Dugas Pest Control, Author at Dugas Pest Control

What Are The Flying Insects You’re Seeing All Over The Place?

Every spring, we see a huge rise in calls from people in the Baton Rouge area whose homes have been overrun by flying insects. With the current weather conditions here in Louisiana, this year’s termite swarming season is expected to be widespread. Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites are both swarming now, but if you’re starting to find flying insects in your house, how can you be sure if they’re termites?

Can Termites Fly?

Certain termites can fly, although they’re not very good at it. They are very weak, and can only travel considerable distances in windy climates. There is only one class of termites that can fly – these are the reproductives, a type of termite specifically tasked with spreading the colony to new homes.

A termite colony will start producing reproductives once it has reached a certain level of maturity, usually about three years of development. The reproductives will fly to new locations to mate and find a new place to proliferate. After they mate, the male reproductive sheds its wings. Finding discarded termite wings or living winged termites in your home could be a sign that there is a termite colony thriving somewhere in the wooden structure of your house. If you think you might have a termite problem, let your local pest control company know.

Termites vs Flying Ants

It’s easy to mistake termites with their less destructive friends, flying ants. Here are three indicators that the flying insects that you’re seeing are termites, and not ants:

Their appearance: Termite swarmers have longer wings, but shorter limbs and antennae. Flying ants will usually be larger – termite sizes vary by species, but some, like the Eastern subterranean termite, are as small as 10mm long.
Signs in your house: If you’ve noticed damaged or hollow-sounding wood anywhere in your house, those flying insects in your house are most likely termites. Contact a local termite exterminator to assess the extent of the damage.
Signs in your yard: If a subterranean termite colony is swarming near you, look out for tunnels on the surface of your yard. These are called mud tubes, and they are the paths that subterranean termites take from their nests to nearby food sources.

Other Flying Insects

The flying bugs around your house might not be termites or flying ants! Plenty of different winged insects reemerge around springtime, so you could be dealing with:

Mosquitoes
Bees
Flies
Fleas
Beetles, or something else

Visit our pest identification library for help narrowing down what kind of pests you’re dealing with.

Professional Pest Control in Baton Rouge LA

If you’re ready to get rid of the flying insects in your Louisiana home, it’s time to ask your local extermination experts at Dugas Pest Control for help. Our employees are trained to specialize on pests that commonly plague the Baton Rouge area. Over decades of service, we’ve helped loads of families rid their homes of pests with environmentally-friendly tactics. Reach out today for a free quote!

Stay Aware of Termite Threats to Your Property This Spring

Last week was the annual Termite Awareness Week, and although we spent some time further educating ourselves and others on termite prevention, detection, and treatment, it doesn’t mean that termites are going to stop eating up our homes from the inside out. We recommend preparing for this spring’s termite reemergence by learning more about how they operate and how to tell if you have a problem in your house.

What Are the Signs of Termites in Your Home?

Termites have been given the nickname “the silent destroyers” because of their ability to go undetected chewing through wood, flooring, and wallpaper. These quiet critters are always on the go – termites can feed 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Keep an eye out for these 7 signs that termites might have infested your home:

Mud tubes on the exterior of the home – termites build these to travel to new food sources.
Soft wood in your house that sounds hollow when tapped.
Darkening or blistering of wood structures.
Cracked or bubbling paint.
Small piles of feces that resemble sawdust.
Winged termites, called swarmers, flying around your house.
Discarded wings near doors or window sills, which indicate that swarmers have entered the home.

When Do Termites Swarm?

Unfortunately, termites will start to swarm in high numbers very soon. Some colonies might already be active here in Southern Louisiana, as the mixture of rain and rising temperatures provides them with an ideal climate. As temperatures increase, termites emerge in search of mates and suitable spots to create new colonies.

Formosan termites are most likely to cause problems in Louisiana this spring, so homeowners should remain vigilant and routinely inspect the foundation of the home for signs of termites.

