Category: Nuisance Animals

How to Handle Nuisance Pests in Your Home

Posted on October 11, 2023 by - Nuisance Animals

As the leaves change color and the air gets a bit crisper, fall is a magical time in Louisiana. But, it’s also the season when some unwanted visitors may decide to make your home their own. Nuisance pests and wildlife can become a hassle during this time, and it’s important to know how to deal with them.

Squirrels

Squirrels are adorable when they’re playing in the trees, but they can become a real nuisance when they find their way into your attic. In the fall, they’re busy gathering food for the winter, and your home may seem like a cozy hideaway.

Raccoons

Raccoons are known troublemakers, and they love rummaging through trash cans. During the fall, they’re on the lookout for food, and your garbage cans might be their first stop.

Mice

Mice are small but can cause big problems. They can squeeze through tiny openings and make a mess in your kitchen. In the fall, they’re seeking warmth and shelter just like us.

Creepy Crawlers

Spiders and insects often find their way indoors when the temperatures drop. While most are harmless, some can be a bit scary to encounter in your home.


So, how can you deal with these unwanted guests?

Preventive Measures

  1. Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. The Bug Man has decades of expertise in exclusion – we find every crack, nook and cranny and seal them up so these unwanted friends can’t re-enter the home.
  2. Keep your trash cans securely closed to deter raccoons.
  3. Store food in airtight containers to discourage mice.
  4. Keep your home clean and clutter-free to make it less appealing to pests.

Humane Removal

  1. If you find wildlife in your home, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service to ensure they are safely and humanely relocated.
  2. The Bug Man’s technicians are licensed to trap and/or remove animals such as raccoons, squirrels, possums, snakes, birds, bats, moles, beaver, nutria, foxes, etc from a dwelling.
  3. We have many different methods and resources available to control nuisance animal infestations such as trapping, removal, chemical deterrence and sound devices while also offering odor control for unwanted animal scent at a property.

Stay Safe

  1. Always exercise caution when dealing with wildlife. Even cute animals like squirrels can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
  2. Wear gloves and use appropriate tools when removing pests.

While fall in Louisiana is a beautiful time, it’s important to be prepared for nuisance pests and wildlife looking for shelter and food. By taking preventive measures and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure a pest-free and comfortable home during this lovely season.

The Bug Man has many Louisiana Department of Agriculture licensed trappers for animal removal or eradication. Call us today at 923-BUGS or request a free estimate online.

ActiveSense System: Keeping Your Premises Rodent-Free with Automation

Posted on March 14, 2023 by - Commercial, Nuisance Animals, Pest Control General, Pests Services, Rodents

In recent years, there has been an influx of rodents in residential and commercial buildings. Unfortunately, these infestations can cause significant damage to property as well as pose health risks. In order to protect their premises from these creatures, many people have turned to the ActiveSense System (ASS) for trapping rodents.

The ActiveSense System is a revolutionary technology developed by researchers at MIT that utilizes sensor-based analysis and real-time data to keep your premises rodent-free. Sensors are placed throughout your property, alerting The Bug Man via an app when a rodent has been caught. A Bug Man technician is sent out immediately to track where and how the rodent has been moving around. 

Suppose a building’s traps on the right side are triggered often; in that case, we can infer that rodents enter through that side. The app also enables technicians to record the gender and species of the captured rodent. This information is useful because capturing a male rodent means capturing a potential reproducer. Additionally, identifying whether the trapped rodents are mice or rats can help us improve our baiting strategies in the future.

Since the sensors are connected directly to your phone or computer, you can monitor your premises remotely at any time in case something needs attention immediately. Automating this process with the ActiveSense System can save precious time and resources while ensuring better safety for everyone on site. ActiveSense is also a cost-saving to the customer because instead of us coming weekly or monthly, we only come when we receive a notification

ActiveSense has made it much easier for businesses and homeowners alike to avoid potential problems related to rodents and maintain healthy premises using manual intervention by placing snap traps for rodent control on the sensors. With this amazing technology, people can now improve the condition of their homes or workplaces worry-free. So, if you’re interested in the ActiveSense System, call The Bug Man today. After all, we get them when you can’t. 

Protect Your Home or Business From Winter Pests

Posted on October 27, 2022 by - Nuisance Animals

winter pests

Well, 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. 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 Have a Pest-Free Home For The Holiday Season

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

Pest Free Home For The Holidays

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.

6 Tips on Preventing Unwanted Animals

Posted on June 19, 2019 by - Nuisance Animals

Unwanted animals

If there’s one thing we all know about Louisiana, it’s that there is an abundance of wildlife creatures that live here. Have you ever had a nuisance animal intrude your home or property? We know it’s not fun!

We are here to provide you with all of the steps and precautions to take to safely and humanely remove your unwanted guests. The last thing we want is for you to get bitten by the neighborhood raccoon! Although this is merely a guide, we do insist you contact a licensed nuisance animal trapper that can handle this problem with ease. Remember, there are really only two reasons for these animals to invade your yard: food or shelter. Now, on to the steps!

Tip 1: Never feed wild animals.

