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

Everything You Need to Know About Southern Mice

Mice come in many different types and they can take on a variety of roles in regard to their relationship with humans.

People keep them as pets, they are some of the most important animals when it comes to scientific research, but most commonly they make themselves unwanted pests that live in and around our homes.

To remove mice from a home and prevent them from entering again, it requires an understanding of these creatures’ habits and weaknesses.

Find out what you need to know about these rodents in the following guide.

All About Mice

Mice come in a variety of different species and they all have their own unique characteristics and behaviors. However, for this guide, we are mostly going to be focused on the house mouse; those little brown critters that you may find living in your home or scurrying about in the yard.

Unless a mouse is eating or sleeping, it is very likely to be running. They try to get from place to place quickly to avoid predators or any other danger that may exist. Though running is their most common form of movement, they can also climb, swim and jump if the need should arise.

Just like humans, mice are omnivorous and they will eat from a variety of different food sources. If they are in a home or storeroom, they are very likely to get into food that is being kept or trash bins that have discarded edible material in them. In addition to being found around homes, the house mouse will also be found around agricultural land.

When they inhabit a location, the first order of business is to locate a concealed place to build their nest. Generally, in a nesting area there will be one dominant male with a few females and their young.

Mice in the New Orleans Area

If humans settle somewhere, it is almost certain that mice are going to try to take advantage of the situation. The structures that we build provide good opportunities for nesting and our presence usually means that there will be some form of food source available to them.

While rats and mice are common to just about every city, the unfortunate fact is that New Orleans has a particularly bad problem with rodents.

Surveys have shown that residents of New Orleans report a much higher rate of pest spottings than other cities and this includes animals such as the house mouse and the rat. There are many reasons for larger numbers, but our temperate climate and relatively high numbers of abandoned properties play a big part.

Signs of a Mouse Infestation

A human dwelling is an especially inviting place for rodents, and mice are very resourceful when it comes to finding ways into your house. In fact, it could be said that if a homeowner doesn’t currently have rodent squatters, without proper precautions he will soon!

Therefore, it is important for homeowners to know how to identify an infestation.

Seeing the mice is probably the easiest way to identify an infestation, but they do have a tendency to stay out of sight, so you need to look for other signs.

Firstly, an area where mice are nesting will have a distinct musky odor to it. Unfortunately, some people know this as simply ‘the way the attic smells.’

Additionally, you can look for signs like droppings, gnaw marks, and tracks under furniture and along walls. While you’re in the attic or shed retrieving lights, you should look around a bit to find any nests.

Prevention and Controlling Mice

For rodent control, there are a few approaches that you could take.

Using things like poisons and glue traps are not recommended, not only because it is incredibly easy to nab a creature you weren’t targeting, and it’s also a pretty cruel way to go, but most importantly it does nothing to prevent reoccurrence.

The most important factor is prevention!

Eliminate all food sources by keeping a clean kitchen and carefully storing food in a way that is difficult for rodents to access.

Use a trash can with a secure lid to prevent feasting on leftovers. Perhaps most importantly, you should work to identify the places where they gain entry and find a way to close it off.

Humane Removal Concerns

If mice are in your home, then finding a humane way to remove them is the best way to go. Even traps that are designed to kill instantly often end up merely injuring the animal and as a result, they die a slow and painful death.

If you do remove all the mice successfully, exclusion is the key to keeping this from happening again. If you do not limit their access and eliminate the food sources, they will just keep coming back.

For expert help with trapping, removal and exclusion, contact our professionals at Dugas Pest Control. We have the necessary experience to humanely trap and release mice, and our team knows all of the ins and outs of exclusion and prevention.

Don’t let mice overwhelm you, let us help you end this nuisance once & for all!

What are Palm Rats?

palm rat There exists a social stigma about rodents, which is why you may not hear much about this subject at the block party. However, muster up the courage to ask around and you’re sure to hear more than you want to know from a surprising number of your neighbors!

Palm rats, also known as “roof rats” commonly nest in palm trees, which is where the common name comes from. Due to the fact that they are excellent climbers, they are also known as roof rats. They are the biggest rodent pests in Florida, and are of course also found in other tropical climates like our area.