Professional Termite Control

Now is the time to take note of potential termite damage on your property. If you notice any of the above indications of a termite outbreak in your home, reach out to our professional termite exterminators for a free quote. We have many years of experience diagnosing and clearing termite-infested homes and are currently preparing to help Louisiana head into spring with sturdy houses free of pests!

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Keep Louisiana Wildlife Outside This Winter

When the cold weather starts to settle in and there is a frigid bite in the air here in Louisiana, you probably want to head home and snuggle up inside where it is nice and warm. Unfortunately, you are not the only one who wants to do this. Creatures that would typically be more at home outside might decide to become your uninvited guests during the winter months.

This is true of rodents in particular, but all manner of critters can make their way onto your property and into your home, including raccoons, squirrels, and more. To avoid the dangers of a wildlife invasion in your home this winter, keep reading to learn how to keep them away!

Dangers of Wildlife in the Home During the Winter

Winter pests in the home are more than just annoying. There is also the potential for them to be dangerous. Mice, rats, and squirrels can carry various diseases, as can the fleas that rodents carry. Even if the rodent dies, the fleas can continue to live on and cause problems for you and your family. In addition, rodents can cause fires. This is because rats and other rodents often chew on electrical wires. Wild animals can be dangerous when they feel threatened, and they should never be approached. It’s always best to have a professional wildlife control expert assist you.

How to Prevent Winter Wildlife Problems

Having a good understanding of some prevention tips and following through with them will help to keep the wildlife from getting into your home, so you don’t have to deal with the dangers these pests present. The best winter wildlife prevention tips include the following.

1. Look for Holes and Gaps

Rodents can come into your home through holes found around the outside of the house. If you have holes in the attic, holes in the walls, gaps in windows and doors, and other areas that would allow for rodents and other pests to get into your home. Depending on the size of the hole or gap, larger creatures, even snakes, might find their way inside your attic, basement, or walls. Walk around your home, inside and outside, and look for these holes and gaps. Then, make repairs to these areas to eliminate these points of ingress into the home. This can help reduce the risk of pests entering the property. Keep in mind that even tiny gaps could allow for critters of all sorts to get inside.

2. Take Care of Leaf and Woodpiles Properly

During the fall season, you end up outside raking up piles of leaves with the intention of disposing of them. However, these piles of leaves and debris are often left too close to their homes. The piles end up as nesting grounds for rodents, which will then often try to make their way into the home. It is important to keep leaf piles, along with woodpiles, further away from the house to reduce the chance of pests getting into the home. Ideally, the piles will be at least 20’ from the house.

3. Protect Vents and Chimneys

If you have a chimney or vents that are coming into the home, you will want to screen them. This stops animals and other pests from having easy access to your house. If you aren’t sure how to install the screens properly and securely, you can hire someone who can do it for you.

Wildlife Prevention & Control Services in the Winter

Even when you take the right precautions, there is always a chance that various forms of wildlife might end up making their way into your home. It’s always a good idea to speak with a professional pest control company that can come to your home and inspect it to make sure it is safe from pests, and to get rid of any pests that might have already infiltrated your property. Working with the wildlife control team at Dugas can help keep you and your family safe from wildlife problems this winter in your Louisiana home!

Mice raccoons rats rodents snakes squirrels

Here’s What You Need to Do Now to Prevent Louisiana Termites Later

As you know, termite season can be unpredictable.

These wood-munching monsters are actually active throughout the entire year, but there are particular months where they are more noticeable – that’s when they “swarm.”

For those in balmier climates, termites are hanging about pretty much all year. However, in the cooler climes, you are more likely to see them from March to November.

The season isn’t the only thing that controls termite activity.

Since termites like to seek shelter within your climate-controlled home, they may be active all year long.

Don’t feel a sense of false security because it is chilly outside or it is a winter month – if you suspect termite activity it’s never too soon to call a pro.

