Author: brewadmin

If You Think Floods Are Bad, Wait Until You Hear About Termites.

Posted on May 24, 2021 by brewadmin - Termites

Recently Flooded? Treat for Moisture and Termites

The recent rain and floods have done an incredible amount of damage to homes and businesses across the state. To magnify the problem, termites look at the amount of moisture around and don’t see a problem but an opportunity to thrive. Pests are survivors.

As many people will be opening up their walls to let their studs dry out, this is a perfect time to not only do a surface repair but also treat for termites. The type of termite that causes the most damage in North America is the subterranean termite. These pests require ample moisture and then add a food source that contacts moist areas of the soil, and there you have it – perfect conditions for an infestation.

Most pests will seek higher ground to get out of floodwaters. Some insects, like fire ants, will float on water to survive. So, one might think that termites might drown in water. Well, the answer to that is “no” as termites have been around for 250 million years and have survived the ice age, natural disasters, and dinosaurs’ extinction. In short, these pests have strategies to survive.

One strategy for survival is in the way termites breathe. Termites have a system of holes (spiracles) along the sides of their bodies. When around bodies of water, they can close their spiracles for extended periods. One study found that they could survive underwater for over 19 hours. If that doesn’t amaze you, then consider this – they can also tread water for up to 4 days.

Flooding causes damp and wet conditions to become attractive to termites. In many cases, wood that is wet for extended periods of time may lead to an above-ground termite infestation as the termites move into the damp wood. If flooding has damaged your foundation or footing, termites can gain access to your structure

If a termite baiting system is installed around a flooded structure and the floodwaters are contaminated with pollutants, the bait matrix can be tainted and compromised in terms of attractiveness to termites. In this situation, the bait and possibly the bait housing would need to be replaced.

Soil treatments may require remediation or re-treatment if the soil has shifted or eroded or if sediment is deposited over a treated area. Likewise, flood waters may cause chemical treatments applied directly to wood for structural protection to leach out, requiring re-treatment.
Excess moisture is the biggest threat to a home’s structure. The moisture will compromise the strength of the wood, promote mold and fungi growth and attract pests. One way to combat that is with Bora-Care with Mold-Care. It acts as a moisture preventative against the damaging effects of water and the conditions that promote infect infestation. The Bug Man provides moisture treatment to open studs with at least 8% or less of moisture. A termite preventative can be performed as well with Bora Care while the walls are open to your structure.

Based on history, floods and standing water problems will not kill termites. At best, they provide termites more material to feed on due to increased moisture levels. That is all the more reason that pest management professionals need to get out and make sure their termite protection and moisture treatments are in place. Frequent inspection is the key to termite control success.

If a flood has impacted you, The Bug Man can help by making a thorough inspection of the flooded property/structures to determine if your treatment has been compromised. We can suggest appropriate steps for remediation if needed. Give us a call (225) 923-2847

Beware of the “Super Termites”

Posted on May 7, 2021 by brewadmin - Termites

It’s that time of year that many of us dread. You guessed it, Formosan Termites are looking to feast on your home. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill Termites. The Formosan Termite is also known as a “super termite” since they are much more aggressive and destructive than their relatives. Just how harmful, you ask? They are responsible for nearly $2 billion a year in property damage.

Louisiana is a perfect climate for these pests. They love the moist wood in the spring and summer months. They do most of their damage at night. They will shed their wings after flight and find a safe place to mate and begin their colony by laying eggs. Formosan Termite colonies can have anywhere from 1 -10 million termites within them.

Once the Formosan Termite is mature, it can cause massive amounts of damage. They can go through roughly 13 ounces of wood in a single day. If you do the math, that means a single colony of Formosan Termites can destroy an entire structure in three months.

So, what can you do to defend and defeat the “super termites”? At the Bug Man, we look for areas with conducive conditions around your home. We then treat the house in various methods, such as digging trenches, applying termiticides, hydraulically injecting the termiticide around the slab area and then baiting the home with Sentricon – the best on the market, to help prevent Formosan Termite infestations.

So what’s the bottom line? The best way to control is to have a termite barrier in place with liquids or baits to prevent entry into the home. The Bug Man, our professional and knowledgeable crew has years of experience with Formosan Termites. We can help save and protect your home or business. Give us a call to go over your options.

