Dugas Pest Control, Author at Dugas Pest Control - Pest Control and Exterminator Services

Should I Insulate My Home With TAP?

TAP Insulation in Baton ROUGE LA - Dugas Pest Control TAP® Insulation is one of the best home insulation options for homeowners here in Baton Rouge and nationwide. This is because TAP not only outperforms traditional insulation in noise reduction and energy efficiency, but it also acts as a form of ongoing pest control for your home. Infused with borate, TAP wards of insects and pests that are common in Louisiana homes. Its pest control properties aren’t the only benefit of TAP, either. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of insulating your home with TAP!

What Makes TAP Insulation Different?

There are several home insulation options, but TAP Insulation has proven to be a game-changer for several reasons. TAP is energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and controls pests in the home. The many benefits include:

As an energy-efficient option, TAP can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.
TAP is environmentally friendly by using recycled paper diverted from landfills to create the product.
This insulation is capable of filling the nooks and crannies that are unreachable with traditional insulation.
TAP Insulation is the only insulation registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
More cost-effective than traditional insulation, TAP is a one-time investment with no need for re-treatments.
TAP can be installed over existing insulation and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pests Controlled with TAP Insulation

TAP is infused with a borate. When ingested by pests, the borate will stop their metabolism. Some of the many pests controlled with TAP include:

Ants
Cockroaches
Earwigs
Centipedes
Darkling beetles
Crickets
Silverfish
Millipedes
Firebrats
Dermestids
Sowbugs
Lady beetles
Booklice
Termites (including Formosan termites)
Boxelder bugs
Stink bugs
Kudzu bugs
Bat bugs
Pillbugs
Snails
Slugs
Wildlife

Home Insulation Services in Baton Rouge

Bottom line: you can’t get a better home insulation product than TAP. Dugas is proud to be your local installer of TAP Insulation. Our certified technicians are licensed to install TAP in homes. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our team today!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Entomologists from Dugas’ parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

ants bed bugs mosquitoes rodents stinging insects termites ticks

Guide to Seasonal Pests

Rodents are a seasonal pest in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest Control

We all know that pests are a common problem in Baton Rouge in the spring and summer, but what about the fall and winter? Even though you may not see them as frequently during certain parts of the year, pests are common all year long in Louisiana. Mosquitoes in the summer and rodents in the fall are two of the most common seasonal pest problems, but there are others to worry about as well. With help from the NPMA, the team at Dugas Pest Control is sharing all you need to know about seasonal pests in your community. We hope that this information will help prepare you for pest threats throughout the year.

Fall and Winter Pests in Baton Rouge

With warm and drier conditions predicted in the coming months, ants and roaches may be more active than usual this time of year. With their need for water in order to survive, these two insects in particular will crawl into your home to seek out moisture. There are other pests to keep your eye out for in the fall and winter months, including house mice, spiders, silverfish, and flies.

Winter pests in the South Central United States map

Rodent

Fly

Mosquito

Ant

Cockroach

What Pests are More Common in the Spring and Summer?

Warmer weather in the spring and summer brings about all types of pests. With our warm, moist environment, Louisiana can be a haven for pests this time of year. The most common pests we deal with include:

Termites. Our climate is ideal for termites, who swarm in the spring and are at full force in the summertime. Subterranean termites are especially dangerous this time of year.
Mosquitoes. With the amount of rainfall we get, mosquitoes love warmer temperatures in the spring and summertime.
Stinging Insects. Wasps, bees, and hornets are very active this time of the year. They can build nests near residential areas.
Cockroaches. Heat, moisture, and humidity in the summer months brings about roach activity, especially in more urban areas.
Ants. Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.

Pest Seasonality in Louisiana

Due to our climate and weather patterns throughout the year, Baton Rouge residents and business owners experience a lot of pest problems. It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. At Dugas, our residential and commercial exterminators can work with you to ensure you are protected from pests all year long.

ants cockroaches mosquitoes seasonal pests stinging insects termites

Rodent Awareness Week 2020: The Rise of Rat Infestations

Rats are always a common pest problem this time of year, but they are especially prevalent in recent times due to the pandemic. In fact, the CDC announced that rats are more aggressive right now due to their diminishing resources. When restaurants and cafes had to limit operations or shut down entirely, rodents were suddenly deprived of their normal food sources. This is why the pandemic has directly caused an uptick in residential rodent infestations. Besides simply being a nuisance, rodent problems can be dangerous as well. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Dugas Pest Control wants to help our customers stay protected from the threat of rat infestations.

