How to Wasp-Proof Your Car

Wasp on a car window in LouisianaAre you preparing for an exciting road trip this summer? You may want to hold your horsepower for a moment. Warm weather here in Baton Rouge can bring an unexpected problem for many local car owners: wasps moving into their vehicles. Yes, those stinging insects can transform your car into a nerve-wracking buzz-fest. Thankfully, with a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid finding these unwanted guests while trying to drive peacefully down the road. Read on to learn Dugas Pest Control‘s top tips for wasp-proofing your car.

Why Do I Have Wasps in My Car?

Wasps are opportunistic creatures that look for sheltered places to build their nests. They prefer dark, dry, and warm areas protected from predators and weather. Your car may meet all these circumstances, especially if you park it for a long period of time or only drive occasionally.

Wasps can enter your car through small openings such as cracks, vents, windows, or doors. They may also travel into your car by hitching a ride on your clothing or personal items. Once inside your car, they will look for a suitable spot to start their nest. Most wasps will build nests in undisturbed areas such as the trunk, engine compartment, or wheel wells. However, some may also build a home beneath the seats, behind the dashboard, or in the glove box – particularly if your car has been sitting empty for a long time.

How to Prevent Wasps

The last thing you need to deal with while driving is a wasp buzzing around your head. Taking a few steps to prevent stinging insects in your vehicle could save you from that terrifying and potentially dangerous situation. To deter wasps from building a nest in your car, follow these tips:

  • Do not leave the car empty for long: Check and drive your vehicle regularly to keep wasps from settling into your space.
  • Keep your car clean: Sugary drinks and trash can provide a food source for pests. Routine cleaning can make your car less attractive to wasps.
  • Seal any cracks or gaps: Caulk, tape, or mesh can block entry for any pests, including stinging insects.
  • Close and lock your doors and windows: An open window makes it easy for wasps and other pests to get inside. Taking a few seconds to close everything up can go a long way.

What to Do If You Discover Wasps in Your Car

Disturbing or attempting to remove wasps on your own is not advisable. Wasps are very defensive of their nest and will attack anyone threatening them. They can sting multiple times and cause severe allergic reactions in some people.

The best action is to contact a reputable pest control company immediately. Without putting you or your car in danger, they will remove the nest and the wasps using their expertise and equipment. Additionally, they will check your vehicle for additional indications of an infestation and offer advice on avoiding further issues.

Wasp Control Experts in Baton Rouge

If you need help removing wasps in Baton Rouge, look no further than Dugas Pest Control. We are a full-service pest management company serving local homes and businesses since . Our highly qualified professionals are well-versed in the best industry practices for pest control, and we can help quickly and safely handle your wasp situation. With our team, you can expect:

  • Certified technicians with local expertise
  • Environmentally responsible products and practices
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Do not let wasps ruin your summer or damage your car. Contact Dugas Pest Control today and let them handle your wasp problem. 

Does Home Mosquito Control Work?

Mosquitoes swarming around and biting a person's legs.Warm weather is back here in Baton Rouge, which means longer days and more opportunities to get together with friends and enjoy the sunshine. At the same time, the moist and warm conditions of our spring and summer climate create the perfect breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes.

These blood-hungry pests can render your backyard virtually unusable. And any amount of research will bring up a variety of DIY mosquito traps and deterrents that you can implement on your own – but do they actually work? Which home mosquito treatments are worth money, and when is it better to call a professional?

DIY Mosquito Repellents that Don’t Work

Some mosquito repellents on the market aren’t nearly as effective as they would have you believe. Others work to an extent, but don’t address the root of the problem. Many say to remove standing water, which can limit opportunities for mosquitoes to lay eggs and reproduce. But this is difficult, as mosquitos can lay eggs in water droplets as small as a thimble. Other home mosquito repellents that may not work are: 

  • Mosquito repellent wristbands
  • Portable mosquito traps
  • Citronella candles
  • Wearable sonic devices

What You Can Do for Home Mosquito Control

Now that you know that many DIY mosquito control methods don’t live up to expectations, you may be wondering  – what can you do to combat mosquitos at home? The answer, in many cases, is easier than what you may expect.