How to Keep Your Home Flea Free

Posted on April 13, 2021 by brewadmin - Fleas

Keeping Your Home Flea Free - image of a family in their living room

When you probably think of fleas, your mind probably jumps (no pun intended) to your pets. When in fact, they like parts of you just as much. Here are a few things to consider to keep you, your pet and your house flea-free. There are four parts to the flea cycle. They include flea eggs, flea larvae, flea pupae and adult fleas. Sounds pretty gross, but understanding the flea cycle can help.

If fleas have a preference for a host, they’re going to be looking first and foremost for your pet. Once an adult flea has feasted on her host, she can lay approximately 40 eggs per day. Yikes! The eggs are then distributed throughout your house. Typically you’ll find them around your pet’s favorite hang-out areas. Dog beds, toy bins, and regions they sleep are common.

Those 40 eggs mentioned earlier hatch approximately 2-14 days later and become larvae, which have an aversion to any light source, typically making their home in warm, dark carpeted areas.
The larvae love to feed on organic material, such as shed skin cells (yep, from pets and people) and ‘flea dirt’ (flea poop) from adult fleas.

The fourth and final life stage, the adult flea, is when most people start looking for help, like The Bug Man, in getting rid of these pests. Before a large full-onslaught infestation, the best line of defense is to stop the cycle before it starts with year-round protection on your pet. Don’t forget fleas can make their way into your home on your shoes and clothes.

Don’t let the fleas get you or your pet. Our professional and knowledgeable staff are happy to walk you through the best options. Give us a call or text at 225-923-2847.

Powder Post Beetles

Posted on March 12, 2021 by brewadmin - Powder Post Beetles

In Louisiana when it comes to wood-destroying insects, the usual culprit is termites. However, powder post beetles would come in second only to the termite in causing costly structural damage to homes. As the name implies, these beetles can turn wood into powder. The beetles lay their eggs in the pores of wood. Their larvae then hatch from the eggs, feeding on the wood and creating a series of tunnels as they eat the wood. Eventually, the larvae will mature into adult beetles. Once the insects reach adulthood, they tunnel their way out of the wood, leaving behind a tiny exit hole This life cycle can take two to five years to complete, meaning the larvae are literally eating the wood in your home for years.

Generally, homes raised off the ground are at high risk for infestation. Powder post beetles most often attack bare, unfinished wood with a high moisture content. The wood framing under raised homes is the perfect environment for beetles to thrive.

To treat for powder post beetles, we apply a surface treatment on all accessible exposed bare wood using a product containing “borate”, such as BoraCare or Timbor. These products eliminate the beetles by not allowing them to enter or exit the surface of the wood.

If you have a pier type structure, call The Bug Man today for a FREE estimate for wood boring beetle control.

Buying A New Home? Here’s One Thing To NEVER Forget.

Posted on February 1, 2021 by brewadmin - Termites

Buying a home is one of the most significant moments you’ll experience in life. You now have a home that you can settle down in and maybe raise a family. You’ve invested so much into making this dream come true, but there’s one thing never to overlook when making this large purchase – a termite inspection.

Not many people consider a termite inspection as part of the overall home inspection, when in fact, a termite inspection is one of the more common contingencies in a real estate contract. Termites cause over $5 billion dollars in damage annually in the US. That’s why more and more lenders are offering loans only with a mandatory termite inspection, such as a VA loan, which requires a termite inspection to be performed in all home purchases.

Far too often in the past, a termite inspection was overlooked, leaving the new owner in a world of hurt. Thankfully, as we grow wiser, more and more owners are checking for termites and other wood destroying insects when buying a home.

Imagine how upsetting it would be to learn that termites have been munching on your beloved home. This is not a problem you can afford to ignore. They will continue to do what they do, and the problem will only get worse.
The same can be said for any pests – from ants to mice. Bring in a professional like The Bug Man, stop termites in their tracks and repair the damage before the sale. While ants and mice are not a huge concern and can be rectified relatively easily, wood destroying insects are not something to fool around with because of their ability to destroy the structural integrity of a home.

When it comes to making your home purchase, call The Bug Man, we’ll make sure your new home is pest free and can help make this next chapter of your life go a lot smoother. To make sure all insect infestation signs or pest inhabitation are appropriately addressed. Give us a call or text at 225-923-2847.

How The Seasons Affect Pest Behavior

Posted on November 19, 2020 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

Pests are always looking for a nice warm, safe place to find shelter and food. And yes, that place is often our homes. Pests are affected by the seasons and the threats they bring vary as the weather changes. It’s essential to keep pests out of your home and protect it. Let’s take a look at the season pest patterns so you can take the proper precautions as seasons change.

