Tag: pest control

How The Seasons Affect Pest Behavior

Posted on November 19, 2020 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

Pests are always looking for a nice warm, safe place to find shelter and food. And yes, that place is often our homes. Pests are affected by the seasons and the threats they bring vary as the weather changes. It’s essential to keep pests out of your home and protect it. Let’s take a look at the season pest patterns so you can take the proper precautions as seasons change.

SPRING – Insects Are Awakening And Mating Begins

The flowers are blooming and the temperatures are warming. Spring is a magical time of year. However, with this mix of warmth and moisture, pests emerge from their winter nesting area. Termites may swarm and bees and wasps are roused from their dormant state and with the spring rains, ants may try to find higher ground and look to get indoors. Most pests will move outdoors in spring to find mates.

SUMMER – Outdoor Fun And Backyard Pests

Everyone wants to get outside and enjoy all that summer has to offer, but pests may put a damper on that BBQ you were planning on. While we don’t see as many indoor pests during the summer, we see a larger amount of pests outdoors. Bees, wasps, and other stinging insects are more active and their nests are often found on or near our homes. And let’s not forget what the spring and summer rains bring – mosquitos. It takes a little effort to deter these nuisances, but putting in a bit of effort can undoubtedly increase the number of good times you can have outdoors.

FALL – A Little Home Maintenance And A Shelter

There’s a chill in the air and guess who’s looking for a place to prepare for winter? You guessed it – pests. Boxelders, ladybugs and spiders are coming into your home. They love cracks and crevices. What about more significant pests like mice and rats? They too are looking for food and shelter. Fall is the season to pull up your sleeves and do a little home maintenance. Make sure those cracks, crevices, holes and gaps in your siding, foundations, floors, attics, and garages are sealed to keep them out.

WINTER – Hibernation And Survival

Winter is a time of hibernation and survival for pests. Now that it’s colder the weather triggers a need for pests to find shelter. Some seek refuge outdoors, but others will be looking to shelter indoors. Wasps and bees will look for places in logs, or the eaves of your home and ants will look to seek shelter in their nesting sites. Other pests like mice and rats are not tolerant of the winter months and often look for shelter in homes. The best time to prepare to keep these pests out and away from your home is in fall.

Being prepared for seasonal insect patterns is important. It’s not always easy to completely control or deter insects and pests on your own; that’s why you have The Bug Man. To make sure all insect infestation signs or pest inhabitation are appropriately addressed, give us a call or text us at 225-923-2847.

Facts & Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas

Posted on September 21, 2020 by brewadmin - 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.

The Things Roaches Love Most About Your Home

Posted on August 26, 2020 by brewadmin - Cockroaches

Roaches. They’re nasty. They’re incredibly difficult to catch; harder to kill. And, oh yeah, they fly. It might be hard to hear the truth, but it’s simple: even clean homes attract cockroaches. That’s right. The most sparkling clean, thrice housekept, bleach-bombed estate on the block is a target for roaches. A big target, as a matter of fact, and they find a way in — no matter what. After all, we’re talking about insects that can survive a nuclear bomb. Here’s what they love so much about your home:

Roaches Go for Your Kitchen Garbage

Roaches find a way into the food garbage — even in spite of the most secure trash can lid. When cockroaches are present in your home, rest assured, they aren’t just hanging out. They’re in search of a food source. Your leftover sugary sweets and fatty grease are some of their favorite entrees. That’s why there’s arguably no better place for them to look than the very container in which all the food scraps are collected. Staying up to date on your neighborhood garbage collection schedule and routinely taking out the trash every evening or every other evening is a great way to prevent roaches from coming into your house. Of course, getting a roach-focused pest control plan from The Bug Man is a great way to eliminate the problem, too.

