Pest Control General Archives - Page 3 of 3

You surely know that leaving food lying around is a great way to attract pests, you might be surprised by all of the things that can encourage insects and rodents to your home. Check out these five common things that make you simply irresistible(to pests). Follow these tips to help eliminate critters from your home.

1. Clutter Gives Pests Places to Hide

Even if your piles of items don’t contain food, they still are attractive to pests. Rodents and insects love burrowing and hiding in piles of newspapers and other clutter, so try to keep your home free of these items. Not only will you be able to get rid of pests, but you can also keep your home much neater and more organized.

2. Cracks Let Pests Into Your Home

Although you may have already sealed the doors and windows, there might be other cracks in and around your home that make it easy for bugs and other small pests to get into the house. Make sure that you seal any cracks in your home’s foundation and walls, and take the time to check around appliance vents, utility lines and plumbing to fill any small holes. The Bug Man offers solutions to repair and correct these conditions.

3. Moisture in the Home

Bugs and Critters LOVE moisture. Make sure to check your plumbing to make sure you don’t have any leaks. Any water in your home should be dealt with as soon as possible to discourage pests and prevent property damage.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends removing sources of food, water and shelter as an important first step in preventing household pest problems.

4. Damaged Screens Give Pests Easy Access

Little imperfections and tiny holes in your window and door screens might not seem like a big deal, but many insects can crawl their way through surprisingly tiny holes. Don’t give them that chance. If your screens have holes, replace them right away.

5. Your Neighbors Are attracting the Critters

If you investigated the above, have sealed every crack in your house and have put forth other concentrated pest control efforts, there’s a good chance that pests are finding their way to your neighborhood and home because of your neighbors nearby. It’s probably a good idea to talk to your neighbors about your pest control issues. Approach the conversation lightly for best results. Also, consider having a pest control company spray the perimeter of your property to help keep insects and other pests at bay.

If you think that you may have a pest issue or if you would like inspection, I know a guy. The Bug Man offers some of the most comprehensive pest treatment options in the region. Give us a call to make an appointment for a trained technician to visit your home. For more information, please call 923.BUGS or visit our website and request an estimate.

We offer worry free pest control solutions so you can rest easy knowing that your family, pets, home, and property are in good hands. 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. You’ve got our Bug Man Guarantee! Thanks for checking out our blog.
See you soon!!!
* The Bug Lady, Layne Salvant

Why Winter Pest Prevention Matters in Louisiana

Winter pest prevention is important in Louisiana because occasional cold snaps can drive insects and rodents into warm homes. Carpenter ants, cockroaches, silverfish, roof rats and house mice may enter through small openings while searching for food, water and shelter.

These household pests can contaminate food, damage property and create health concerns. Taking a few winter pest prevention steps inside and outside your home can make your property less inviting throughout the colder months.

These household pests include carpenter ants, ghost ants, cockroaches, silverfish, ticks, roof rats and house mice—eeekkk!! Not only are pests annoying and inconvenient for you and your loved ones, they can also cause major damage to your home. The Bug Man suggests that you to contact a licensed pest professional at the first indication of insect or rodent issues in your home this winter. That being said, here are some facts you should know about these pests:

Pests wintering in your home can spread pathogens and disease.
Rodents carry life-threatening diseases caused by bites from vector insects, such as fleas and ticks.
Rodent urine, droppings, saliva and nesting materials may expose people to disease. Never sweep or vacuum rodent waste before reviewing the CDC’s rodent cleanup instructions.
Rodents, if startled or threatened, will bite people and pets.
Because rats and mice reproduce at a rapid rate, rodent problems should be handled immediately by professionals, trained and certified in rodent removal, and elimination.
Some pests can put your home’s structural integrity at risk and even cause electrical fires.
Carpenter ants burrowing through wood can cause as much damage as termites—ughhh yes!!
Rodents who can chew through wood, asbestos, brick, concrete, aluminum and ½-inch thick metal, also gnaw through electrical wiring and are suspected of starting house fires.

Indoors, start by:

Keeping food prep surfaces and dining areas clean and sanitary
Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming floors regularly
Sealing all open dry goods in air-tight metal, glass or hard plastic containers
Cleaning dishes immediately after dining
Storing leftovers and desserts in your fridge
Using air-tight trash receptacles
Repairing leaks in pipes and any moisture-prone areas

Now…for the Outside: Remove all construction materials and unused plant containers

Keep your lawn cut short and remove areas of tall grass nearby
Stack firewood 20 feet away from your home, if possible
Reposition rocks and mulch away from your foundation
Trim branches away from your home and remove vines growing up your exterior walls

Focus on water-prone areas around your house

Consider areas where water is commonly found and take appropriate measures:

Store toys, planters, baby pools and other items that collect water in dry places
Repair any damp/rotting wood that makes it easier for pests to gain access to your home
Clean your gutters
Make sure your downspouts are functioning properly to direct water away from your home
Remove piles of gathered leaves from the base of your home and off your property
Seal up cracks, crevices and holes at the base of your home.This not only deters pests, and improves your home’s energy efficiency
Check windows and doors for cracks and other places pests can enter your home
Make sure door seals are in good shape or replace worn weather stripping
Check crawlspaces for tight-fitting seals around openings
Seal or caulk cracks and crevices in crawlspaces
Stuff small holes with steel wool to deter rodents
Check attic vents for tight seals
Consider your roof and the upper area of your home. Roof rats (umm yes) and flying insects can enter your home through tiny spaces

Other steps to take to exclude pests include:

Keeping all trash receptacles clean and away from your home
Sanitizing the area around your trash receptacles
Moving compost piles away from your home
Trading out standard white exterior lightbulbs with yellow or sodium vapor lights
Installing storm windows. For year-round screen usage, your screens need to be intact, with no holes or tears and fit snugly

When to Call for Help

Cleaning, moisture control and exclusion work can help prevent winter pests, but an established infestation may require professional treatment.

The Bug Man can inspect your property, identify pest entry points and create a seasonal pest-management plan for your home. Our team uses targeted prevention and treatment methods to establish a protective barrier around your property.

Contact The Bug Man or call 225-923-BUGS for help keeping your Louisiana home comfortable and pest-free this winter.

Don’t bug out—call The Bug Man and keep your peace of mind intact. You’ve got our Bug Man Guarantee!

The Bug Lady,
Layne Salvant

Category: Pest Control General

Law of Attraction Pest Edition