SPRING – Insects Are Awakening And Mating Begins

The flowers are blooming and the temperatures are warming. Spring is a magical time of year. However, with this mix of warmth and moisture, pests emerge from their winter nesting area. Termites may swarm and bees and wasps are roused from their dormant state and with the spring rains, ants may try to find higher ground and look to get indoors. Most pests will move outdoors in spring to find mates.

SUMMER – Outdoor Fun And Backyard Pests

Everyone wants to get outside and enjoy all that summer has to offer, but pests may put a damper on that BBQ you were planning on. While we don’t see as many indoor pests during the summer, we see a larger amount of pests outdoors. Bees, wasps, and other stinging insects are more active and their nests are often found on or near our homes. And let’s not forget what the spring and summer rains bring – mosquitos. It takes a little effort to deter these nuisances, but putting in a bit of effort can undoubtedly increase the number of good times you can have outdoors.

FALL – A Little Home Maintenance And A Shelter

There’s a chill in the air and guess who’s looking for a place to prepare for winter? You guessed it – pests. Boxelders, ladybugs and spiders are coming into your home. They love cracks and crevices. What about more significant pests like mice and rats? They too are looking for food and shelter. Fall is the season to pull up your sleeves and do a little home maintenance. Make sure those cracks, crevices, holes and gaps in your siding, foundations, floors, attics, and garages are sealed to keep them out.

WINTER – Hibernation And Survival

Winter is a time of hibernation and survival for pests. Now that it’s colder the weather triggers a need for pests to find shelter. Some seek refuge outdoors, but others will be looking to shelter indoors. Wasps and bees will look for places in logs, or the eaves of your home and ants will look to seek shelter in their nesting sites. Other pests like mice and rats are not tolerant of the winter months and often look for shelter in homes. The best time to prepare to keep these pests out and away from your home is in fall.

Being prepared for seasonal insect patterns is important. It’s not always easy to completely control or deter insects and pests on your own; that’s why you have The Bug Man. To make sure all insect infestation signs or pest inhabitation are appropriately addressed, give us a call or text us at 225-923-2847.

How To Have a Pest-Free Home For The Holiday Season

Posted on October 20, 2020 by brewadmin - Nuisance Animals, Rodents

The holiday season is already here – families across the country are getting into the spirit by decorating their homes, carving pumpkins and will soon be stringing holiday lights and wrapping presents. Although this is all fun and games, there are some unwanted guests that also want to join in on the fun and spoil your celebrations. These unwanted guests are pests, such as spiders, ants, cockroaches and even rodents! Although there are many holiday items that attract pests, there are ways you can avoid them. The Bug Man has provided some tips on how to keep your home pest-free this holiday season!

Pumpkins

While carved pumpkins are the holiday symbol for October, they can be a breeding ground for pests. Whenever you are carving out the pumpkin, make sure you’re cleaning out all of its guts. (This also reduces the amount of mold growth.) The pulp inside the pumpkin is the most delicious part—both to rodents and bugs alike. Put simply: The less pulp, the fewer bugs there will be.

Additionally, make sure you dispose of the pumpkin early. Leaving your pumpkin out for too long leaves room for the ultimate critter feast with the possibility of an invitation into your home.

Boxes

Another way that pests can enter our homes during the holiday season is through the boxes of decorations, which are often stored in attics, garages and basements. Your decorations give food, shelter, and warmth to many of these pests and they are often left undisturbed for many months.

When homeowners unpack their holiday decorations, many may find live or dead pests inside. When it’s time to decorate for the holidays, unpack holiday items outside and inspect everything carefully for signs of pests, droppings or any other damage before bringing them inside your home.

Pro Tip: The use of cardboard boxes to store decorations is a big mistake. Many critters feed on starches like cardboard. This is an open home invitation to pests! At The Man, we suggest using heavy plastic containers that seal. Make sure you are not overpacking, which will lead to the containers not being able to shut properly.

Christmas Trees & Wreaths

Christmas trees and wreaths are also one of the most common ways in which pests enter into homes. Spiders, termites and ants are usually found in the crevices of wood or deep in the branches of trees. Some bugs may even lay eggs.

To avoid bringing insects into your home, make sure you properly inspect the trees before bringing them in the home. Deny critters this free entry by shaking the tree or wreath before bringing it indoors. A good shake will knock off the bugs clinging to branches.