What Kinds of Damage do Palm Rats Cause?

Palm rats cause damage primarily through gnawing, chewing or tearing with their teeth and paws. Indoors, these rodents can tear through insulation or gnaw on electrical wire, potentially short-circuiting electronic devices or even actually starting fires. Like other rodents, they will also eat any leftover food found in the kitchen.

Outdoors, palm rats can damage gardens by eating plants, fruits and vegetables. They will also climb into trash cans and feed on food debris. Further, they will chew on and wear down the sealant along roofs, which is often how they find their way into houses.

Signs of Roof Rats

How do you know if roof rats are present? Droppings, found around feeding areas, nesting sites or runways, are usually a telltale sign. Look out for signs of damage, such as teeth marks on food packaging, wooden structures, electrical wires or other household items.

Greasy smudging along your walls, beams, rafters and other fixtures could also be left by the oil and dirt on the bodies of rats as they move around the house and rub against surfaces. That’s not creepy or anything.

As most affected homeowners will tell you, the rodents’ noises are usually the biggest indicator; scraping, gnawing or squeaking can keep you up at night! You can hear the rats as they run around within the walls, ceilings or attics. Fun.

Other obvious signs include seeing runways and tracks. As rats repeatedly use the same path between their nest and food sources, they create tracks, which can appear as paths that are smooth and free of vegetation.

They will also leave footprints in the dust or mud. Rats can usually be easily spotted outdoors on trees, wires and fences.

How to Prevent Palm Rats (aka Roof Rats)

Have you decided you’d rather not host palm rats? Well, first things first: don’t feed them. Roof rats will feed on almost anything, including pet food and trash, in order to survive.

Make sure no pet food is left out overnight, including bird seed. Fill just enough for the day and clean up any excess before sunset. Store pet food in sealed, rat-proof containers.

Similarly, make sure any bulk foods are also sealed in this manner. Make sure trash cans are tightly covered. We’ve already established that rats are pretty gross, so you must pick up even dog feces immediately.

Palm Rat Removal

If dealing with palm rats hasn’t seemed like enough fun yet, here comes the best part. You must place snap traps and bait stations to eliminate rats that are already on your property, or to prevent more from entering.

It’s best to place a small amount of bait so that the rat will have to work at it to get it off, increasing the chances that the bait will trip successfully. Make sure the trap is set far away from pets and small children.

As rats are wary of new objects, leave the traps in the same location for at least a week before shifting its position. Alternatively, bait stations can be used as they allow you to place poison baits safely- without posing a hazard to non-target animals.

Bait stations provide a sheltered space for rats to feed. They can be placed in your yard, four feet or higher off the ground, near fruit trees, along rat paths, and close to wires that lead to house roofs and trees.

Of course, prior to this step you’ll want to seal your home properly so that a poisoned rat doesn’t die in your house, leaving a bad odor which is often difficult to remove.

Manicure landscape

Clean yards and gardens to ensure that there are fewer hiding places and feeding grounds for the rats, which deters them from entering your structures.

Rake fallen leaves from under trees and shrubbery, and prune fruit trees so that the ground under them is clear and visible. Store wood and lumber piles at least 18 inches above the ground and 12 inches away from walls.

Thick ground covers should be thinned. Keep palm trees trimmed, as rats love to nest in the skirts of old fronds, as well as in piles of debris and hollow trees.

Thin out bushes like oleanders and bougainvillea until you can see daylight through them. Oleanders are particularly attractive to these rats in the summer.

Harvest citrus and other fruit

Regularly harvest all fruit whether or not they are completely ripe. Trees that are in contact with other trees, houses, fences and power lines are especially prone to rat infestations. An idea for the extra produce during your infestation may be donating to local food banks.

Once the rats are under control or thoroughly eradicated you can enjoy your harvest, but you should still make it a habit to pick your fruit promptly and completely. Fortunately, it’s not usually necessary to remove the fruit trees from your property.

If you’re struggling with a palm rat infestation problem or even suspect you may have the beginnings of one, Dugas Pest Control can help! Our rodent control experts will eradicate the rodents safely and effectively from your property with as little disruption to your life as possible. Call us today for a rodent-free tomorrow!