An inexpensive box fan can keep you comfortable in hot weather, but it can do more than that. It can also circulate air on your porch or patio, creating a man-made wind current that mosquitoes naturally want to avoid. Mosquitoes are poor flyers and tend to stay away from areas with strong winds.

You can also enjoy the pleasant weather by planting a garden of herbs and flowers that mosquitoes naturally avoid, such as: 

  • Basil
  • Marigold
  • Peppermint
  • Geranium 
  • Lavender
  • Lemon Balm

Dugas Pest Control for Mosquito Extermination in Baton Rouge

You’ve planted your garden and left your fan spinning – you even removed all the bigger bodies of standing water around your property, and yet you are still overrun by mosquitos. That means it’s time for you to call the professionals. If you’re looking for a mosquito exterminator in Baton Rouge, you can get the best of the best in Dugas Pest Control. 

Since , we’ve been combating mosquitos in properties across Baton Rouge. We believe our friends and neighbors should be able to enjoy the spring and summer in comfort. If that sounds good to you, contact us today to get started!

Spring Season for Pests

Warm, sunny days, especially after rainfall, will bring out swarms of insects from their winter nests. These spring pests in Baton Rouge could be termites, wasps, bees, or ants – all of which can easily make theirA swarm of mosquitoes outside in the day way into your home and yard. These swarms are unwelcome guests to an otherwise pleasant season. There are, how ever, ways to protect your home and yard from infestations 

Common Spring Insects in Baton Rouge

Insects that come out in spring are foraging for food and seeking to mate. While this usually is taking place outdoors, keep in mind that they also could be seeking shelter and someplace to nest inside your home. Be on the lookout for: 

  • WASPS – Wasps come in a variety of colors which include yellow, brown, red and metallic bluem and have a narrow waist and pointed abdomen. They nest in wood fibers that they have chewed into a pulp and formed a honeycombed umbrella shape. 
  • BEES – Bees that aren’t your friendly honey making variety come yellow with black stripes. They tend to nest in piles of wood or other yard debris. 
  • ANTS- One of the most common ants is the odorous house ant. This type of ant is ⅛ to 3/16 inch in length, known for the odor they make when crushed. 
  • TERMITES – Termites come in shades of brown, white and black and range in sizes ⅛ of an inch to 1 inch. They have antennae and wings and can be mistaken for ants. 

There are 3 types of termites known to the area: 

Drywood termites. As their name implies they make their home in dry wood and need no contact with soil to live. They don’t go for moist, soft wood, instead they eat across the grain of dry, hard wood. This is very damaging and dangerous to structures. They are common to warmer, tropical climates with mild winters. Evidence of infestation includes discarded wings, feces or frass (piles of sawdust from feeding). 

Eastern subterranean termites. These termites cause homeowners the most damage and also are the most common termite in North America. They are prone to swarm in late February or early March. They make mud tubes that are used as tunnels from the ground to their food source, 

Formosan termites. This termite is known to be the most destructive of termites, but only found in certain locations. They usually swarm later in spring, around mid May.

Protecting your home and yard from invading pests

Below are just a few tips to discourage pests from taking up residence in your space. 

Cleaning up after outdoor BBQ and other cooking as wasps and bees are looking for and are attracted to protein based foods. Leaking faucets or hoses provide a water source that attracts not only wasps and bees but termites and ants. 

Patching cracks or crevices in walls, repairing broken panels or siding to discourage wasps from nesting in your walls. Keep your yard clean of heavy debris. 

Ants such as odorous house ants, nest in walls and beneath carpeting. Keep organic debris such as leaves and piles of wood away from your foundation. Store leftovers in airtight containers and keep areas clean of food debris and dirty dishes. Ants are attracted to sweets as well as protein-based foods.

Springtime Pest Control with Dugas Pest Control

Even if you take all the proper preventative measures, you still may wind up with a pest infestation in your home or yard. When that happens, you can trust the team at Dugas Pest Control to give you the most reliable and comprehensive treatment in the Baton Rouge area. We’ve lived through 2025 spring seasons, and in that period, we’ve mastered the art of eradicating the most common swarms and keeping more from taking their place. Want to know more? Contact us today to get started!