5 Ways You Can Prevent Termites

The best way to deal with termites is to avoid getting an infestation in the first place!

There are several things that you can do to deter these destructive pests and make your home less appealing.

Here are five ways to help keep your home termite-free during termite season and all year long:

#1 Stack Your Firewood Away From the House

While keeping your firewood close to your door makes it easier to nip out on a chilly night for a few extra logs, it also creates easy access for termites.

The woodpile itself is like a buffet, but having it stacked against your house or in your crawlspace will give the termites a safe passageway into your house, even if you have termite treatments.

The best thing to do is to stack the wood several feet away. Another good tip is to keep it elevated off the ground.

#2 Keep the Foundation Free of Moisture

Termites need a water source, and having a home with improper drainage around the foundation will provide them with exactly what they need.

To avoid this situation, keep your gutters from being clogged with leaves and make sure the downspouts divert water away from the foundation.

You will also want to make sure that outdoor faucets aren’t dripping and that your air conditioner’s drip lines aren’t creating a pooling of water.

#3 Keep Mulch Raked

While wood mulch does make your beds look more attractive and well-kept, when you have excessive amounts of mulch around your foundation, it can lead to a termite infestation.

The bulkiness of the mulch can trap moisture and warmth making an ideal situation for the termites.

Try to keep your mulch raked away from your home, leaving a four- or five-inch buffer between the mulch and your foundation, siding, or door framings.

#4 Trim Your Trees and Shrubs

Be proactive in your trimming.

Keep bushes and tree limbs from overhanging your roof because the overgrown areas can act as the perfect shelter for termites. They also create a highway into your home.

The leaves that drop into your gutters can trap moisture and build the perfect home for an aerial termite.

#5 Get Regular Inspections

Remember that prevention is the best cure for termites!

That’s why it is a good idea to have regular termite inspections by knowledgeable professionals.

These inspections will keep you vigilant against the dangers of termite-infestations, and a professional termite inspector can point out any trouble areas that you may have missed.

Stay Vigilant

Now that you know the steps you can take to prepare yourself for termite season, you can rest a little easier.

Dugas offers annual termite inspections to help keep you from suffering the devastating effects of an infestation.

Don’t wait until it becomes a serious problem, contact Dugas today to schedule your inspection.

West Nile Virus In Louisiana Backyards! 2018 Update

Summer is almost gone, but the mosquitoes are still here! This summer (2018), East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and St. John Parishes all have multiple confirmed cases of mosquitos testing positive for West Nile Virus.

Of course the The East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control is working hard to reduce the mosquito population via daytime larval treatments as well as nighttime mosquito spraying with trucks and airplanes.

But what can you do in the meantime?

What You Need to Know About West Nile Virus

The Center for Disease Control states that:

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bites of infected mosquitos.
At present time there are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus.
80% of people infected will show ZERO symptoms.
1 in 5 infected people develop a fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms will usually occur between 3 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, if at all.

What Can I do to Protect Myself and My Loved Ones?

Because there are no vaccines or medicinal treatments available, prevention is key this summer. Here are a few ways the Center for Disease Control suggests you protect yourself:

Use insect repellent: Specifically, look for repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate), oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), and/or 2-undecanone. (All of these have been proven effective and safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women).
Wear long sleeved shirts & pants treated with Permethrin: This may seem counterintuitive with the heat and humidity, but covering your most vulnerable organ, the epidermis, is your best bet. Clothes treated with Permethrin can protect you after multiple washings and it can also be used on boots, socks, tents, etc.
Take necessary steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside: Screen doors, mosquito nets, and constant vigilance is one of the most important steps in West Nile Virus prevention. Make sure you’re using screens on all your doors and windows, repair any holes immediately, use air conditioning, and once a week empty, clean or throw out any items that may contain stagnant water (i.e. buckets, old tires, toys, planters, etc.)
Schedule an appointment! We offer Mosquito Suppression, Automated Misting, and Large Area Fogging Treatments that can reduce the amount of mosquitos in your yard by up to 90%!

