Tag: pest control

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

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. These tiny creatures are adapting 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 also can occur in or under buildings. Fire ants 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/

Summer Flea Prevention Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Pets

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

Split-image of a dog and a large flea holding a hitchhiker's bindle over its shoulder.

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. Fleas are like the rabbits of the insect kingdom, so it’s important to act quickly to prevent a full-blown flea 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.

What To Do If Your House Has Bed Bugs?

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Katie Bourg - Bed Bugs, Pests Services

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are commonly found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture near sleeping areas. These pests are known for their ability to cause skin irritation and discomfort, and they can quickly become a major nuisance for homeowners.

How Do You Treat a Bed Bug Infestation?

If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home, it is important to take action as soon as possible to eliminate these pests and prevent them from spreading.

Pest Control

One of the most effective ways to eliminate bed bugs from your home is to hire a professional pest control service. Pest control professionals are trained and equipped to handle bed bug infestations of any size, and they have access to specialized treatments and techniques that are not available to the average homeowner.

Treatments

Pest control professionals use a variety of methods to eliminate bed bugs from homes, including heat treatments, insecticides, and fumigation. Heat treatments involve raising the temperature of the infested area to a level that is lethal to bed bugs, while insecticides and fumigation treatments target the pests directly with chemicals. Your pest control professional will work with you to determine the best treatment method based on the severity of the infestation and your specific needs.

Prevention

In addition to eliminating bed bugs from your home, a pest control service can also provide tips and recommendations for preventing future infestations. This may include advice on how to properly clean. store & transport bedding and other linens as well as provide information on how to identify early signs of a bed bug infestation. A preventative treatment service can also be applied to a property to be proactive against bed bugs. This product has a 90-day residual with no odor and is safe to use around sleeping areas in multi-family housing, senior living facilities, shelters, hotels, etc.

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!

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What keeps biting me?!

If you are being bitten but can’t find any insects, The Bug Man can test furniture in the sleeping and common areas for current and previous bed bug infestations. These test kits will show a positive result if bed bugs have been present or any treatment for bed bugs was performed in the last 90 days. We recommend calling The Bug Man and packing a few in your suitcase for your next hotel stay!

If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation in your home, call The Bug Man. We can provide the expertise and tools needed to eliminate these pests and restore your home to a comfortable, pest-free environment.

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.

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 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

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