How Dangerous are Kissing Bugs?

A kissing bug rests on a red flower in Baton Rouge LA.Despite their name, kissing bugs are anything but romantic. These tiny pests are notorious for leaving tiny bites on people in the middle of the night – typically near the mouth, hence their nickname. While it’s unsettling enough to wake up covered in bites, are kissing bugs actually dangerous? The experts at Dugas Pest Control explain why the kissing bug is potentially dangerous and share tips that can help keep your home kissing bug-free.

What is a Kissing Bug?

Triatomine bugs – commonly called “kissing bugs”, “conenose bugs” or “vampire bugs” – are parasitic insects that feed on blood. They are oval-shaped, dark in color, and typically grow to around ½ to 1 inch in length. Though juveniles do not have wings, adults do and are capable of flying. Their most defining feature, however, is a long, prominent beak that they use for feeding. 

Since kissing bugs are nocturnal, they tend to hide near sleeping humans or animals. Most stay in small nooks or crannies such as cracks in floorboards, walls, or furniture. Adults are solitary and generally do not live in large groups, though females may leave eggs behind.

Are Kissing Bugs Dangerous?

As with any blood-feeding insect, kissing bugs are dangerous. While their bites are not particularly painful, they could lead to infections or serious diseases. Triatomine bugs are most known for spreading Chagas disease, which could have chronic effects lasting a decade or more after the initial transmission.

What’s Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease is the result of a parasite called Typanosoma cruzi, which is stored in the digestive tract of kissing bugs after they feed on an infected organism. The parasite doesn’t spread while the kissing bug is actively feeding; rather, it enters the wound of the bite through feces, which the insect typically leaves behind after feeding. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Chagas disease is potentially life-threatening. Early signs of the disease include:

  • Body aches
  • Fever and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Swelling of eyelids
  • Swelling around the bite
  • Recurring headaches
  • Swollen glands

If you suspect you’re suffering from Chagas disease or another illness, seek medical attention immediately. Other animals may also suffer from this disease, so contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has been bitten. 

How Can You Prevent Kissing Bugs?

The last thing you want is to discover bite marks on your face first thing in the morning. Keeping triatomine bugs out of your home is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this pest. Here are some ways you can prevent kissing bugs (and other insects) from entering your home:

  • Seal any gaps, cracks or openings around doors, windows, or your foundation
  • Repair any ripped screens or broken weather stripping
  • Keep your landscaping tidy and remove any debris near your house or in your yard
  • Place landscape lights (if you have them) farther away from the base of your house
  • Let pets sleep indoors during the nighttime
  • Check sleeping areas in your home periodically for signs of bugs

What to Do if You Find One

It’s never pleasant to find a pest in your home – especially one as potentially dangerous as a kissing bug. While your initial instinct may be to squish the insect immediately, the CDC strongly recommends that you do not come into contact with the kissing bug. 

Rather than squishing it, place a clear container on top of it and then, contact a pest control professional.  They’ll be able to confirm the bug’s identity and inspect your home for signs of more insects.

Whether you’re worried you found a kissing bug in your home or just want to ensure your space is completely free from pests, Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge can help. We’ve been providing exceptional pest control services in Louisiana since 1957. Give us a call today for a free quote!

Why Is a Pest Control Company Installing Insulation?

ants at the base of a wall

What do you do to keep pests from getting into your home? There are many precautions you can take. Maybe it’s sealing off your trash bins and dry goods, denying easy access to potential food sources. You might incorporate repellent scents or traps, things you have to reapply every so often to maintain their effectiveness. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a form of pest control that protects your home without you having to do anything? And what if this product could also make your home more efficient and more comfortable? You can do all of that with the help of TAP® Insulation, which Dugas Pest Control is authorized to install.

If you haven’t heard of this before, you might be asking – why would a pest control company offer insulation? Let’s answer some common questions about it below.

TAP® Insulation Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is TAP® Insulation? 

A. TAP insulation is a loose-fill cellulose material that is blown into floors, attics, or wall voids. It’s made primarily from recycled materials and is able to kill many common insect pests on an ongoing basis.