Our certified, experienced technicians are the best and most convenient line in self-defense against pesky mosquitos and the potentially fatal West Nile Virus – don’t wait until it’s too late.

Keeping pests out has never been more affordable – Give us a call today!

Pest Control Is Better When You’re Part of a Team – Meet Pest Technician Mary

When’s the last time one of your customers offered you a breakfast taco? 🌮

It happened to our technician Mary Branch just a few days ago!

We think it’s safe to say our techs and our customers are members of a mutual admiration society!

We Have the Best Customers EVER 💗

Mary says that her favorite thing about working as a pest control technician is the amazing customers she helps every day. She loves working to solve their pest problems and they love having pest-free homes and businesses!

Satisfied customers motivate Mary to do her best every day while she’s out in the field eliminating pests.

Besides having wonderful clients, Mary – like many of our techs – loves the outdoors. She enjoys being out and about and says she would prefer spending time around a campfire to being inside (unless there’s a football game on!).

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The whole Dugas team is on Mary’s side when she’s addressing pest problems.

If she runs into an unusual situation, she calls on the rest of the team at Dugas to help her create a pest control solution based on the local knowledge our techs have been gathering for over 60 years.

So when you call a Dugas tech, you get the entire team’s expertise!

Mary previously worked with a corporate pest control company, and she says there’s no contest when it comes to the inclusive environment at a family- and woman-owned firm like Dugas. Her “work family” is supportive and helpful, and everyone learns from one another on a daily basis. Each call is a chance to improve her skills and knowledge, and she’s happy to return the favor when her fellow technicians need a hand.

“Calling or texting another experienced local technician is way better than a Google search,” Mary says. “They know the area and the local pests, so they can give great advice if you need it.”

Summer Pest Field Report

Tawny “crazy” ants have been spotted in Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, and even farther afield. These bizarre ants congregate in colonies that can number in the millions. They’re tiny, and their frantic movements have given them their nickname of Crazy Ants.

Unlike most ants, these pests are attracted to electrical wiring, which means they can be VERY destructive to your property.

Talk about crazy !

One of Mary’s customers had an infestation that destroyed their A/C unit, and they had to replace the whole thing! Stay vigilant, and look for trails of tiny ants around your home, A/C unit, electrical boxes, even your car. If you see them, you need to act ASAP, as their huge colonies can move fast to destroy your wiring.

If you have had crazy ants in the past, you still need to stay vigilant, since these aggressive pests will try to come back if they can.

Termites may not be swarming anymore, but now that they have settled down in their new colonies, signs of termite infestation are cropping up around Baton Rouge and across southern Louisiana.

A customer in Lafitte called on Mary for their termite problem when tunnels were discovered near their home. Another home that had been flooded provided a ripe environment for termites, as it has been unoccupied and hadn’t been inspected for months. So if you have property that’s vacant, termite inspections are a must.

Asian roaches are also showing up in yards and flower beds everywhere. Unlike common or German cockroaches, Asian roaches typically stay outside, where they love to live in mulch or pine straw. Their tendency to stay outside is definitely a plus, but these pests could easily overrun your yard and “bug” you when you’re trying to enjoy some time outdoors.

Call on Our Expert Technicians to Combat Pests in Your Home of Business

If you have pest problems, Mary or another one of our experienced and certified techs can help!

Give us a call at or request service online for pest control service in Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Covington, and Metro New Orleans.

What’s the Best Mosquito Prevention System for Louisiana Yards?

While the weather is still hot, the abundance of annoying mosquitoes we experience in South Louisiana can leave you feeling drained!

These insects can carry several diseases – including the West Nile virus and Zika virus – both of which are spreading through the Southeast US, making them at best annoying and at worst, dangerous to your health.