Do Mosquito Magnets Really Work?

No one likes mosquitos. They pester us, ruin our summers, drink our blood, spread disease, and generally make our lives miserable when we’re outside. With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that Americans spend millions on different tools and sprays to keep mosquitos away.

It’s also no wonder with all of the products on the market, that some of them just simply do not work. One in particular that won’t get you results is the trap-plus-attractant apparatus commonly known as the mosquito magnet.

Low System Reliability

Most mosquito magnets try to play off the fact that mosquitos hunt by tracking heat and CO2 from their prey. To confuse the mosquito, a magnet will oftentimes be heated and have a CO2 release. This will (in theory) attract the bugs to the trap where they will be trapped and killed.

Unfortunately, this has proven to have a dubious-at-best effect on the local mosquito population when tested in the lab. Studies have shown that most mosquito magnets are no more effective than a bucket of insecticide, and that mosquitos are actually clever enough to distinguish between the CO2 put out by a living creature, versus that which comes from a machine.

High Costs

Many mosquito traps use propane to poison the mosquitos around them, but this can prove extremely expensive. You’re talking about using a consumable fuel to kill insects, when the costs for that fuel do nothing but climb.

On top of that, mosquito traps tend to be pretty costly in general, and really don’t do anything beyond what a body spray might do. Imagine paying $200 for something that a $3 can of spray could have mimicked, and you start to see why mosquito magnets tend to instill many people with buyer’s remorse once they’ve purchased them.

No Lighting Arrays

It’s been proven that bugs are attracted to light. This is why bug zappers tend to work so well. With that in mind, you would think that more mosquito magnets would take advantage of this fact. Perplexingly, most don’t. They instead rely on their smoke or gas systems to do the work for them.

Not only does this mean that the mosquitos have a low chance of actually being attracted by your trap, but also they might be distracted by nearby light sources and avoid your trap altogether. In fact, studies have shown that lit traps oftentimes work at a much higher rate of success than traditional gas traps, but that doesn’t stop people from shelling out hundreds of dollars each year on worthless ‘mosquito killers’.

Poor Usability

Because most mosquito magnets use gas, they can only operate within an extremely limited range. After all, you don’t want to make anyone around you sick, or put anyone at risk. While this is noble, it also means that the traps are so limited in what they can do, that there is little to no point to them.

Most systems require multiple units to cover an area properly and must be placed carefully considering downdrafts and blockages like structures and fences. So, unless the mosquito happens to be within a couple of feet of the trap, chances are, it won’t do much. When you consider that mosquitos can cruise at 25 feet to hunt for prey, you quickly see why traps like this just don’t work.

High Maintenance

Not only are mosquito magnets costly, but they’re high maintenance as well. You wouldn’t think something like a mosquito trap would have a lot of bugs to work out (see what we did there?), but they actually tend to break down often, and their return rate is rather high. So, if the only bugs you’re looking to kill are the moths in your wallet, feel free to invest in a mosquito magnet.

We get it; when you’re desperate, you’re willing to try anything. The truth of the matter is, Dugas Pest Control is the local expert on mosquito treatments that actually work. Let our local team evaluate your surroundings, figure out where the spawning pools for your infestation are, and deal with the problems at their source.

We’ve made it our business to know how to kill pests, and when you hire us, that is exactly what we’ll do. You shouldn’t be afraid to go outside for fear of being bitten, and you certainly shouldn’t waste money on treatments that just don’t work. So, the next time you have a bug problem, call the solution.

Automated System vs. Spraying: What’s the Advantage?

As you have probably unfortunately learned, when trying to fight an insect infestation you’ll find yourself resorting to any tools you can get your hands on. A popular method of getting rid of bugs outdoors is to use foggers, but what kind are best for removing pests? What about the new automatic foggers, are they any better than the traditional kind?

Automated Systems

Fogging is a proven method for getting rid of insects, but not necessarily a straightforward one. A small amount of pesticide is included in a smoke or fog mixture that can adhere to an insect’s wings and poison them, but the amount of insecticide used is so low or incorrectly applied that often times, an insect will only be stunned. Also, if you over fog a large area, it could make breathing difficult for people.

