the most threatening type of wood destroying insect (USDA research on termite wood preferences), it also covers others, like powder post beetles, old house borers, carpenter bees and carpenter ants as well as white and brown fungi. Anything that could cause structural damage to your home is worth identifying early on!

 

With termites causing $5 million in damage to homes every year, you can’t afford to not take every possible precaution to protect your future house. The Bug Man’s trained professionals will ensure you can move in with peace of mind – In addition to WDIRs, we also offer infrared camera inspections to detect what’s beyond the naked eye, through walls and under carpets, without having to disrupt the integrity of the home. Need a Wood Destroying Insect Report you can trust? Contact us today!

Roach Roster: The Difference Between American, German & Smoky Brown Roaches

Posted on April 29, 2022 by - Roaches

Roach Roster: The Difference Between American, German & Smoky Brown Roaches

We’ve all been there – you walk into your kitchen to grab a late-night snack and right as you reach for the oreos, you see a gigantic roach dart across your floor. How are you going to track it, kill it and stop others from following in its footsteps? A great starting place is identifying which type of cockroach it is. Did you know that there are actually thousands of species of them? We’re going to break down the top three that we typically come across in Louisiana to help you decipher your unwelcomed visitors.

If you’re seeing roaches in your home or business, it’s time to take action. Learn more about our Residential Pest Control and Commercial Pest Control services to keep your property pest-free.

American Cockoach

Sometimes known as the palmetto or water bug, American cockroaches are the biggest commonly-found species – often living outdoors, but making their way in for sustenance.

Identifying features:

  • Reddish brown in color with a yellow stripe behind the head
  • About 32-54 mm in length
  • Will fly sometimes
  • Will gather together in open spaces

Where are they found and what are they looking for?

  • American cockroaches are often found outside in warm, moist areas like flowerbeds and near trees, but they will go inside in search of food or water or in response to a climate change
  • They often enter through cracks under doors, in crawl spaces and garages
  • Inside, you can find them in places where crumbs, food particles and fermenting materials collect, like under appliances and in cabinets and pantries

German Cockroach

One of the smallest types of cockroaches, German roaches are one of the most well-known indoor roaches with the ability to easily travel via plumbing and through bags, boxes and furniture brought into the home.

Identifying features:

  • Light brown in color with two black stripes behind the head
  • About 13-16 mm in length
  • Fly infrequently, although they do have wings

Where are they found and what are they looking for?

  • German cockroaches prefer to live indoors and scavenge off of not only food droppings, but also things like garbage, books, hair and dog food
  • They gravitate toward dark, warm places, like around the wiring of electronics, under appliances and near trash cans

Smoky Brown Cockroach

A relative of the American cockroach, Smoky Brown cockroaches are large, nocturnal flying creatures that prefer the outdoors and non-dwelling places, but sometimes find their way indoors, often unnoticed.

Identifying features:

  • Dark mahogany or black in color with a shiny texture
  • About 33-38 mm in length
  • Often fly, with wings larger than their bodies

Where are they found and what are they looking for?

  • Smoky Brown cockroaches prefer warm, humid areas outside like in tree crevices, mulch, woodpiles, gutters and greenhouses
  • Because they get dehydrated easily, they are often found close to sources of water and feed on decaying plant and organic matter
  • They usually enter homes through sewers or fly in through doors and windows toward light to take refuge in areas like attics and crawl spaces

If you suspect any of the above cockroaches to be present on your property, the easiest, most effective way to get rid of them for good is with the help of a professional pest control company. Because cockroaches carry diseases and can be harmful to the health of your household, frequent sightings should not be taken lightly. Contact The Bug Man to clear cockroaches up today – we’ll do the dirty work so you don’t have to. 

Don’t let roaches take over your home or business. Our expert Residential Pest Control and Commercial Pest Control services are designed to eliminate infestations and keep them from coming back. Schedule your appointment today!

What Should I Do If My Neighbor Has Termites?