Combating mosquitoes for over 60 years has inspired us to design the two BEST prevention systems for South Louisiana yards: what we in the industry call “barrier protection” and an automatic misting system from Coastal Mister.

But anytime you have two choices, you have to ask… which one is right for you?

What are your options?

Option #1 – Barrier Misting System

Our team of professionals will come to spray your yard, creating a barrier around the property to ensure that no more mosquitoes venture into your yard.

A one-time spray treatment that usually lasts up to 21 days (dependent on the amount of rainfall)
Safe to be in the sprayed area just 30 minutes after treatment
Does NOT include chemicals that will negatively impact your grass, plants, pets, or people
Reduces the number of mosquitoes that you will see in your yard by up to 90%

With the barrier misting system there’s nothing for you to do except keep an eye on standing water, leaf piles, and other places mosquitoes tend to breed. Otherwise, you can enjoy your yard with minimal effort on your end.

Option #2 – Coastal Mister System

The CoastalMister™ System is one of the most effective and reliable outdoor insect control alternatives for homes and businesses as it directly focuses on the areas where you spend the most time, immediately reducing your risk.

The natural Pyrethrum insecticide then sets to work to repel mosquitoes, flies, and gnats from the area over a prolonged length of time. It is a simple but effective process – remove the mosquito, remove the threat.

Kills and repels mosquitoes around pools, patios, porches
Automated technology sprays for mosquitoes at pre-set time during the day
Easy maintenance & professional support available
Each system is custom designed for your home

So, which is BEST for me?

It really comes down to your specific needs and your preference as a property owner.

If you’re the type that likes to have the professionals show up regularly and make your yard is treated, than the barrier treatment is a no-brainer.

But, if you’re the type who prefers knowing your yard is being treated more frequently and you like the idea of having a “spot treatment” anytime you want, than a misting system might be a better fit.

And of course, there’s the cost consideration. A misting system will cost more up-front but may cost less to operate in the long term. One of our technicians will be happy to show you the cost of each and help you compare.

We’ve got you covered!

You deserve to live “itch free”. Whether you’re a Barrier or Coastal Misting System seeker, Dugas Pest Control can keep your yard and home pest free all year-round.

If you’re unsure which solution is best for you give us a call! Our knowledgeable customer service agents and experienced and certified termite exterminators will find the best solution for you.

Schedule a FREE consultation and start enjoying your yard again in no-time.

Jeremy Clark Named to National Pest Management Association Board

Congratulations to our own Jeremy Clark, general manager of Dugas Pest Control!

He has been named to the board of directors of the National Pest Management Association. Jeremy will serve a two-year term as board member at large of this 7,000-member organization formed in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of the public health, food and property.

Clark is also president-elect of the Louisiana Pest Management Association. His mother, Laura Simpson, president of Dugas Pest Control, also served on the board of NPMA and was its president in 2005.

The Surprising Facts About DIY Pest Control

Pest control seems easy, right?

Just spray some insecticide and wait for the bugs to die.

But there’s more than meets the eye in professional pest control, so before you head to your local home improvement store, here’s what you need to know about DIY pest control.

Choosing the Right Product Isn’t Simple or Easy

Spraying your home or yard yourself might sound simple, but depending on your pest control goals, you may need to apply different treatments. Choosing the right product can get complicated, as ants, roaches, mosquitoes, flies, and other pests all respond differently to products and strategies.

Your head might start spinning just reading all those labels!

Indoor and outdoor treatments differ greatly as well, so you’ll probably need multiple types of pesticide to treat your entire home and yard.

If you’re thinking of tackling a termite problem on your own, treatment can take hundreds of gallons of insecticide to get the job done. That’s not cheap, and poor or incomplete application can fool you into thinking you’ve taken care of the problem when termites are still safe underground, just waiting to chew up your property.

Proper Equipment

Of course you’ll need insecticide to treat your home and yard.