Fogging is typically done in the early evening, when the temperature has cooled and insects are just starting to become active. This is the perfect time to fog them and incapacitate them. However, if done too early or too late, the fog might not have the effect you’re looking for, and you may run into problems.

This is why having an automated system is especially helpful. When people attempt to fog on their own, they might unevenly distribute the fog, or release it at the wrong time. By having an automated system, you guarantee that the fog will be released when and where you want it to be.

Also, when using an automated system, you can actually save money. Typically when people use foggers, they don’t tend to pay attention to how much chemical they are spraying, and often times use far too much. With the Coastal Mister, this is never a problem. The systems carefully release an appropriate amount of fog to waylay insects and make the evening bearable again.

Spraying

Spraying insecticide can have its advantages, in that you are delivering a more concentrated dose of poison to your pests. The chemicals have a stronger chance of killing the insects in the area, but there are drawbacks to using a straight spray.

Sprays tend to cover a smaller area than fog, which means you have to use more of them. They can also prove more harmful to other wildlife, as you are laying down a concentrated dose of poison in areas where other creatures might live and eat. Depending on the formula, sprays also have a better chance (albeit a small one) of getting into the local groundwater, and are generally only effective soon after they are applied. As you can probably tell, they aren’t nearly as effective as other methods.

Many places that spray will do so at certain times of day, hoping to catch as many insects still on the ground as they can. This doesn’t do anything for insects that are underground, or that are missed by the initial spraying. It also doesn’t help with the airborne insects that fogging can catch. Sprays are great for their higher fatality rate, but the time involved with laying down a good coating of spray can be both costly and tedious.

Which is Better?

In short, spraying is an effective means of killing bugs, but it doesn’t have the range or the effectiveness of a fogging. It can be costlier, not as comprehensive, and not have the long-term effect throughout the evening that fogging can have. This may be the best choice for concentrated areas of insects, but is not the most effective repetitive means of outdoor pest control especially over large areas.

Fogging and spraying both have their advantages, but fogging wins for outdoor venues. Not only is it easier on the people using the facility, it’s easier on the pocketbook. When you incorporate an automatic fogging system, it can be even more beneficial, and will help to permanently keep the insect population in your area to a minimum.

You shouldn’t have to fear being eaten alive by bugs when you go for a walk at night. There are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your surroundings, and fogging ranks high on that list. With an automatic system for distributing fog, you’ll know that you are getting the best coverage for your efforts.

Rest assured that you won’t have to worry about timing, areas, or human error ever again. With an automatic fogging system like the Coastal Mister, you can finally take back the night. For more information about this or any of our services, contact the experts at Dugas today!

Dugas’ Short Guide to Poisonous Spiders of South Louisiana

Although not exactly the poster children of the bug world, spiders are a valuable part of our ecosystem. They help to manage the pest population and a few well-placed webs can help keep a home free of flying bugs.

However, this doesn’t mean that all of them are safe to have around. In fact, in Southern Louisiana, there are several species of spiders that are downright dangerous. We at Dugas receive many questions about spiders from our customers, so we put together a brief guide to the ones you really need to watch out for.

Brown Recluse Identification

One of the more common poisonous spiders, the Brown Recluse is a large, brown spider with an hourglass pattern on its back. It loves to hide in dark places and is typically spooked by the presence of people.

Many young Brown Recluse may be difficult to identify, as they may not have their hourglass pattern yet. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean their bite is any less dangerous. Further adding to the confusion, there are many other spider species that mimic its look. If in doubt, leave it alone!

Black Widow Identification

One of the most feared spiders in the world, the Black Widow’s bite is extremely poisonous. While it can cause necrosis and illness in adults, it has been known to kill small children and infants.

Fortunately, the Black Widow is pretty easy to spot. Its all-black body stands out in the arachnid kingdom, and the bright red hourglass on its belly also signals danger to anyone who would come near it.

Typically, the female Black Widow is the one sporting the red hourglass, but the completely black male is still something to be feared. If you encounter either gender of Black Widow, extreme caution should be utilized, as their venom is fast-acting, and the spiders themselves are known for being aggressive. In short, get the heck out of there!