Posted on April 1, 2022 by - Termites

Neighbor has termites warning – termite control inspection

If your neighbor has termites, you might be worried about your own home. A sighting of several termite control trucks at their house could be cause for concern—but it doesn’t automatically mean your home is at risk. However, it could mean that you are more at risk, which warrants precautionary measures to be taken. Here’s what you need to know before you map out a plan of action.

Termites can spread in multiple ways

Subterranean termites, which are prevalent in the Greater Baton Rouge area, generally travel through flying or swarming during the reproductive season. While swarming season occurs in the Spring, a colony can also spread through mud tubes and through exterior wood, like firewood or furniture, any time of year. So if you were to borrow a wooden bench from your neighbor that was unknowingly infested with termites, then you could have inadvertently offered them a new dwelling place in your home.

Termites like to expand to similar structures

If you live in a community where many of the homes were built around the same time and with the same materials, your soil moisture level is probably also similar. Since subterranean termites travel through the soil looking for new cellulose-based food sources, close proximity could make your property an easy target. Once they zero in on a new structure, there’s nothing stopping them from easily entering into your foundation without your knowledge.

Termites often pop up during new construction

Whether your home is the new one on the block, or new houses are going up in close vicinity to you, termites are often identified as a result of new construction projects. Because the land used for a new-build could already have a number of active termites hidden in its soil that become disrupted when the process begins, they are left with no choice but to find a new place to feed. This often happens when developers take out old termite-infested trees and bury them under the new soil of a neighborhood.

Professionals are required to properly stop the spread of termites

Termites can tunnel and swarm the length of a football field, making a verified infestation next door too close for comfort. The best way to protect yourself? Take preventative measures with a professional termite control company as soon as (or before) you move in so that you won’t have to worry about what happens at your neighbor’s house in the future. However, if you didn’t have preventative measures in place and your neighbor spots termites, a professional termite control company is the only failsafe way to have your home properly inspected and to begin any necessary treatment. As the greater Baton Rouge area’s leader in termite protection, The Bug Man has the expertise and innovative means to deliver the most cutting-edge inspection and treatment solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our termite control services. For more detailed guidance on identifying and controlling termites, you can refer to the EPA’s guide on termite prevention and control.

Your Top Louisiana Termite Questions Answered

Posted on March 11, 2022 by - Termites

Louisiana termite control

Spring may bring flowers and crawfish season, but it also signals termite swarming season. Protect your home with expert Louisiana termite control and learn how to prevent costly infestations. For creatures so small, termites sure do have quite the reputation… and for good reason. They can cause upwards of $5 billion in home damage each year. While the south may be known for its hospitality, no one welcomes termites with open arms. Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions we get regarding termites and how to keep them out.

What types of termites are there in the Greater Baton Rouge area?

The two major types of termites in the Greater Baton Rouge area are the Formosan “super termites” and Native termites, which both fall into the Subterranean category. As the name suggests, Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture in both wood and soil, and you can often find them swarming when a really hot day follows a rainy day. Natives generally swarm beginning late in February or early March and Formosans will swarm around Mother’s Day weekend.

Are termites attracted to light?

Yes. Swarming termites, which fly in groups during reproduction, are attracted to outside lights at night. Once fertilized, these swarmers will bury into the ground, lose their wings and hunt for the perfect spot to start a new colony. 

Do termites bite?

Yes, but good news for us – Their entrée of choice is wood. And they sometimes will eat other insects to protect their colonies. At the end of the day, if you suspect a termite infestation, you don’t need to worry about them hurting you; but you should definitely call a professional to treat the issue. For guidance on identifying and controlling termites, see the EPA’s guide on termite control.

What are the signs of an infestation?

Common indicators of a termite infestation include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, cracked or bubbling paint, mud tubes on exterior walls, signs of droppings and/or a temporary swarm of winged insects in or around your home. If you notice any of these signs, contacting a professional for Louisiana termite control can help protect your home before damage worsens.

How do I get rid of termites?

We have an easy solution – Call The Bug Man. As the greater Baton Rouge area’s leader in termite protection, we have the expertise and innovative means to deliver the most cutting-edge treatment solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our termite control services.

