Category: Pest Control General

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean the scares are over.

Posted on November 12, 2025 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

Creepy crawlers are still lurking after Halloween. They’re creepy. They crawl and they’re slithering up your front steps. What is it, you say? It could be spiders, hissing cockroaches or rabid rodents. You may be done with the scares of Halloween, but the scares are not done with you.

Do you hear something in the walls?

Relax, it’s not a zombie. Chances are it’s most likely mice or rats that have moved into your wall voids for the fall and winter. If you hear squeaking floors or footsteps, your house may be haunted. But again, it may be rodents running across the floors. Even scarier, rodents are nocturnal, so you’ll hear these sounds in the dead of night as they search for food. While checking the pantry, if you notice any chewed bags or footsteps, these are signs that mice or rats are living in your home. If you sense there’s activity, it’s time to act now. Rodents reproduce incredibly fast and can transmit numerous diseases as well as fleas, ticks and other pests. Learn more about safe rodent control from the CDC here.

Is something skittering across the kitchen floor?

Do you see something scary when you come home and turn on the lights? Something like roaches. They’re resilient, can run as fast as three miles an hour, and can adapt to any environment. How creepy is that? They’re not just scary. Roaches can carry many diseases and pathogens. So how do you remove these creepy crawlers?

Clean your floors after all meals
Wipe down counters and cooking areas
Get a trash can with a tight lid and wash dishes immediately after eating
Dispose of cardboard boxes

How about a bit of advice?

If you’re tired of the post-Halloween scares, it’s time to contact The Bug Man to handle your rodent or pest situation. The Bug Man gives you a free inspection by trained technicians. Our technicians place baits and traps in areas with evident rodent activity to reduce rodent populations. Catch something from the corner of your eye crawling around in your home. It might give you the heebie-jeebies; it could be roaches. Now’s the time to act. The Bug Man gets them before they get you.

Bed Bug Identification Guide

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Victoria Hoang - Bed Bugs, Bug Identification, Commercial, Pest Control General, Pests Services

Bat bug vs bed bug identification features

Sleep Tight!

The last souvenir you want to bring home from your summer travels are bed bugs — and effective bed bug control is the only way to stop them from spreading. These blood-sucking pests are commonly spread by us humans when we’re on-the-move. The two primary bed bugs that affect humans are Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, also known as the common bed bug and the tropical bed bug, respectively.

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

Did You Know?

The Bug Man offers bed bug training classes to housing facilities! This hour-long class will teach staff how to identify the insect and strategies for preventing the spread of bed bugs, including proper transport of bedding material throughout the facility. We also develop bed bug protocols for staff to follow in the event of an active issue. The course culminates in a short test showing completion of the training, which is a great tool for management to keep on file for any health inspections. Contact us to learn more.

Bed Bugs – What Are They and Why They’re a Problem

The bed bug is found all over the world, primarily in hotels, hospitals, public transportation, and even planes. The only difference between the common and tropical bed bugs is that tropical bed bugs prefer more tropical climates. However, tropical bed bugs can still be found in temperate areas where the common bed bug is found.

Bed bugs usually hide within 1 to 2 meters of their hosts during the day and come out to feed at night. According to the CDC, they can survive several months without a meal and travel significant distances to reach a host. They prefer hiding in seams of mattresses, crevices in box springs, behind headboards, under loose wallpaper or baseboards, and even behind pictures.

Identifying Features of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are oval-shaped, flat, and approximately 5 mm long. They resemble unfed ticks or small roaches and are easily visible to the naked eye. Adults have a chestnut, reddish-brown color, while juvenile bed bugs are more of a light yellow color. The bugs possess a pyramid-shaped head and slender antennae. After feeding, they may increase in length by 30 to 50%. Adult bed bugs can live for 6 to 12 months and can survive without feeding for up to a year.

Bat Bugs vs Bed Bug Control Challenges

Did you know that bats also have a blood-sucking pest? It’s called a bat bug. While usually unknown to humans, if there is a bat infestation in your home, it’s worth the time to see if these pests are there too!

Identifying Features

Bat bugs are typically lighter and tend to be more of a light brown-beige color than their common bed bug cousins. When put under a microscope, they display hairs longer than the width of their eyes, and they have shallower curve in the pronotum, giving them the appearance of a rounder head.

Where Are They Found and What Are They Looking For?