Brown Widow Identification

While not as venomous as its more famous cousin, the Brown Widow is still nothing to take lightly. Its venom is also extremely toxic, but it additionally shares the trait of markings that are relatively easy to spot.

A Brown Widow will have a bright orange hourglass on the underside of its belly, and its feet will typically bear orange stripes. They can be slightly larger than their Black Widow counterparts, but fortunately don’t share nearly the mortality rate because they cannot deliver the same amount of venom.

What to do when you find a poisonous spider in your home

First off, avoid putting your hands and feet into any dark areas that a spider may be hiding. Spiders love to nestle in dark areas, like shoes. They can be easily surprised when you accidentally put your foot into their new home. Also, be careful when reaching into dark areas that you cannot make out clearly, as you might accidentally put your hand into a sticky Black Widow web.

Second, know what to look for. While any spider can technically bite, and some of them may cause some swelling, it is traditionally the fiddleback family, or in this case, the hourglass family that is considered extremely poisonous. They are easy to spot due to their markings, and should be avoided at all costs.

If you do get bit, remain calm. The venom of all three spiders can act pretty quickly, but getting excited about it won’t help things, as this will just increase your blood flow. Immediately put the wound under ice or cold water, and call for medical assistance.

Poison Control would be a good place to start, and if the victim is young, 911. Remember, a spider’s venom is fast-acting and doesn’t require a lot to poison someone substantially, so be careful and use your head if you think you were bitten.

It is important to remember that not all spiders are poisonous, and that when we encounter them, they are probably more afraid of us than we are of them. As a bit of comfort for those with arachnophobia, spiders don’t actively seek out people for confrontations.

Of course, you should be aware that if a spider thinks it needs to, most will defend themselves. Dugas Pest Control can answer just about any question about the spiders of South Louisiana, and if you are concerned about a burgeoning spider population on your property don’t hesitate to call us! We also offer free consultations to put your mind at ease today!

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Common Louisiana Spiders – Knowing Your Arachnids

There are thousands of types of spiders around the world. These eight-legged creatures are both fascinating and frightening, and even in the cleanest home, you’re never far from one. Louisiana is home to a very wide range of arachnids, ranging from the impressive but not dangerous to the tiny but deadly. Understanding the different spiders you might encounter at home or out in the yard can help you determine whether you should call Dugas Pest Control for help, or if you’ve got a friendly helping hand in eliminating some other potential threats.

Common Spiders in Louisiana

There are several species of spiders that call Louisiana home today, either brought in by human migration or native to the area. However, the vast majority are harmless. Of course, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a harmless spider and one that does pose a danger to you and your family. Some of the spiders you might encounter in your home or yard include:

Brown Recluse – About an inch long, the brown recluse is a dangerous spider, although they are not aggressive. Most bites are only painful, although a small fraction does result in tissue necrosis.

Black Widow – One of the most infamous spiders in the US, the black widow features an easily identifiable red hourglass marking on its abdomen. Black widow bites can be very dangerous, and medical attention should be sought if bitten.

Brown Widow – The brown widow is a larger relative of the black widow, and like its more famous cousin, its bite is poisonous. Also like its relative, the brown widow is not aggressive and usually prefers to flee rather than fight.

Other Widows – There are several other “widow” spiders, including the red widow. They are all recognizable by the hourglass marking on their abdomens, and all have similar bite consequences.

Yellow Sac Spiders – These spiders are easily identified by the pale yellow abdomen. While their bite causes pain and lesions, they are not lethal, and the spider only bites when threatened (not aggressive).

House Spiders – These are the most common spiders on the planet, and frequently take up residence in houses, barns and other manmade structures. While they can bite, they are harmless.

Wolf Spiders – Louisiana is home to several different species of wolf spiders, but all can be identified by their trademark hairy bodies. They are not aggressive, but will bite if threatened. Bites are not dangerous, though swelling and itching will result.

Jumping Spiders – There are multiple types of jumping spiders in Louisiana, and they vary in size dramatically. Most bites are inconsequential, but very large jumping spiders have bites that can cause pain (often as severe as a bee string), although there is no actual danger from the bite.