Are Rats Spreading Coronavirus?

The shutdowns and shelter in place orders caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their pursuit of food. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. Although the number of infestations is rising, you thankfully do not need to worry about rodents transmitting COVID-19 to you or your family.

However, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. They also can cause significant damage to your home. With rodents more aggressive in the current moment, they will not hesitate to make themselves at home in your home this winter and beyond.

Tips to Keep Rodents Out in Baton Rouge

Rodent prevention is the key to rodent control. To avoid the distressing discovery of rodents on your property, try the following tips:

Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Clean the inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

The Rise of Rodent Problems

With everything going on this year, the last thing you need to worry about is a rodent infestation inside your home. If you are dealing with rat or mouse sightings, it’s best to contact the rodent exterminators at Dugas. Our team will work with you to ensure your property is protected from these pests. Call us today!

fall pests Mice rats rodents

Tips to Prevent Spooky Pests This Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, and you’re likely pulling out bins of decorations. You may be putting up fake spider webs and plastic spiders to celebrate, but chances are you don’t want the real ones crawling through your home this time of year. Unfortunately, fall pest problems are common here in Baton Rouge as pests and insects begin to make their way indoors for warmth and shelter. They also can be brought indoors when you unpack your seasonal decorations. It’s important to be aware of the potential pest problems you could encounter this time of year. Keep reading for our top tips to prevent spooky pests this Halloween.

Halloween Pests To Keep an Eye Out For

Fall pest infestations can be frustrating because many of these pests are looking to cozy up inside your home through the winter. Whether you’re about to unpack a box of decorations or want to clean up your property, here are the pests to look for:

Rats. Rodents infamously squeeze their way inside this time of year for warmth, food, and shelter. They could be nesting in your boxes of decorations.
Stink bugs & boxelder bugs. These seasonal bugs appear on the sides of homes and could crawl indoors if given the chance.
Spiders. Spider populations are abundant in the fall and many get indoors. They may be lurking in your box of decorations!
Bed bugs. While common at all times of the year, traveling or college students lead to an increase in infestations. They also could be found on second-hand costumes.

Tips to Prevent Seasonal Pests

You may be putting fake rodents or bats out as decorations, but you definitely want to prevent the real ones from getting indoors! As you would any other time of the year, it’s important to know how to keep pests out of your home. Some of our top tips include sealing all cracks and crevices in your home with caulk, installing a new window or door screens, cleaning up your yard’s foliage, keeping a tidy kitchen with sealed food containers, and storing all seasonal decorations in airtight plastic bins. If you are having trouble sealing off your home to pests this fall, it’s best to reach out to your local exterminator for assistance.

Need Help With Pests this Fall?

It’s nearly the holiday season, and the last thing you want to deal with is a pest problem. Always be extra cautious when unpacking your decorations or buying secondhand items. If you find yourself with an infestation or want to further protect your Baton Rouge home from pests this fall and winter, the Dugas Pest Control residential exterminators are here to help.

bed bugs boxelder bugs fall pests rats spiders stink bugs

Prevention Tips for Fall Rodent Infestations

Pest problems are notorious in the fall months, especially rodent problems. Rats and mice are known to enter homes through the tiniest of openings. Once inside, they will gladly burrow in the attic, basement, walls, and other areas of the home. Because rodents can contaminate surfaces, spread germs, and cause structural damage, it’s extremely important to learn how to keep rats and mice away. Here at Dugas Pest Control, we want you to feel comfortable in your home without worrying about rodents. We’ve gathered our top prevention tips for fall rodent infestations–read on to learn more!