They Love Limbs That Hang Close to Your House

Cockroaches don’t grow on trees, but a roach problem in your house can certainly start in them. You might love your landscaping, but if tree branches (particularly from oak trees) hang close to or touch your roof or awning, roaches use these limbs like bridges from their favorite outdoor habitat to their favorite indoor hunting grounds. The latter just so happens to be your home. Trimming branches and limbs away from your house is a great way to cut off their access to your house and fend off any roach intrusions or infestations.

Where There’s Water, There are Roaches

We already established that cockroaches are nasty things, as are most creatures that like to hold up in dark, humid places. But it seems the only places they like more than the kitchen garbage can, are places that gather moisture. Around the refrigerator, behind the toilets, under the sinks, in the back of drawers — pretty much all the nooks and crannies we would rather ignore and shy away from are the kind of places that roaches like best. Louisiana has plenty of water and humidity to go around, which explains why shoeing away cockroaches is something of a way of life around here. Coincidentally, it’s a good thing professionals from The Bug Man are around to make a living out of eliminating these persistent pests.

Uncovered Food is a Roach Free-for-All

Cooking and prepping food is hard enough as it is. The cleanup is just the annoying part. Although, the knowledge that the cleanup will keep away roaches is reassuring to say the least. Putting away uncovered food (pet food included) is a good way to steer clear of a roach problem. Put in some elbow grease to remove any cooking grease from counters and floors and make sure to scrub away any sweets and sugary foods left on countertops. Take it from us, the sight of a clean kitchen is significantly better than the sight of cockroaches making a buffet line out of your breakfast nook or butcher block countertops.

Cockroaches are a nasty nuisance. They might just love our homes more than we do. The tips above as well as sealing up doors, windows and cracks in buildings are some of a few things we know about putting roaches on the run. However, there’s no substitute for professional pest control and prevention. At The Bug Man, we know a thing or two about the way cockroaches make their way into your house, which is why we’re more than equipped to target the way to keep them out.

If you are concerned about cockroaches and pest problems in or around your home, consider calling a pest management professional. The Bug Man provides many pest control services for 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.

How To Best Prepare for Summer Pests

Posted on July 23, 2020 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

Summer is in full swing in Louisiana and the temperatures are starting to heat up. This time of the year brings vacations, pool parties, backyard barbeques and, unfortunately, lots of bugs. From termites and mosquitoes to ants and cockroaches, it seems like these insects enjoy the summer just as much as we do!

See, bugs thrive in warm weather because they are unable to generate their own body heat. They rely on the warmth of the sun’s rays to survive. If you’ve recently seen swarms of mosquitoes or ant piles the size of castles forming in your yard, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to best prepare for these pesky summer pests:

Clean Outside Your Home

Bugs love making their homes in cluttered areas. Start cleaning your yard by getting rid of piles of leaves and brush. Try to maintain your yard regularly to avoid overgrowth along fences and in flower beds near windows and doors. Additionally, be on the lookout for places where water can pool for long periods. This can include bird feeders, flower pots, buckets, and much more. This is where mosquitoes thrive and like to breed.

Clean Up The Kitchen

The main reason why bugs are in your house in the first place is because they’re on the hunt for a food source. Even the smallest pile of crumbs on the counter or floor is a treat for ants and other insects. Cleaning your kitchen is a must if you want to prevent these pests from invading your home. Make sure you are wiping your counters and sweeping the floor daily. Many people at this time clean out cupboards and get rid of things in their pantry. You’d be surprised to see what kind of bugs are hiding out in there; munching on your Cheerios crumbs and open bags of chips. Cleaning your pantry is also a good excuse to get rid of that spoiled chicken noodle soup from 2010.

Protect Your Trash

Both indoors and outdoors, your trash should have a tight lid. Roaches and ants reach heaven whenever they get the chance to dig through your garbage for food. Get to know your city’s garbage collection schedule, and take your trash out regularly. If you don’t, it’ll linger as a ready food source for pests.

