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Asian Lady Beetles: How to Manage an Invasion

Posted on March 10, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Asian Lady Beetles: How to Manage an Invasion

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. 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.

Roach Roster: The Difference Between American, German & Smoky Brown Roaches

Posted on April 29, 2022 by - Roaches

Roach Roster: The Difference Between American, German & Smoky Brown Roaches

We’ve all been there – you walk into your kitchen to grab a late-night snack and right as you reach for the oreos, you see a gigantic roach dart across your floor. How are you going to track it, kill it and stop others from following in its footsteps? A great starting place is identifying which type of cockroach it is. Did you know that there are actually thousands of species of them? We’re going to break down the top three that we typically come across in Louisiana to help you decipher your unwelcomed visitors.

If you’re seeing roaches 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.

American Cockoach

Sometimes known as the palmetto or water bug, American cockroaches are the biggest commonly-found species – often living outdoors, but making their way in for sustenance.

Identifying features:

  • Reddish brown in color with a yellow stripe behind the head
  • About 32-54 mm in length
  • Will fly sometimes
  • Will gather together in open spaces

Where are they found and what are they looking for?

  • American cockroaches are often found outside in warm, moist areas like flowerbeds and near trees, but they will go inside in search of food or water or in response to a climate change
  • They often enter through cracks under doors, in crawl spaces and garages
  • Inside, you can find them in places where crumbs, food particles and fermenting materials collect, like under appliances and in cabinets and pantries

German Cockroach

One of the smallest types of cockroaches, German roaches are one of the most well-known indoor roaches with the ability to easily travel via plumbing and through bags, boxes and furniture brought into the home.

Identifying features:

  • Light brown in color with two black stripes behind the head
  • About 13-16 mm in length
  • Fly infrequently, although they do have wings

Where are they found and what are they looking for?

  • German cockroaches prefer to live indoors and scavenge off of not only food droppings, but also things like garbage, books, hair and dog food
  • They gravitate toward dark, warm places, like around the wiring of electronics, under appliances and near trash cans

Smoky Brown Cockroach

A relative of the American cockroach, Smoky Brown cockroaches are large, nocturnal flying creatures that prefer the outdoors and non-dwelling places, but sometimes find their way indoors, often unnoticed.

Identifying features:

  • Dark mahogany or black in color with a shiny texture
  • About 33-38 mm in length
  • Often fly, with wings larger than their bodies

Where are they found and what are they looking for?

  • Smoky Brown cockroaches prefer warm, humid areas outside like in tree crevices, mulch, woodpiles, gutters and greenhouses
  • Because they get dehydrated easily, they are often found close to sources of water and feed on decaying plant and organic matter
  • They usually enter homes through sewers or fly in through doors and windows to toward light to take refuge in areas like attics and crawl spaces

If you suspect any of the above cockroaches to be present on your property, the easiest, most effective way to get rid of them for good is with the help of a professional pest control company. Because cockroaches carry diseases and can be harmful to the health of your household, frequent sightings should not be taken lightly. Contact The Bug Man to clear cockroaches up today – we’ll do the dirty work so you don’t have to. 

Don’t let cockroaches take over your home or business. 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!

Facts & Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas

Posted on September 21, 2020 by - Fleas

Frequently Asked Questions About 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.

Our expert Residential Pest Control and Commercial Pest Control services are designed to tackle flea infestations quickly and effectively. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you reclaim your space!