3 Shortcuts For Effective Pest & Rodent Control

Posted on February 21, 2022 by - Pest Control General, Rodents

3 SHORTCUTS FOR EFFECTIVE PEST & RODENT CONTROL | The Bug Man

Rodent Control Made Easy for Your Home or Business

Keeping critters like raccoons, mice, squirrels, nutria, opossums, snakes, and birds out of your home or office is easier than you might think—with professional rodent control and wildlife management services on your side.

Uncovering a pest or rodent infestation is just the beginning.

If you’ve ever heard, seen or smelled the traces of pointy claws, sharp teeth or sneaky slitherers in your home or business, you can certainly be left with an uneasy feeling. While you may be tempted to buckle down and attack the situation yourself, for your protection, it’s best to leave the dirty work to the professionals. With many different methods and resources available, our team is equipped with Louisiana Department of Agriculture-licensed trappers for safe and powerful pest, rodent and animal control and removal services.

Sometimes, even after an infestation is removed, a stench can linger behind.

After you’ve tackled your first battle (the actual pest or rodent) there may be another one that quickly surfaces – an extremely unpleasant smell. A smell that candles, air fresheners and essential oils simply can’t mask. The only completely long-lasting solution is a commercial-grade odor eliminator. We offer one that is safe, effective and can tackle up to 40,000 cubic feet at a time. Because it works without the use of harmful chemicals, you don’t even need to leave your home or business for it to start working its magic.

The most effective way to get rid of unwanted pests? Don’t let them in!

The best defense is always a good offense, even when it comes to pests and rodents. This means identifying, sealing and securing any potential entry points, including garbage chutes, drains, vents and foundation cracks around your house or business before unwanted guests can make themselves at home. CDC guidelines on rodent control
provide helpful tips for reducing the risk of rodent-borne illnesses. If you want to be sure all of your bases are covered, we recommend enlisting the help of licensed professionals. Our exclusion services offer a preventative barrier to keep you safe, comfortable and nuisance-free year-round.

At The Bug Man, we get ‘em when you can’t. Contact us today to learn more about our pest-free guarantee. 

 

Far from hisssssterical, snakes are looking for a way into your home

Posted on December 10, 2021 by - Pest Control General, Snakes

Snakes Are Looking For a Way Into Your Home - The Bug Man

Whether you’ve lived in Louisiana your entire life or lived here a few short months, it should come as no surprise that snakes are a part of life down here. With all the wetlands, ponds, marshes and swamps, snakes love the deep south. 

That may sound as if that is where they’re going to stay, but when the weather gets colder and they get chilly, they look for a place to hibernate. Spoiler alert – a great deal of the time, they want to hibernate in your home. 

They pose a significant risk to your children, family, pets and guests for a few reasons. There are several poisonous snakes that exist here that can create a hazard, and over 85% of snakes carry salmonella in some form. For more information on health risks associated with snakes and other reptiles, see the CDC information on reptiles and salmonella
. Before you say “disgusting” and move on—wait one more minute. There are a few things you need to know.

Because they are a cold-blooded species, their bodies don’t keep warm due to blood flow the way mammal bodies do. Snakes thrive and stay alive by absorbing external temperature. So when it starts to get too cool outside, they need a warm place to live. Places like:

  • Attics 
  • Water pipes
  • Walls
  • Crawl spaces
  • Basements
  • Drop ceilings (yikes)
  • Laundry rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Closets 

Don’t Panic: How to Keep Snakes Out

The best way to prevent snakes from getting in is to seal up any potential area they may be able to slither through. They don’t need ample space at all, and a simple crack or tiny hole may be all they need to make your home their new home. If you need help identifying those areas, The Bug Man can help. 

If a snake does happen to make its way in, it’s not the best idea to attempt to remove it yourself. As stated earlier, some snakes can be deadly or can get you sick. In addition, simply removing it and putting it outside will not prevent it or others from making their way back into your home.

Our advice is to give The Bug Man a call to answer all of your snake questions or schedule an appointment. We’ll take care of them, so you don’t have to.