About Louisiana Spiders

Most of the spiders that call Louisiana home are harmless to humans. There are only a very few species of spiders worldwide that can be considered serious threats to human life. In fact, most spiders are actually beneficial creatures, as they help reduce the population of other pests that can have a detrimental impact on human life by spreading disease, waste and more.

Of course, it can be difficult to tell if a spider is dangerous or not. Most of them won’t sit still for you to inspect their abdomens for that red hourglass, and larger spiders can be frightening even if they’re harmless. The best defense is to leave the spider alone and contact a spider exterminator to ensure that your home hasn’t become a haven for dangerous pests that might do harm to your family. If spiders are a problem in your home, contact Dugas Pest Control to learn more about our available pest control options.

What Types of Ants are in my Louisiana Yard?

Some people are of the mindset that an ant is just an ant…but this is far from true if you are trying to get rid of unwanted ants from your home or yard.

Let’s take a look at the various types of ants you may be finding in your southern Louisiana home so that you can learn more about where their nests are kept and how to get rid of them.

Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are large, and they can be various colors, including red, orange and black. If you’ve been noticing activity late at night, you may have carpenter ants in your yard, as these ants are nocturnal and come out at dark, cruising along fences and tree limbs. Another telltale sign that you have carpenter ants is finding nests in trees and branches. Carpenter ants do not sting, but they will bite, so never reach into an ant nest.

Little Black Ants
Little black ants are a species of ants, and they include the tiny black and brown ants that are common in U.S. households. Even though black ants are an important part of our ecosystem, they can become a major headache when you find them in your yard. Plus, once they make it into your outdoor space, they’re one step closer to invading the inside of your home. These ants will eat just about anything, including other insects, sweets and oily foods. You will notice little black ants in large colonies, traveling along sidewalks and foundation walls.

Red Imported Fire Ants

Fire ants are found in the southern states, Louisiana included. They can be identified by their reddish-brown color and double pedicel (waist). Fire ants are good at hiding their mounds because you can’t see the entrance holes, but their aggressive behavior certainly gives them away. These ants nest outdoors, but they will have no problem entering your home in the late summer in order to find food and water.

Crazy Ants

Yes – crazy ants do exist! They are named this because of their fast, erratic movements. Crazy ants are found in habitats that are warm and humid, making Louisiana a great home. You are more likely to find crazy ants inside the home or in potted plants. But they can also nest outdoors, so keep an eye out for dark brown ants that have long legs and antennae, plus move very fast.

Leaf-Cutting Ants

Leaf-cutting ants have a very distinct look to them since they have long legs and three sets of spine on their thorax. They live in the soil and make mounds that are crater shaped and built together like a small town. Leaf-cutting ants get their name from their ability to carry freshly cut dried leaves to their nest. These leaves eventually turn into a type of fungus that the leaf-cutting ants eat for food.

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants look very similar to carpenter ants, so it’s easy to get them confused at first. The difference between acrobat ants and carpenter ants is that the acrobat species works during the day. They can be defensive when disturbed, and these motions are what lead the ants to be called acrobats (they balance their gasters into the air). You’ll be most likely to find acrobat ants in trees, but they will also migrate into the home, living in insulation and walls.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are most likely to be found inside the home instead of the yard, but they may also be found in cardboard boxes or electrical boxes outdoors. They are tiny and have a yellowish color with two pedicels. Pharaoh ants prefer living in dark, narrow spaces instead of in colonies in the ground. They are picky eaters as well, preferring foods that are high in sugar and protein.

Tired of Living with Ants?

There are many types of ants that can be found in your home or yard; little black ants and carpenter ants are the most common species found in the Baton Rouge area. That’s because little black ants and carpenter ants eat old leaves, wood and food scraps, and when there is a constant source of food, these ants will build nests so that they can return. While a few of these ants are certainly okay, multiple colonies are not.

These are the most common ants found in Louisiana, so there’s a good chance that what you’re seeing in your yard may come from one of the species listed above. There are many other ants as well, including field ants, ghost ants and odorous ants, so if you feel that you have a greater problem on your hand, contact the local, Baton Rouge based professional ant exterminators at Dugas Pest Control today.