But you’ll also need special equipment to spray with. A small sprayer can be inexpensive, starting at around $15, but it will be hand-pumped and might need many refills before your home and yard are completely covered. A more powerful unit can be $200 or up.

Safety equipment is also important – in fact it’s a must!

When handling chemicals, you need to make sure you’re safe, and that includes eye protection, gloves, a mask, and even a protective suit to ensure pesticides don’t affect you.

There’s a reason our pest control vehicles are fully stocked with different types of professional grade equipment!

Know Your Pests

Do you know exactly what you’re dealing with?

Local Louisiana pests have unique habits, and professional pest technicians spend a lot of time learning about how they behave, what kinds of habitats attract them, and tips and tricks beyond pesticide that will keep them out of your home and yard.

Did you know that termites can tunnel underground for hundreds of feet? Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t under your house chewing away.

Did you know that roaches like to eat soap? Or that Crazy Ants are attracted to electrical wiring?

If you’re infested with pests, knowing their unique habits is important to make sure the population is eradicated and preventing them from coming back.

It’s Not Just About Spraying

Effective pest control is much more than just spraying chemicals where the pests are. A professional pest control service includes:

Locating where the pests are coming from and how they’re entering your property
Assessing the size & scope of the pest problem
Correctly identifying the pest
Putting together a treatment plan that involves environmental strategies as well as chemical application when necessary
Exclusion strategy to make sure that once pests are removed, they don’t come back in
Follow up inspections as needed.

So for successful DIY pest control, you need more than just some products of the shelf of a nearby box store!

If you aren’t ready to tackle your pest problems on your own, or if you have an infestation that DIY just won’t fix, call our experts for a free consultation!

Spring 2018 Louisiana Termite Field Report

Every South Louisiana homeowners knows just how destructive termites can be to your home.

But do you know that even if you can’t see signs of these pests, they can still be hard at work chewing through your house – sometimes at the rate of a pound of wood a day!

We spoke to Branch Manager Daniel Hill about what he’s been seeing out in the field, so you can protect your property.

Termite Season is Intense This Year

Because of all the crazy weather we saw this year in South Louisiana – from warm to freezing – termite season will be especially intense.

Daniel says that the season started a little bit later than usual, but just as many colonies will be swarming. That means swarms will appear more frequently, and many colonies will swarm at once. You can think of them as “super swarms.”

The good news is that the season will still end on time, so this short but intense swarming season won’t continue through the summer.

How Far Will Termites go to Destroy YOUR Home?

Daniel has seen some interesting cases this year where termites have completely snuck up on unsuspecting homeowners.

Subterranean termites are named that for a reason – they live underground. Because of this they can sneak up on you and your home.

In one case, an inspection of a customer’s property revealed termites in a tree over 100 feet from the home. Further inspection revealed that they had actually tunneled all the way to the house and started making it their home from underneath. That’s why Daniel recommends a professional inspection – our fearless technicians will crawl through every nook and cranny of your home to ensure termites aren’t sneaking in.

Another customer saw no sign of termites – until they started chewing through the drywall! They had been hard at work without any sign of an infestation.

Termites Eat Like Crazy – and Not Just Wood

Since termites never stop eating, the search for a food source is constant.

But these hungry insects don’t just eat houses, they’ll attack anything with cellulose, including your vegetable garden! Daniel says that some customers have first noticed termites taking advantage of their gardens, before moving on to bigger sources of food on the property.

Other things termites might use as a light snack include trees, fences, mulch, and firewood. That’s why it’s important to keep the foundation of your home clear of anything that termites might use as an appetizer.

Moisture is also important, so keeping leaky hoses, puddles, or anything damp away from the foundation of your house is another way to help deter termites.

Dugas Can Give You Peace of Mind

If you see signs of termites on your Baton Rouge or New Orleans property, or if you just want to know for sure that they aren’t already hard at work, request a free consultation.