Our Top Rodent Prevention Tips

No one wants to deal with rodents in their home. Some of our top tips to keep them out and away from your home in Baton Rouge include:

Get rid of excess moisture. Fix leaking pipes and clogged drains.
Store firewood away from your home. Piles of lumber will surely attract rodents and other pests to get close to your house.
Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
Keep a tidy yard. Cut back any tree limbs or vines that are attached to or near the home.
Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Dangers of Seasonal Rats and Mice

Rats and mice can be a nuisance at any time of the year. However, they often come inside more and more often when the temperatures drop, making them particularly troublesome in the autumn and winter months. Once they get indoors, rats and mice will take shelter in attics, basements, kitchens, and garages. A rat or mouse problem often begins when the rodents get in through your chimney, pipes, air vents, and more. In addition to contaminating surfaces and spreading germs, rodents can chew through materials with their ever-growing teeth and cause serious damage inside.

Fall Rodent Infestations in Baton Rouge

No one wants to deal with rats or mice in their property on their own. If you have an infestation in your Louisiana home or want to prevent one altogether, it’s important to call our team of rodent exterminators. The experts at Dugas will customize a rodent control plan suited to the unique needs of your home.

fall pests Mice rats rodents

Is Fall the Season of Spiders?

Although spiders are a common pest year-round, many people consider fall to be the season of spiders because of how abundant they seem. Spiders hatch in the springtime—by the time August and September roll around, they’re definitely in full force. These eight-legged creatures are attracted to food, water, and shelter that your home provides them with. Thankfully, most of the spiders in your home are harmless and will, for the most part, avoid you altogether! That said, there are two spiders in particular that you should keep an eye out for: the black widow and the brown recluse spider. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about spiders during the fall months here in Baton Rouge.

Identifying Black Widows and Brown Recluse Spiders

It can be difficult to differentiate between your common house spider and the more dangerous black widow or brown recluse. Because these two spiders can bite and potentially cause dangerous side effects, it’s important to know how to differentiate them:

Black widows
- These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body.
- They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground.
- They can bite when they feel threatened.
Brown recluse spiders
- Brown recluse spiders have a darker brown violin-shaped spot on their bodies.
- They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter.
- A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.

Preventing Spiders During the Fall

To keep spiders out, there are several ways you can make your property less attractive to her in general. Our top spider prevention tips include:

Maintain your yard and lawn. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
Regularly clean your home. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
Seal any cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Tight-fitting screens are the key to keeping insects, spiders included, out.
Inspect items before bringing them indoors. Egg sacs and adult spiders are known to be inside old boxes you may be transferring.

What to Do When You Have Spiders

We all know that seeing the occasional spider in your property is completely normal. But what do you do when you’ve spotted a dangerous species or are dealing with endless webs? It’s likely time to call your local spider exterminators here at Dugas. Our spider pest control experts can control current infestations and make sure you don’t have to deal with spiders in the future!

black widow brown recluse fall pests spiders

Can Rodents Transmit Coronavirus?

There is a lot of malformation about the nature of coronaviruses, including how they’re spread. So can rodents transmit coronavirus? The good news is that there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. The team at Dugas Pest Control is committed to staying informed on the latest information coming out about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have seen a lot of questions surrounding the role of rats and other animals with transmission. Although some rodents have been proven to carry other coronaviruses, the strain associated with COVID-19 is not one of them.

Rats and Mice During COVID-19

The three most recently discovered human coronaviruses—including the virus causing the current pandemic, SARS-CoV-2—have all caused serious infections and deaths throughout the population. These three viruses have also been genetically traced to a bat origin that crossed over first to other animals before eventually to people. Rats are indeed capable of carrying coronaviruses, but they have not yet been linked to any direct transmissions of COVID-19.

Other Dangers of Rodents During the Pandemic

There have been a lot of reports of rodents being more rampant than ever during the pandemic. Although we know that rats are not transmitting SARS-CoV-2, there are other reasons why it’s more important than ever to prevent and control rodent problems right now:

Rats and mice can spread other diseases, including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and plague. They also can indirectly transmit diseases from ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and fleas. Some of these include Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Due to the restaurant shutdowns and lockdowns, there have been a number of reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources. This directly correlates to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues.