The Difference between Formosan and Subterranean Termites

To the average homeowner, termites might seem like they are all the same. They’re small, stubborn pests that chew through wood and cause internal damage to structures. Yet for pest control companies, termites are not all the same, and knowing which ones we’re dealing with is helpful in controlling and eradicating the infestation. The two types of termites that are commonly confused with each other are the formosan termites and the subterranean termites.

What are Formosan Termites?

Formosan termites (Coptotermes Formosanus) prefer warm climates and are heavily abundant in the southern states, Louisiana included. This termite is also known as an introduced subterranean termite, first introduced from East Asia. Although these resourceful pests have made their home in the southern part of the U.S., they have been seen as far north as the Canadian border. This leads researchers to believe that Formosan termites will eventually become mainstream across the country.

Formosan termites build nests in the soil and use mud tubes to bring moisture to their colonies. These termites eat wood and other cellulose materials, and they have successful working orders that include reproductives, workers and soldiers. Formosan termites are fierce and will defend their territories. They can also do damage in a short amount of time, as the queen can lay 1,000 eggs in one day.

What are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes) have a very successful working order as well, with reproductives, workers and soldiers. They rely heavily on this working order, especially during the springtime when they send out swarmers to reproduce. The queen can lay thousands of eggs in a day, and these eggs hatch into destructive termites that can collapse an entire building within a short amount of time.

Like other types of termites, subterranean termites live in colonies underground and spend their days searching for food. Their colonies consist of two million members. A subterranean termite diet consists of wood and cellulose material, and the termites get their moisture from building mud tubes.

What is the Difference between Formosan and Subterranean Termites?

One difference between the two is that formosan termites are more localized to the southern states while subterranean termites are found throughout the U.S. In fact, subterranean termites are found in every state but Alaska. They do prefer the warmer climates as the formosan termites do, but they are more widespread across the U.S. than the formosan species.

A second difference between the two termites lies in their physical appearance. Formosan termites have a longer body and a shorter head with two short pinchers. The subterranean termites have long heads and bodies with long pinchers. Formosan termites have a translucent orange color while the subterranean species has a translucent gray/brown color. Both have long wings and look like flying ants in their swarmer form, which is when they go out looking for mates to reproduce their colonies.

However, the main disparity between formosan and subterranean termites is that formosan termites build cartons that bring moisture to their nests. This ability allows them to build nests without having to return to the soil for moisture like subterranean termites. This small but handy ability allows formosan termites to be especially efficient in their working order since they can bring moisture to their nests without having to take the additional step of returning to the soil.

Identifying formosan and subterranean termites is something that most homeowners won’t be able to do because both termites build tunnels in the soil, unlike drywood termites that live within the wood. All termites eat the same thing – wood – so your home’s structure, bookcases, shelving and furniture are all at risk for being eaten. If you happen to see winged termites flying around the doors and windows, chances are high that you have an infestation nearby. Contact a professional termite exterminator like Dugas Pest Control for immediate identification and eradication. Both formosan and subterranean termites are stubborn pests, but they won’t stand a chance against our team.

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What is Sentricon and How Does it Work?

The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System was introduced in 1995 as the first smart alternative to traditional liquid barriers. This baiting system has been proven to be effective at reducing and eliminating termite numbers and colonies, and it takes the unique biology and behavior of termites into consideration. Sentricon specifically looks at termite tunnels and cellulose food sources.

Understanding Termite Behavior

Termites build tunnels that are up to 350 feet long, and they work for food continuously. They are a well-organized team that consists of workers, soldiers and the queen. When a source of food has been identified, termites will leave behind a scent so that other termites in their colony can follow after. The worker termites chew and digest the cellulose food sources and then share them with the colony.

While termites may sound to be nothing more than food scavengers, we know that they feast on wood and can cause severe structural damage over time. That is why it’s essential that bait systems are fast, effective and efficient at eradicating termite colonies. This is where Sentricon comes into play.

A Closer Look at Sentricon

The Sentricon bait system is based on the behavior of termites, and it works by getting the termites to ingest the bait when crawling through their long, underground tunnels.