Q. How does TAP® Insulation kill pests?

A. The cellulose in TAP is treated with Boric acid. This natural mineral is also found in some cleaning agents and medical supplies, but it has powerful pest-killing properties. Smaller insects get coated with the acid when they come into contact with it, and it gets into their system when they groom themselves. They’re unable to pass the chemical, and they ultimately die of dehydration or malnutrition. 

Q. What pests does TAP® Insulation kill? 

A. The Boric acid in TAP Insulation is not strong enough to harm rodents, pets, children or adults. It’s meant to target smaller insect pests, ranging from ants and Formosan termites to larger pests like slugs, cockroaches, and beetles.

Q. Where does TAP® rank as insulation?

A. TAP has proven its value as home insulation. The loose-fill cellulose slows the transfer of heat, to better regulate your home’s temperature throughout the year. It also has a good R-value, lower than spray foam, but higher than fiberglass batting. Overall, TAP Insulation will make your home quieter, as well as more comfortable and pest-free. It’s even fire-resistant!

Q. What are some of the downsides of TAP® Insulation?

A. Since TAP is made of cellulose, it’s vulnerable to mold and water damage. That’s why, for homes that go forward with TAP Insulation, we stress the importance of maintaining moisture control throughout the house. This is the best for not only your insulation but also the structural integrity of your home.

Dugas Pest Control for TAP® Pest Control Insulation

While TAP® isn’t toxic to humans unless ingested in very large quantities, it should still be installed by a professional. When Dugas Pest Control sends our team of trained experts to install TAP, we do so with the skill and experience you need to enjoy its benefit for decades to come. If you want to know more, visit our TAP Insulation page.

New Year, New Me, NO PESTS!

Friends lighting sparklers at night on New Year's Eve

As we reach the end of the new year and the start of the next, it’s common to ask yourself what changes you’re going to make for 2023. Are you going to commit to a dietary change, a workout regimen or new artistic outlet? Whether your ambitions are grand or simple, there’s a promise we can all make toward maintaining a pest-free home. And you don’t necessarily need poisons or elaborate traps to make this happen. If you have a pest infestation, you can rely on Dugas Pest Control for residential or commercial extermination services. But if you work with intention and follow a few key resolutions, there’s a chance you won’t need to call us at all.

You can make these four New Year’s resolutions today to improve your odds of having a peaceful, pest-free start to the new year.

Resolution One: Clear Out Clutter!

Pests like to hide and nest in areas that are quiet, dark, and undisturbed. Do you treat your closets and attics as dumping grounds for whatever you no longer want to look at? If so, you’re inadvertently creating an ideal habitat for all kinds of pests. Roaches, mice, and bed bugs all love easy access to areas where they will be able to feed and reproduce without being bothered. Because of that, it’s important to be consistently vigilant in keeping your home organized at all times. Doing this won’t just deter pests, it’ll also leave you calmer and more aware of the space around you.

Resolution Two: Keep Your Kitchen Clean!

The two biggest attractants of pests are shelter and a source of food. Think about the state of your kitchen. Do you have bowls of food left open and unattended to on the counters? Are the dishes from last night’s dinner still in the sink? You probably already know tendencies like these are not desirable habits to maintain – but think about it from the perspective of a pest. Those food particles left on the surfaces of your kitchen that you’re too busy to clean are a feast for a mouse or ant. Keep your food stored and your kitchen clean, and you no longer advertise yourself to every bug and rodent in the neighborhood. It’s that simple.

Resolution Three: Eliminate Entry Points!

Pests don’t appear out of nowhere. They all got in through some kind of opening in the exterior of your home. So, take the time to find and seal any potential entry point in, around, and outside your home. Pay special attention to windows and doors, as well as your foundation, vents, and the holes around any electric conduits, gas lines, or water faucets. And you can install new door sweeps or weatherstripping on exterior doors to further secure your home against pests.

Resolution Four: Transport Your Tinder!

We all enjoy a nice fire when it’s cold out. At the same time, though, there are a variety of insects that hide in the kind of firewood you bring into your home. To avoid bringing spiders, ants, flies, and other pests into your home, it’s important to keep your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home. Only take what you plan on burning at the time, and always inspect the wood before you bring it inside. With that in mind, you’ll be able to stay warm without running the risk of pests.