Attics, crawlspace under your house, or other places you might find bats. They feed on bats, mice, birds, and rodents. When bats leave their space, the bat bugs go for their next target: you! They will migrate from their previous bat-infested homes into your living space–occupying the same spaces as common bed bug or tropical bed bug.

Professional Bed Bug Control Services – Let Us Do the Dirty Work!

If you suspect any of the above bed bugs to be present in your home, the easiest, most effective way to get rid of them is with the help of a professional pest control company. Bed bugs cause painful bites, severe itching, significant sleep disruption, and reduced quality of life, so they should not be taken lightly. Contact us—we’ll do the dirty work so you don’t have to.

Don’t let bed bugs take over your home. 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’s living in your Christmas Tree?

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Bret Lovetro - Pest Control General

Choosing a live Christmas tree adds a rustic, festive charm to your holiday season, but it can also bring along a few uninvited Christmas tree bugs. In Southern Louisiana, the region’s warm, humid climate means that certain insects are more likely to take up residence in your tree before it ends up in your living room. While these bugs are generally harmless, it’s good to know what to watch out for and how to manage them.

Aphids: Common Christmas Tree Bugs

Aphids are one of the most common insects found in Christmas trees. These tiny, pear-shaped bugs are usually less than a quarter of an inch long and can appear green, brown, or black. They often hide in the needles or branches of trees and are usually clustered in small groups. Aphids are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can produce a sticky residue called honeydew, which can create a mess if left unchecked.

Spiders: Nature’s Pest Control

Live trees can also harbor spiders, which find shelter in the branches and feast on smaller bugs. Southern Louisiana is home to orb weavers, cobweb spiders, and house spiders, any of which might accompany your tree indoors. These arachnids are not dangerous and are more interested in hunting other pests than interacting with humans.

Pine Needle Scale: The Snowflake Imposters

Pine needle scale insects are another pest that might hitch a ride on your tree. These small, white bugs resemble tiny flecks of snow on the needles, blending into the festive season’s aesthetic. While they won’t harm humans or pets, they can weaken the tree’s needles if present in large numbers.

Bark Beetles: The Quiet Burrower

Bark beetles, small insects that tunnel under the bark of trees, are sometimes found in live Christmas trees. While these pests are more commonly found in forested areas, they occasionally make their way into pre-cut trees. Look for tiny holes in the bark as an indication of their presence. Although they won’t infest your home or cause significant damage, they are a nuisance you’d rather avoid.

Praying Mantises: Seasonal Christmas Tree Bugs

Praying mantis egg cases can sometimes be found in Christmas trees, particularly if the tree was cut in a natural forest environment. The egg cases look like small, brownish-gray lumps attached to branches. If left indoors, the warmth of your home might cause the eggs to hatch, releasing dozens of tiny mantises.

Preventing Christmas Tree Bugs

To avoid bringing these critters into your home, take some precautionary steps. Before bringing your tree inside, give it a good shake to dislodge any insects. Thoroughly inspect the tree for signs of pests, such as egg sacs, webbing, or holes in the bark. If possible, leave the tree in your garage or porch for 24 to 48 hours to give bugs time to vacate.

Finally, consider spraying your tree with a non-toxic insecticide designed for plants before decorating. These simple precautions can help ensure your tree remains a festive centerpiece, free of unexpected guests.

Enjoy your live tree and the holiday season with peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken steps to keep pests at bay.

If you need help with these annoying bugs, learn more about our Pest Control Services.

How Do I Get Rid Of Fire Ants In My Yard?

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Katie Bourg - Ants, Pest Control General, Pests Services

Here's how to get rid of fire ants in your yard.

As the scorching Louisiana sun beats down, life in the Bayou State becomes a battle against the elements. It’s not just us seeking refuge from the suffocating heat and arid conditions, though – fire ants and crazy ants are on the move too. To combat this, it’s crucial to get rid of fire ants as they adapt to the harsh environment by seeking shelter and moisture, much like us.

What are Fire Ants?

Fire ants build mounds in almost any type of soil, but prefer open, sunny areas such as meadows, pastures, parks, playgrounds, lawns, sports fields, and golf courses, as well as agricultural land and wilderness areas. Often, mounds are located in rotting logs and around stumps and trees. Colonies can also occur in or under buildings. To effectively manage these pests, it’s important to get rid of fire ants, as they will not create mounds when the weather is extremely hot or dry. During this time, they go deep underground during the day and come out at night to forage. Learn about fire ant risks and safety tips (CDC fire ant info).