After the holidays are over, it might be tempting to put your tree in the backyard. However, you should not do this. If your tree contains invasive species, you are introducing them to the neighborhood. In many areas in Louisiana, Christmas trees are collected from the curbside during the first two weeks in January. Many communities now recycle Christmas trees and use them for mulch, hiking trails, soil erosion barriers, bird feeders and much more!

During this busy time of the year, it’s easy to overlook signs of pests in the thrill of the holiday season. If you or a loved one sees signs of pests or suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect your home so you can enjoy the festivities in a pest-free home! For a customized solution for your household, contact The Bug Man or give us a call or text at (225) 923-2847.

Facts & Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas

Posted on September 21, 2020 by brewadmin - Fleas

Even after a treatment, it is normal to see some adult fleas for up to three weeks. You can relax. It doesn’t mean you have a new infestation. It means that the flea pupae (offspring) are simply emerging from their cocoons. It’s far from a cause for alarm. A little known fact about these little pests is that flea pupae are protected from insecticides by their cocoons. They break free as adults for a period of one to three weeks. Once exposed to the insecticide residual, they will also be eliminated.

When you hire The Bug Man to eliminate a flea problem in your home, you can rest assured knowing that you’re receiving the very best, most professional pest control service. However, there are little things homeowners can do to help get rid of fleas before and after a flea treatment.

How long do I have to be out of the home/yard as well as animals?

The Bug Man provides a comprehensive sweep of all flea problems within and around the home. It’s a process that takes time, but don’t worry. You will be able to return to your home rather quickly. After a flea treatment, customers and their household animals have to be out of the home and yard for roughly four hours, which means returning to your home should be easy (and flea-free).

What do I need to do to prepare for treatment?

Before The Bug Man shows up for treatment, we recommend that you remove all decorative items, pillows, pet food, water dishes and children’s toys from under beds and furniture. Once those objects are out of the way, sweep a vacuum across all rugs, carpets and furniture — especially between and under cushions. When your vacuuming is complete, seal and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside receptacle.

What do I do if I have pets?

This is a common question for many homeowners. Remove all pets from your home, and wash or dispose of all pet bedding separately from your other linens. Before the treatment begins, it’s best to show your pest control technician where your pets sleep, rest and eat. When it comes to your fish or reptiles, fish bowls and aquariums may remain as long as they are properly covered and if the air pump is shut off during treatment. As with any pest treatment, we recommend that you ask your pest control technician for specific directions.

What do I need to do after treatment?

While it’s normal to return to your home about four hours after a flea treatment, it’s still best to follow the specific instructions of your pest control technician to find out when it’s clear and safe for you and your family to return home. We also suggest that you resume your normal vacuuming 24 hours after your home has been treated in order to give the insecticide time to work. Make sure to continue vacuuming daily for two to three weeks. The reason? Well, the mechanical pressure from the vacuum stimulates unhatched fleas to emerge from their protective pupae cases and be exposed to the insecticide.

A Final Pro-Tip

To see if you have a flea problem, walk around in white tube socks. They will cover you and are easily visible. Take it from pros like us, then talk to us about getting fleas far from your home.

If you are concerned about fleas and pest problems in or around your home, consider calling a pest management professional. The Bug Man provides many pest control services for fleas, rodents, roaches, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and much more! For a customized solution for your household, contact The Bug Man or give us a call or text at (225) 923-2847.

The Things Roaches Love Most About Your Home

Posted on August 26, 2020 by brewadmin - Cockroaches

Roaches. They’re nasty. They’re incredibly difficult to catch; harder to kill. And, oh yeah, they fly. It might be hard to hear the truth, but it’s simple: even clean homes attract cockroaches. That’s right. The most sparkling clean, thrice housekept, bleach-bombed estate on the block is a target for roaches. A big target, as a matter of fact, and they find a way in — no matter what. After all, we’re talking about insects that can survive a nuclear bomb. Here’s what they love so much about your home:

Roaches Go for Your Kitchen Garbage

Roaches find a way into the food garbage — even in spite of the most secure trash can lid. When cockroaches are present in your home, rest assured, they aren’t just hanging out. They’re in search of a food source. Your leftover sugary sweets and fatty grease are some of their favorite entrees. That’s why there’s arguably no better place for them to look than the very container in which all the food scraps are collected. Staying up to date on your neighborhood garbage collection schedule and routinely taking out the trash every evening or every other evening is a great way to prevent roaches from coming into your house. Of course, getting a roach-focused pest control plan from The Bug Man is a great way to eliminate the problem, too.