Bait systems are placed around the perimeter of a home by a professional pest control company. They are typically arranged 10 to 20 feet apart, and when the termites come into contact with the bait station, they eat the cellulose material and inadvertently ingest an insect growth inhibitor. The termites go on to share this “food” with their colony members that also ingest the bait. As the growth inhibitor takes over and prevents the termites from being able to molt, they die off.

Sentricon is not only beneficial for immediate treatment but also for long-term pest prevention. When the bait stations are placed around the home, they continue to work by distributing bait to termites to kill off the workers, soldiers and queen. That means that termites will never reach your home, preventing structural damage and preserving your peace of mind. Bait stations do need to be re-baited over time, but your pest control company will offer a warranty that makes these visits to your home low cost.

Is Sentricon Effective?

Sentricon has been proven to work, and it has many benefits to traditional liquid barriers. It is the most environmentally responsible form of termite treatment because there are no chemicals involved. Also, no drilling needs to be done as with liquid barriers that need to be injected into the foundation. The bait systems are only used where there are termite colonies detected, and the cost of Sentricon, at least initially, is less expensive than other options.

There are some things to think about with Sentricon that may affect your end decision. While Sentricon is effective, it does have its drawbacks. Because the bait stations are placed in the ground, they often disrupt the termite tunnels, and then the termite workers and soldiers choose to build new tunnels. Also, weather conditions like rain and snow can cause the stations to be disrupted. The goal is to go undetected by the termites, and Sentricon sometimes lacks in this department.

Also, Sentricon does require regular maintenance. A certified professional from Dugas Pest Control will come out to the home at regular intervals to re-bait the stations. You’ll want to consider these costs in addition to the initial cost of the system. The good news is that the Sentricon system is affordable and will most likely fit into your budget better than a traditional liquid system.

The best part about Sentricon is that it is environmentally friendly. Providing long-term protection, you don’t have to worry about chemicals or pesticides making their way into your home. And, there is nothing better than knowing that your home is termite free and your family and pets are not exposed to chemicals. Contact Dugas Pest Control for more information.

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Why Bug Problems Get Worse When It Rains

With all the rain we’ve had this winter here in Baton Rouge, you may have noticed how many bugs are out on the ground after a big rainstorm. Go look outside after the next big rain, and you will likely see ants, worms, and many other bugs crawling around in your grass or on paved surfaces near your house.

There is a reason that all these bugs come above ground after a big rainfall, and if you understand this phenomenon, then you will be able to prevent these bugs from getting inside your house after it rains.

Bugs Go to Higher Ground

The reasons that bugs come out of the ground after a rain are very straightforward. When it rains, the holes and cracks in the ground in which they live fill up with rainwater. This does not kill the bugs; instead, it forces them to climb up out of the ground and to spend some time on the surface areas near your house. So although you may only rarely see bugs outside most of the time, you will see hundreds of them after a day of rain. They have come up out of the ground to save themselves, and they won’t go back underground until the rain stops and the water dries.

Your House Is a Bug Shelter

When lots of bugs come out of the ground, this means that there are more bugs around that can come into your house. Additionally, the bugs that don’t live underground may try to get into your house as a means of getting away from the rain. Many bugs don’t like getting what any more than humans do. So in the same way that we run inside whenever the rain starts to fall, bugs also will start looking for shelter—and your house is one excellent place to take shelter.

This is one reason why you will see so many more bugs in your house during the summer than during the winter. Though it is partly due to the fact that there are more bugs alive during the summer, the increase in bugs in your house is also due to the typically heavier rainfall during the summer months. All that rain drives the bugs up out of the ground and into your home.

How to Keep Them Out

If you want to keep these bugs out of your home, you must take proactive measures to stop them from getting inside. By yourself, you can do things like trimming trees, bushes, and hedges that are close to your house and which provide great habitats for underground insect colonies.

You can also call your local pest control specialists to apply a water-activated chemical to your yard and to the sides and seams of your house. This granular chemical will be inactive until the next rainfall. But when the rain comes, the grains will turn into an effective pesticide, and it will kill the great majority of the bugs coming up from the ground. As a result, you’ll no longer have to deal with so many bugs getting inside your home.