According to The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, you should make sure food is not available around the perimeter of your home. You should never be feeding wild animals, even if your adorable daughter is begging you. You don’t want to attract wild animals you are not familiar with. This is how people get hurt.

 

Tip 2: Pick up all pet food at night.

If you have a dog or cat that is outside frequently, make sure you pick up their pet food at night as well. This is a raccoons dream come true.

 

Tip 3: Close your trash cans.

Make sure your trash cans are closed and secured so those pesky animals won’t eat your leftovers. Many types of nuisance wildlife are attracted to piles of trash left outside.

 

Tip 4: Eliminate areas of possible shelter.

There could be many places of shelter around your home or property that wild animals flock to. If your house is raised, you should consider installing chicken wire.

 

Tip 5: Seal any holes or cracks.

You should seal any holes or cracks that can easily allow wildlife to enter your home. There are many creatures that can squeeze their way through the tiniest holes. You don’t want a bat flying around your room at night… talk about a nightmare.

 

Tip 6: Clean up your yard.

You should also keep your yard well manicured so animals can’t use your lawn as shelter or protection. You should also eliminate piles of wood or debris that can be used as a shelter or even a permanent home for some animals, such as snakes.

 

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The Bug Man has many Louisiana Department of Agriculture licensed trappers for animal removal or eradication. For a list of animals we are licensed to trap and/or remove, please visit our Nuisance Animal Control page. The Bug Man also offers exclusion control, which is the first line of defense to prevent a pest invasion in your home or commercial property.

 

Do you have any nuisance animals invading your property or just have questions about these unwanted guests? Request an in-home estimate today before somebody gets hurt! Please contact The Bug Man for all your nuisance animal needs at (225)923-2847 or visit our Contact page.

Unusual Services

Posted on March 6, 2018 by - Nuisance Animals

How Unusual?

Today we are focusing on some unusual services that we offer here at The Bug Man. In addition to protecting you against roaches and fleas and pesky mosquitos, we also provide a service called Nuisance Animal Control. This is a topic that several of our clients have asked me questions about lately so its fresh on my mind. I am a firm believer that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true when it comes to Nuisance Animals like raccoons and snakes and nutria around your home. KEEP AWAY!! These little critters are seen in neighborhoods all throughout Baton Rouge…and who wants to deal with that mess? We are here to help you prevent these animals from invading your home to ensure that you have one less thing to worry about. And well…. if you are reading this and you DO have a problem, I know a guy.

Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in nuisance wildlife in our neighborhoods in southeast Louisiana, so much so that we had a need to open a Nuisance Animal Division in our pest control department to provide animal trapping of these critters. If you notice any critters creeping around your home, here are some tips to prevent them from coming back:

  • Keep trash properly contained. Keep tight lids or latches on the lids.
  • Pet food needs to be brought indoors.
  • Remove bird feeders from around your property. I know, I know.. I hate to be a downer. They are beautiful; however, they are also a huge attraction to rodents and animals.
  • Keep tree limbs and branches away from your home so animals and rodents don’t have an easy path right to your roof.
  • Close openings around the home where animals could gain access.
  • Animals like raccoons can pull off just about any vent cover if they so wish, so close them up and inspect your home regularly.
  • Install chimney caps on your fireplace.
  • Clear fruit from around trees that has fallen—Do not leave it there!
  • Finally…Stop feeding the animals! If you continue to put food out for animals, they have good reason to set up shop on your property.
  • Soak a rag in ammonia and place the rag in or on the trash cans or buildings where you are having problems. The smell will discourage repeat visits.
  • Moth balls placed inside of trash cans also help and achieve the same results. Moth balls will need to be replaced weekly.

Check out our recent posts to see recent removal of these unwanted animals! Nuisance Animals: Trapped!

Nuisance Animals

Nuisance animals like raccoons love to invade homes and garbage cans. They easily adapt to our environment. They are nocturnal, meaning that most of their activity is at night. These animals may sometime be seen during the day because food may be available and they may no longer have a fear of humans, especially if you haven’t stopped feeding them. Animals like skunks and raccoons will dig under your foundation and establish a den where they will nest and raise young. Typically, you will smell skunks, but may not detect raccoons. The main concern with these animals other than destroying your home or property is Rabies. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be contracted by any mammal. It’s most common in bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks, and is passed along to others through nervous tissue saliva and Rabies is no joke. If you hire someone to handle your nuisance animal problem, make sure they have the proper trapping licenses. The Bug Man has Louisiana Department of Agriculture licensed trappers for animal removal or eradication. We are currently seeing animals such as raccoons, squirrels, possum, snakes, birds, bats, moles, beaver, nutria and foxes. We have many different methods and resources available to control nuisance animal infestations such as trapping, removal, chemical deterrence and sound devices while also offering odor control for unwanted animal scent at a property. We hope you enjoyed reading our blog. Until Next time! Remember, if you suspect you are having an issue, call The Bug Man and keep your peace of mind intact.

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Thanks for checking out our blog.

See you soon.

The Bug Lady,
Layne Salvant