What are Crazy Ants?

Crazy ants are another breed of ants that have been on the rise in Louisiana over the last few years. While they don’t sting or bite, crazy ants can cause structural damage because they often nest in homes, electrical boxes, etc. and they thrive and multiply in moist, wooded areas, cracks, crevices–anywhere they can find shelter. While people have tried to end the pests’ existence, they often find they are fighting a losing battle.

A Raft of Ants

One of the craziest things about these ants is their ability to form rafts in response to heavy rainfall. These rafts allow the ants to float on water instead of drowning. They work together in harmony, with the lower ants acting as sacrificial lambs, forming a base that supports the rest of the colony. While some ants die at the bottom, the majority of the colony survives this ordeal and relocates once the waters recede. This collective effort shows the incredible resilience of these tiny creatures.

Can you be allergic to Ants?

Yes! Ants can be life-threatening if you have an allergy to them. The Bug Man has products to help you keep them out of your yard and your home. While crazy ants don’t sting or bite, fire ant stings are painful, characterized by a local burning sensation, which swells into a bump within hours. The bump may develop into a white pustule within 24–36 hours, which can become infected if scratched, but will spontaneously flatten within a few days if left alone.

The Bug Man has products to help you keep ants out of your yard and your home. From Fire Ants to Crazy Ants, we can solve any of your ant problems.

https://bugmanonline.com/specialized-services/ant-control/

Keep Roaches from Vacationing Indoors this Summer

Posted on August 29, 2023 by Katie Bourg - Cockroaches, Pest Control General, Pests Services, Roaches

Preventing a roach infestation is essential during the summer, as roaches thrive in warm and humid environments and can quickly invade your home. For guidance on managing cockroaches safely, see the EPA’s recommendations. They can enter your home through small cracks, drains, or even hitch a ride in grocery bags or cardboard boxes. Roaches prefer to hide in dark, moist areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements during the day. And they reproduce rapidly, making it crucial to tackle a roach problem quickly before they start to lay eggs and multiply.

How to Prevent Roach Infestations

Preventing a roach infestation starts with maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment. Here are a few tips to help keep them from throwing a house party while you’re out.

Roaches are attracted to food and water sources, so ensure that your kitchen is spotless and free of crumbs and spills.
Store food in airtight containers and promptly fix any plumbing leaks to eliminate sources of moisture.
Seal cracks and crevices to prevent roaches from entering your home.
Regularly empty and clean trash cans, and keep outdoor garbage bins tightly sealed.

Let The Bug Man do the Dirty Work

If you’ve spotted roaches living care-free around your home and your roach spray isn’t doing the trick, it’s time to seek professional help. The Bug Man is experienced in dealing with roach infestations and can provide targeted treatments to eradicate these pests and their eggs. We employ safe and effective methods, including baits, sprays, and dusts, to eliminate roaches at their source. Our expertise ensures a thorough inspection of your home to identify and seal off entry points, preventing future infestations.

This summer, don’t let roaches crash your summer plans. By practicing preventive measures and seeking professional assistance, you can bid farewell to these unwelcome intruders. Contact The Bug Man today for a roach-free summer!

Summer Flea Prevention Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Pets

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Katie Bourg - Fleas, Pest Control General, Pests Services

Stay pest-free with these Summer Flea Prevention Tips!

Fleas are pesky insects that love warm weather, making them more active during the summer. They are tiny and hard to spot, but their itchy bites can be a real nuisance. Fleas often hitch a ride into your house on your pets or even on your clothes. Once inside, they multiply rapidly, infesting your carpets, furniture, and bedding. Our summer flea prevention tips can help you act quickly to stop fleas from multiplying and prevent a full-blown infestation.

Fleas in the House

Fleas are super stealthy in infiltrating your home. Once they hitch a ride into your home, you’ve got a full-blown flea circus. To get rid of these pesky acrobats, arm yourself with flea treatments for your furry pals and vacuum like there’s no tomorrow! Here are a few Summer Flea Prevention Tips to help keep your home and pets flea-free:

Flea Prevention is Key

Start by regularly grooming your dogs and cats and inspecting them for any signs of fleas and flea bites.
Use a flea comb to catch them before they have a chance to multiply.
Wash your pet’s bedding regularly in hot water and consider using flea prevention treatments recommended by your veterinarian.
Keep your yard tidy by mowing the grass and removing any debris where fleas might hide.
Vacuum your home frequently, paying extra attention to carpets, rugs, and furniture.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the EPA’s guidance on controlling fleas and ticks around your home.