They Love Limbs That Hang Close to Your House

Cockroaches don’t grow on trees, but a roach problem in your house can certainly start in them. You might love your landscaping, but if tree branches (particularly from oak trees) hang close to or touch your roof or awning, roaches use these limbs like bridges from their favorite outdoor habitat to their favorite indoor hunting grounds. The latter just so happens to be your home. Trimming branches and limbs away from your house is a great way to cut off their access to your house and fend off any roach intrusions or infestations.

Where There’s Water, There are Roaches

We already established that cockroaches are nasty things, as are most creatures that like to hold up in dark, humid places. But it seems the only places they like more than the kitchen garbage can, are places that gather moisture. Around the refrigerator, behind the toilets, under the sinks, in the back of drawers — pretty much all the nooks and crannies we would rather ignore and shy away from are the kind of places that roaches like best. Louisiana has plenty of water and humidity to go around, which explains why shoeing away cockroaches is something of a way of life around here. Coincidentally, it’s a good thing professionals from The Bug Man are around to make a living out of eliminating these persistent pests.

Uncovered Food is a Roach Free-for-All

Cooking and prepping food is hard enough as it is. The cleanup is just the annoying part. Although, the knowledge that the cleanup will keep away roaches is reassuring to say the least. Putting away uncovered food (pet food included) is a good way to steer clear of a roach problem. Put in some elbow grease to remove any cooking grease from counters and floors and make sure to scrub away any sweets and sugary foods left on countertops. Take it from us, the sight of a clean kitchen is significantly better than the sight of cockroaches making a buffet line out of your breakfast nook or butcher block countertops.

Cockroaches are a nasty nuisance. They might just love our homes more than we do. The tips above as well as sealing up doors, windows and cracks in buildings are some of a few things we know about putting roaches on the run. However, there’s no substitute for professional pest control and prevention. At The Bug Man, we know a thing or two about the way cockroaches make their way into your house, which is why we’re more than equipped to target the way to keep them out.

If you are concerned about cockroaches and pest problems in or around your home, consider calling a pest management professional. The Bug Man provides many pest control services for roaches, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and much more! For a customized solution for your household, contact The Bug Man or give us a call or text at (225) 923-2847.

How To Best Prepare for Summer Pests

Posted on July 23, 2020 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

Summer is in full swing in Louisiana and the temperatures are starting to heat up. This time of the year brings vacations, pool parties, backyard barbeques and, unfortunately, lots of bugs. From termites and mosquitoes to ants and cockroaches, it seems like these insects enjoy the summer just as much as we do!

See, bugs thrive in warm weather because they are unable to generate their own body heat. They rely on the warmth of the sun’s rays to survive. If you’ve recently seen swarms of mosquitoes or ant piles the size of castles forming in your yard, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to best prepare for these pesky summer pests:

Clean Outside Your Home

Bugs love making their homes in cluttered areas. Start cleaning your yard by getting rid of piles of leaves and brush. Try to maintain your yard regularly to avoid overgrowth along fences and in flower beds near windows and doors. Additionally, be on the lookout for places where water can pool for long periods. This can include bird feeders, flower pots, buckets, and much more. This is where mosquitoes thrive and like to breed.

Clean Up The Kitchen

The main reason why bugs are in your house in the first place is because they’re on the hunt for a food source. Even the smallest pile of crumbs on the counter or floor is a treat for ants and other insects. Cleaning your kitchen is a must if you want to prevent these pests from invading your home. Make sure you are wiping your counters and sweeping the floor daily. Many people at this time clean out cupboards and get rid of things in their pantry. You’d be surprised to see what kind of bugs are hiding out in there; munching on your Cheerios crumbs and open bags of chips. Cleaning your pantry is also a good excuse to get rid of that spoiled chicken noodle soup from 2010.

Protect Your Trash

Both indoors and outdoors, your trash should have a tight lid. Roaches and ants reach heaven whenever they get the chance to dig through your garbage for food. Get to know your city’s garbage collection schedule, and take your trash out regularly. If you don’t, it’ll linger as a ready food source for pests.

Rather than wait for an unwanted infestation to occur, take it upon yourself to protect your family and your home. Although these are prevention tips to get pests away from your home, these won’t get rid of pests completely. If you are concerned about a pest problem in or around your home, consider calling a pest management professional. The Bug Man provides many pest control services for mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and much more! For a customized solution for your household, contact The Bug Man or give us a call at (225) 923-2847.

$75 Off Mosquito Control Treatment