Dugas Pest Control – Experienced Exterminators in Baton Rouge

Life is hard to predict. If you do all this and still wind up with a pest infestation sometime next year, Dugas Pest Control is here to help. We’ve been controlling pests around Baton Rouge for over 50 years, so we’re familiar with the pests that live here. You don’t have to waste any time worrying, stressing and scrambling for DIY solutions. Instead, let one of our technicians handle the infestation quickly and efficiently. When we’re done, you’ll be able to start the new year off right. Want to know more and get a free quote for your household? Contact us today!

Rats and Mice: The Scoop on Poop

white mouse going down hallway

Have you found what looks like mysterious tracks of dirt around your house? Take a closer look, because what you’re seeing may actually be rodent poop. Like any animal droppings, rat and mouse poop is not a pleasant sight for any homeowner. However, unlike some of these other animals, mishandling their leavings poses a particular health hazard. What does mouse poop look like? How can you clean rat droppings safely? And who can you call in Baton Rouge for comprehensive rat control services? We’ll answer all of that below.

Rat Versus Mouse Droppings

Rats and mice may both be considered the same kind of pests, but they’re very different creatures. Rats are much larger, for instance, and their droppings reflect that. They will leave waste all over the house in pellets the size of a coffee bean. Rat droppings are commonly mistaken for squirrel poop, though squirrel leavings are more rounded and lighten over time.

Compare this to mouse poop. Mice are so small that their waste is sometimes confused with cockroach poop. Both are dark and tiny, though mouse droppings are pointed at the ends like a grain of rice. You might find these dark brown grains in your silverware drawer, or behind spaces where you store food. If you do, it’s a sure sign of the presence of mice somewhere in your home. But before you address that, how can you properly clean the leavings in front of you right now?

How to Safely Clean Mouse and Rat Poop

There’s a respiratory disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, or just Hantavirus for short. It’s a severe respiratory disease that has similar symptoms to COVID-19, including the possibility of the patient’s lungs filling with fluid. The fatality rate is around 38%, but in the United States, there have been no cases of the disease being transferred from person to person. How does it spread, then?

Rats and mice are both known for carrying HPS. When they leave their droppings around the house, their waste contains the virus. So, if you come across a pile and sweep or vacuum it up, you’re unknowingly releasing virus particles into the air. That’s not to say that you can’t clean rodent waste from around your house, it just means that to do so requires some careful precautions.

You’ll need rubber or plastic gloves, eye goggles and a mask. Once you’re protected, spray the contaminated area with bleach or disinfectant and allow it to soak for five minutes. Once you’ve done that, you can wipe up the mess with a paper towel and throw it away. After that you can clean as you usually would, vacuuming or scrubbing depending on the location of the mess. Doing all this cleans and sanitizes your home, but it doesn’t remove the pest from your property. To do that you’ll need some professional help.

Dugas for Rodent Control

At Dugas Pest Control we’ve been controlling pests around Baton Rouge for almost a hundred years. We are familiar with all the main rodents and other pests in this part of Louisiana, and we can treat for all of them. Rats and mice, if left on their own, can damage your belongings and your house as a whole. They will tunnel through insulation and gnaw at wood and wires, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. If you’re in the Baton Rouge LA area and have a rodent infestation, we’re the ones that can get rid of it for you. Not only that, but we can implement exclusion tactics to make sure more don’t get in later. To learn more and get your free quote, contact us today!

Is DIY Pest Control a Realistic Option?

a man wonders if he should try to solve his cockroach problem with DIY pest control methods

Is Do-It-Yourself Pest Control a Realistic Option?

Do-It-Yourself pest control might seem like a good way to save money, time, and hassle. Pick up some pesticide from the local hardware store and you’re good to go. No need to shell out or wait around for professional exterminators. Right? Well, not so fast. DIY pest control isn’t easy, and it carries significant downsides. If you’re considering doing your own pest control, you need to understand the risks so you can take measures to safeguard yourself, your family, and your home.

What Are the Risks of DIY Pest Control?

No matter what pests you’re dealing with, there are a few important things to remember. Always take pesticides seriously and use only according to instructions. Reading the instructions fully and understanding them is crucial, or your risks will greatly increase.