Rather than wait for an unwanted infestation to occur, take it upon yourself to protect your family and your home. Although these are prevention tips to get pests away from your home, these won’t get rid of pests completely. If you are concerned about a pest problem in or around your home, consider calling a pest management professional. The Bug Man provides many pest control services for mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and much more! For a customized solution for your household, contact The Bug Man or give us a call at (225) 923-2847.

Commercial Pest Control: Why Your Business Needs It

Posted on November 21, 2019 by brewadmin - Commercial

When it comes to pest control, protecting your business is just as important as protecting your home. However, the risks associated with not properly protecting your business can be vastly different from those involved with at-home pest control. We treat our customers like family, and we know that you do the same for yours. From apartment complexes to government and educational institutions, here are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t leave pest control for your organization to anyone but the best.

Reason 1: Reputation

The internet spreading information faster than ever can result in several positive outcomes. However, this can spell trouble for any business. That one bug you or your employees might have missed can turn an easily-fixed issue into a permanent mark on your company’s reputation. It only takes a few seconds and a smartphone for somebody to wreak havoc on your company’s reputation with a bad review.

The Bug Man knows how important a thorough inspection is in order to prevent even the smallest pests from slipping through and turning into low-star reviews online.

Reason 2: Government Health Standards

Health clinics and childcare centers are required by the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services to have pest control services. This is not only important to the legal future of your business but it also provides that extra peace-of-mind to your employees and clients.

Because of this, it’s key to have pest control professionals that can provide top-of-the-line service and make sure to leave you with proper documentation for when audits are done.

Reason 3: Timeliness

Without a certified pest control expert, even the most aggressive DIY extermination attempt is very likely to fail. What’s more, each failed attempt means both you and your employees waste even more time trying to rectify the situation.

With a professional team to watch your back, your pest issues are taken care of the first time, and preventative measures and check-ups keep it that way. This leaves you with more time to focus on what’s important – the future of your business.

Reason 4: Prevention

In every aspect of a business, there is always a need to prevent something before something bad happens. If a rodent enters your building and chews wires, they could easily shut down the office computer system. If rodents chew on water lines, they can cause a water leak. Additionally, if these pesky creatures find their way in a drop ceiling, they can find nesting to live, reproduce and in cave it in. Exclusion can keep them out and an exterior rodent service can keep them away.

After 40 years of growth and service to our community, we at The Bug Man know how important your business is to you. Our team of pest control experts wants nothing more than to take a bit of weight off of your shoulders by keeping your workplace free of bugs and other vermin.

Call us to schedule an on-site inspection at 225-923-2847 or find us online to get an on-location estimate.

Law of Attraction Pest Edition

Posted on September 26, 2018 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

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

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

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.

4.Damaged Screens

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 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

STAY CONNECTED

Adventures in Pest Control

Posted on February 3, 2018 by brewadmin - Pest Control General

AVOIDING PESTS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

It’s true! Louisiana’s climate allows her the leisure of pretty moderate temperatures during the winter months, even cold snaps can find their way to us from time to time. That’s when insects and rodents will run for the shelter and warmth of your Baton Rouge home.

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.
Roaches that feed on rodent droppings can cause the dangerous respiratory condition, Hantavirus, as well as allergic reactions that can trigger asthma attacks, particularly in children.
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

I HOPE YOU FIND THESE TIPS HELPFUL!

The Bug Man hopes you have a fun, pest-free Louisiana winter—what’s left of it. Cleaning up and repairing the exterior of your home this winter, plus keeping the interior of your home clean and sanitized will go a very long way in creating a healthy place where pests can’t survive and reproduce. Come spring, you’ll be ready for the increased pest activity that comes with the season. For comprehensive pest protection, contact The Bug Man to design a seasonal integrated pest management plan that uses human and pet-friendly methods and treatments to create a pest barrier around the perimeter of your property.

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

Thanks for checking out my first blog post.

See you soon.

The Bug Lady,
Layne Salvant