Rodents in a Pandemic

As mentioned previously, there have been many reports of rodents becoming more aggressive in the past months in their hunt for food. This has led to growing infestations. Although you can rest easier knowing that rats and mice will not transmit COVID-19, they are still dangerous for several other reasons. It’s as important as ever to implement rodent prevention into your home maintenance routine. If you already have noticed the signs of rodents in your Baton Rouge area home, the rodent exterminators at Dugas are here to help.

Mice rats rodents

Do Cockroach Infestations Get Worse in the Summer?

A cockroach infestation is bad any time of year. However, they can be at their worst in the summertime—especially here in Louisiana. Because we experience warm, humid weather in the summer months, cockroaches are more likely to infest homes. Even worse, they often breed at a more rapid rate this time of year, making their infestations quickly grow in numbers.

Because a cockroach infestation can be so frustrating, not to mention dangerous, it’s important to learn how to keep them out. The team at Dugas is here with expert info on summertime cockroach problems.

6 Ways to Keep Roaches Out

Cockroaches are hardy insects—once you have them, they can be increasingly difficult to get rid of. For that reason alone, it’s important to know how to keep them away in the first place. Our best tips to prevent cockroaches are as follows.

Inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
Keep a clean home or business. Wipe or clean up any spills or messes as soon as possible. Also avoid letting clutter build up.
After feeding your pets, pick up pet bowls and avoid leaving food out overnight or for days at a time.
Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate unsealed food.
Ensure your garbage is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
Because cockroaches love moisture, promptly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters.

Why do Cockroaches Like the Summer?

Cockroaches are drawn to sources of heat, plain and simple. Most species are attracted to humidity and warmth, which is why they frequently are seen in laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Although roaches can adapt to a number of climates and environments, they thrive in the heat of the summer. This is the time of year when they breed more rapidly. It’s also the time of year when they enter homes to escape rising temperatures outside.

Cockroach Infestation Removal

If you have cockroaches, you are likely going to need the help of a professional to get rid of them. Because infestations grow to such large numbers in the summertime here in Baton Rouge, it’s best to enlist the help of a licensed cockroach exterminator such as Dugas. Our team will ensure you stay roach-free in the summer and all year long.

cockroaches summer pests

Tips to Protect Your Pets From Summertime Ticks

It’s the middle of the summertime in the Baton Rouge area, and people want to spend more time outdoors than ever. For pet owners, they are likely wanting to take their dogs on walks and have them spend time in their backyard. However, the warmer weather brings about a rise in the prevalence of ticks and other pet parasites. Ticks are infamous for transmitting Lyme disease–although cats are largely unaffected, they can be as dangerous for dogs as they are for people.

For that reason, it’s important to learn how to protect your pets from summertime ticks.

5 Ways to Keep Ticks off Pets

In general, it’s important to stay proactive about the possibility of your pets getting a tick. Some of the ways you can help include:

Keep a tidy, trimmed yard. By mowing your lawn regularly, you can make your yard less attractive to ticks. In addition, implement rodent prevention tactics to discourage rodents that could carry ticks.
Use tick preventatives on your pets. Talk to your veterinarian about prevention or treatment options, including heartworm protection.
Check your dogs or cats for ticks daily or whenever they go outdoors. When inspecting, focus on areas under the legs and around the neck and ears. In addition, look out for excessive scratching, licking, or grooming behavior.
Avoid areas with tall grass on hikes. Ticks are known to be in areas with high grass, be careful to stay on trails when hiking or walking.
Protect your family from ticks. During the summer, regularly check yourself and family members for ticks after being outdoors. They can easily hop from you to your pets!

Are Ticks Dangerous for Dogs?

Ticks feed by biting an animal or human and feasting on their blood. This could take days. When an infected tick attaches to a dog for a few days, it’s possible for them to transmit Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your pet is showing symptoms of depression, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, or swollen joins and lymph nodes, immediately contact your veterinarian. Ticks can also occasionally cause anemia in pets. Cats rarely get ticks, but could easily carry them into your home where they can infest other members and pets in the family.

Help With Tick Infestations

If ticks have been introduced into your home, it’s important to always clean your property thoroughly and inspect for them, just as you would with fleas. For more information on tick prevention or for advice on your tick problem, the team at Dugas is ready to help!

summer pests ticks