Negligence

Situations may exist where you can be held liable for your pest control practices. Pesticides are dangerous chemicals when misused. They can cause significant harm and create civil and even criminal liability for you. This is doubly true if you’re trying to eradicate a species of pest that’s protected by law.

Exposure to Pesticides

You should always wear protective clothing and gloves when handling pesticides and other chemicals. Also, PPE like a mask and eye goggles are recommended in areas where there might be pests or rodents. This will reduce the risk of getting bitten or stung. Read the instructions carefully and use only the amount that’s recommended for the job.

Haphazard exposure to pesticides can lead to health problems. Pregnant women and young children should avoid areas where pesticides have been used. Pesticides must be stored out of reach of children and pets so they don’t come into contact with them. Improper use of pesticides can lead to chemicals leaking into water supplies, vegetable gardens, and even the air inside your home. If using pesticides indoors, adequate ventilation is critical.

Unsatisfactory Results

Imagine doing all that work yourself, only for the problem to return in a few weeks or months. That’s another risk you face with DIY pest control. Dugas Pest Control’s team of experienced pest control experts know where to look in your home and how to root out infestations so they won’t return. That saves you time, stress and money in the long run.

Let Our Trained Specialists Handle It

Dugas Pest Control has provided effective, professional and affordable pest control solutions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and surrounding areas since 1957. Our experienced exterminators are trained to identify and locate the source of your pest problems, and once the job is finished we’ll offer reasons why the pests were there and help you strategize methods for preventing future infestations. We can do the job faster, safer, more efficiently, and more completely than you ever could. When factoring all of this in, DIY pest control is simply not worth the risks to your health and peace of mind.

Let us handle your pest control so you can go back to living your life. Contact us today for a free quote!  

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The Most Dangerous Ants in America

If you’ve seen ants in or near your home, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Ants are one of the most widely distributed types of insects on earth. There are more than 12,000 species of ants and they live almost everywhere on earth except for Greenland, Iceland and a few other islands. 

Since they live almost everywhere, it’s inevitable that you’ll cross paths with ants sometimes. Most species aren’t hazardous to humans but some are a threat because they’re venomous or particularly aggressive. If you know which ant species to avoid, you can steer clear of danger. Want to know which ants to look out for, according to the experts at Dugas Pest Control? Read on.

Red imported fire ant
Red imported fire ant

The Most Dangerous Ants in America

The field ant is a very common ant species in the eastern two-thirds of the US. They typically build their nests underground or sometimes in or under rotting wood. While they’re not venomous or aggressive, they are included in this list because they’re common in much of the US and will bite you if you disturb their nest.

Despite the name, the velvet ant isn’t really an ant. It’s a fuzzy red and black-striped wasp, but the females of the species are often misidentified because they lack wings. What they have is a venomous and extremely painful sting, which has given this insect the nickname “cow-killer” in the eastern US where it lives.

There are numerous species of harvester ants in the US, many of which are relatively harmless. However, two species, the Maricopa harvester ant and Florida harvester ant are very dangerous. The Maricopa harvester ant is one of the most common ant species in Arizona and lives throughout the southwestern US as well as in Mexico. It’s believed to have the most toxic insect venom on earth. The Florida harvester ant is common from Florida to North Carolina and its venom is also extremely powerful. It’s more toxic than a cobra’s venom! 

The red imported fire ant is native to South America but was accidentally introduced to the US in the 1930s and is hands down the most dangerous type of ant in America. Their venom is particularly nasty, not just causing burning and swelling of the victim’s skin but creating itchy pus-filled blisters that can last for a week or more. As if that’s not enough of a reason to steer clear of these ants, significant numbers of people stung by these ants go into anaphylactic shock. Texas A&M University estimates that 14 million people per year are stung by these insects, mostly in the southeast. More than 80 deaths due to red imported fire ant stings have been reported in the US.

How do Ants Bite?

Ants use their mandibles (jaws) to bite the skin of their target and then release formic acid – an irritating chemical – on the skin of the target. Ant bites usually cause redness, swelling and irritation. Some people are allergic to formic acid and they may experience more serious symptoms, like those that accompany an ant sting. 

