Category: Pest Control General

Bed Bug Identification Guide

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

Sleep Tight!

The last souvenir you want to bring home from your summer travels are bed bugs. 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. 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

Where Are They Found and What Are They Looking For?

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. They prefer hiding in seams of mattresses, crevices in box springs, behind headboards, under loose wallpaper or baseboards, and even behind pictures.

Identifying Features

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

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.

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, Uncategorized

Choosing a live Christmas tree adds a rustic, festive charm to your holiday season, but it can also bring along a few uninvited guests. 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: Tiny Hitchhikers

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 Surprises

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 Bug Infestations

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.

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.

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

Roaches thrive in warm and humid environments so they’re more active during the summer months. 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 tips on how to get rid of fleas in the house:

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.

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.

What Should I Do If My Neighbor Has Termites?

Posted on April 1, 2022 by brewadmin - Pest Control General, Termites

A sighting of several termite control trucks appearing at your neighbor’s house could be cause for concern. But just because termites have decided to knock on the door of your friend’s home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to pack your bags. 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.

3 Shortcuts For Effective Pest & Rodent Control | The Bug Man

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

Keeping critters like raccoons, mice, squirrels, nutria, opossum, snakes and birds at bay in your home or office is easier than you might think.

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. 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 brewadmin - Pest Control General, Snakes

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 serval poisonous snakes that exist here that can create a hazard, but over 85% of snakes carry salmonella in some form. Before you say “disgusting” and move on – wait one more minute. There’s 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

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.

What’s that rancid smell?

Posted on November 22, 2021 by brewadmin - Pest Control General, Pests Services, Rodents

You smell something. Something just awful. And once you find out that it’s the result of rodents or another animal, your first thought is to mask it with something else. We’re here to tell you that masking odors don’t work. The key to getting rid of the smell is to go straight to the source and eliminate it. Moreover, you need a non-toxic product that is safe for use in environments like restaurants, office complexes, homes, medical facilities, etc., where interrupting operations is not an option.

Chances are, if you notice a pungent smell but can’t track down its source, that a pest may have passed away in a place you can’t see, such as in a crawl space or wall. Another key indicator that something has died is by a large fly infestation. Flesh flies seemingly appear out of nowhere when something has died. Mice, rats, squirrels, opossums and raccoons are common culprits of the stench. But, whatever the pest, the fact remains that if an animal dies in the walls of your home or business, it can produce a near intolerable stench that’s impossible to ignore. It can begin to affect your family’s well-being or negatively impact your ability to serve customers within a short time.

The scent may last anywhere from a day or two up to a month or more. Nobody wants to live or work with this. At The Bug Man, we have the equipment to eliminate odors in a facility due to a dead animal, smoke or fire. Our Odor Neutralizer solution is safe, effective and can be administered without having to evacuate the affected structure. So, no matter where that smell is coming from, we have you covered.

If you are now experiencing or in the future experience a scent in your home or business that is unbearable, give The Bug Man a call at 225-923-2847. We’ll take care of the mess, so you don’t have to.