Get Help from a Pest Expert

Despite your best efforts, fleas can still find their way into your home. When faced with a full-blown infestation, it’s time to call in the experts. The Bug Man has the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively get rid of fleas in your home. We can apply safe and targeted treatments that eradicate fleas at every life stage.

Fleas can be bothersome to you and your pets. And due to the sheer amount of eggs one flea can lay along with the long and repetitive life cycle, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them by yourself. Let The Bug Man treat your home to solve your flea infestation problem today!

Did you Know?

To see if a flea is biting you, put on white tube socks! If there are fleas, they’ll show up against the bright white socks.

Bell Sensing Technologies: Keeping Your Premises Rodent-Free with Automation

Posted on March 14, 2023 by brewadmin - 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 Bell Sensing Technologies for trapping rodents.

Bell Sensing 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 Bell Sensing Technology can save precious time and resources while ensuring better safety for everyone on site. Bell Sensing is also a cost-saving to the customer because instead of us coming weekly or monthly, we only come when we receive a notification

Bell Sensing 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 Bell Sensing Technologies, call The Bug Man today. After all, we get them when you can’t.

Asian Lady Beetles: How to Manage an Invasion

Posted on March 10, 2023 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

When it comes to pests, Asian lady beetles are one of the most unwelcome guests in many homes. These small yet mighty creatures have made their way from Southeast Asia and are now an invasive species across North America (USDA). While they can bring some natural benefits, they also often invade homes during autumn months, causing quite a nuisance.

So what can you do if Asian lady beetles show up unwanted at your doorstep? The first step is to identify them properly. These insects vary in color from red to orange and yellow and usually measure about 3/8 inch long. They also carry distinctive markings, including black spots or lines on their back, which make them relatively easy to spot!

Once you’ve identified the source of the invasion, there are several steps you can take to manage them effectively. Most importantly, make sure that any existing cracks or holes around windows and doors are sealed properly or else the lady beetles will find their way back in no time! It’s also important to keep your house clean as this reduces their chances of surviving indoors. Finally, use insecticides and a vacuum to treat the infestation. Make sure never to squish these beetles as they will stain a surface and will omit an odor.

When it comes to outdoor control measures, removing potential food sources is key. Lady beetles enjoy consuming aphids that attack plants, so regular pruning and tilling can help prevent infestations before they start! Additionally, keeping a close eye on high-traffic areas such as porches, decks and gardens will allow you to spot any incoming lady beetles colonies early on and intervene appropriately.

In conclusion, Asian lady beetles aren’t always bad news; they provide some natural benefits by eating destructive crop pests and other bugs alike. That being said, if they become too much of an issue, then proper management strategies need to be put in place in order for you and the environment alike to benefit! That’s why The Bug Man is here. If Asian lady beetles are invading your home, contact us today for expert assistance.

We Did It – The Bug Man wins Best Pest Control by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine

Posted on November 21, 2022 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

The Bug Man Wins Best Pest Control by BR Parents Magazine

Being a family-run business and setting the highest standards for the people we serve has always been at the heart of our mission. We pride ourselves on delivering the best pest control services to Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. This year, our community showed us just how much that dedication matters. We are honored to announce that The Bug Man has been voted Best Pest Control by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that winners are selected through a people’s choice vote. That means you—the families, homeowners, and business owners we help every day—chose us. Your vote tells us that you trust our work, value our service, and believe in the quality we bring to every visit. It confirms that people know we’re not just a pest control company; we’re an active part of this community and fully committed to protecting the places where you live, work, and play.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving thousands of customers across Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, and surrounding parishes. Our team works year-round to address Louisiana’s toughest pest challenges—from termites and mosquitoes to rodents and other seasonal invaders. We combine reliable treatments, cutting-edge technology, and personalized service to create long-lasting solutions that keep homes and businesses safe. This award reinforces that our commitment to quality and customer care truly makes a difference.

We’re proud to be recognized alongside so many other outstanding local companies that raise the bar for excellence in our community. On behalf of everyone at The Bug Man, thank you for your support, your trust, and your vote. We promise to continue delivering the same exceptional service that earned us this honor.

And of course—don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on seasonal tips, special offers, and everything happening at The Bug Man!

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