How do Ants Sting?

While almost all ants have mandibles to bite with, only some have stingers and venom. Fewer still have venom potent enough to be hazardous to humans. 

When ants sting, they’ll lock their mandibles in the skin of their target and release formic acid like when they bite. Then they’ll rotate the rear of their body, jab their stinger into the skin and inject venom. The longer it takes to remove them, the more times the target can be stung, the more venom will be injected and the more painful it will be. Ant venom, especially fire ant venom, can also cause an allergic reaction which may include: itchiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hives, and tightness in the chest, or difficulty breathing.

Experienced Ant Exterminators in Baton Rouge LA

Dugas Pest Control has been eliminating ants from homes and businesses in Baton Rouge LA since 1957. If you have ants in or around your home, especially if you suspect they may be fire ants, don’t wait until after you, your family, or your pet is bitten or stung. Contact us today! 

Ways to Naturally Repel Bees and Wasps

If you live inUp close, face to face with a bee the Baton Rouge area, bugs are a part of life, particularly in the summer. And despite the heat, there are still plenty of barbecues, festivals and picnics going on outside in the summer. These outdoor events can put stinging insects and people on a collision course. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help keep bees and wasps away, naturally. Keep reading to learn more!

Plants That Attract Wasps and Bees

Bees and wasps are attracted to many types of flowers because they’re pollinators. Here are some flowers that bees and/or wasps particularly like: 

  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Honeysuckle
  • Lantana
  • Lilacs
  • Perennial Yarrow
  • Poppies
  • Pale Purple Coneflower
  • Sweet Fennel
  • Wisteria
  • Queen Anne’s Lace
  • Sedum
  • Snapdragon
  • Sunflowers

If you see a large number of bees and wasps flying around your home but you can’t find a nest, it may be because you have some of these plants on the property. If you have some of these plants near outdoor areas that you use often, like decks, patios or porches, consider relocating them.

Plants That Repel Wasps and Bees

Wasps and bees may be pollinators, but they’re not attracted to all plants. The scent of the following plants are strong natural repellents for bees and/or wasps:

  • Basil
  • Citronella
  • Geraniums
  • Marigolds
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Thyme
  • Wormwood

Do you need to move any of the plants that bees and wasps are highly attracted to away from your outdoor spaces? If so, these would be excellent plants to replace them with. Even if you don’t need to replace any plants, potting a few of these near your outdoor spaces will still help keep stinging insects away. 

They’re Attracted to Your Food

Barbecues, picnics, ice cream cones – eating outside is an essential part of summer. But outdoor meals and treats also attract wasps and bees. To help reduce the risk that stinging insects will ruin your outdoor dining experience:

  • Clean up right away after your picnic or barbecue; throw out trash and pack up leftovers.
  • Speaking of trash, make sure after you use a trash can that the lid is closed tightly.
  • Unattended drinks should be closed or covered because wasps love sugary beverages.

Bees and wasps are attracted to many plants but dislike others. Well, it’s the same thing with food. They like many types of human food but some foods and ingredients repel them, including: 

  • Bay Leaves
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Garlic
  • Sliced Cucumber
  • Vinegar

Since these can be found in most grocery stores and are inexpensive (often less expensive than a store-bought insect spray), they make a practical all-natural pest repellent. Just pour, slice or sprinkle them into a container and keep it near you or your outdoor space.

Make a Natural Bug Repellent with Essential Oils

The previous methods are fine for keeping stinging insects away when you’re relaxing by a patio table. If you want a pest repellent that’s more portable and less passive, you can make one using essential oils. Stinging insects are repelled by these essential oils:

  • Citronella oil
  • Clove oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Geranium oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Rosemary oil

Just combine two drops of essential oil per ounce of water and pour into a spray bottle for a portable, all-natural pest repellent.

Top Bee and Wasp Exterminators in Baton Rouge LA

There are several natural, DIY ways to keep wasps and bees away. However, these techniques may not be enough. If you’re in Southern Louisiana and you need to get rid of persistent bees and wasps on your property, call us! Our approach helps get rid of stinging insects while still being eco-friendly. Contact us for a free estimate!