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

What is TAP insulation and how can it save you money? (And keep pests out!)

Have you heard of TAP insulation? Recently, the government passed a tax credit to refund home owners a percentage of their investment when purchasing this product for their homes.

But what is it and why should you invest in it?

TAP Pest Control Insulation boasts multiple benefits and is a cost-effective improvement you can make to your home. It’s the only product that has been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to control pests while also having an Energy Star label and UL Classification.

What does that mean for you as a homeowner?

It can help you prevent and eliminate the spread of potentially disease-causing pests like cockroaches and termites while simultaneously saving you money on energy.

If you’re a budget-conscious homeowner, you’ll be thrilled. Here’s what you need to know about TAP insulation.

What is TAP?

TAP stands for Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation. The insulation is composed of interconnecting paper fibers which are installed in the attic to help reduce sounds and regulate the temperature inside buildings. A layer of borate material is added to the fibers which actively helps to kill pests that come into contact with it.

Benefits

Thermal Insulation Saves on Energy Bill

A major benefit are the savings which come as a result of the installation. TAP acts like a blanket for your home as the cellulose fibers interconnect to create an almost perfect degree of insulation. It’s light enough to keep heat trapped while being dense enough to prevent air flow. Homeowners can save up to 30% on their energy bill yearly!

Eliminate Outdoor Sounds

Do noises bother you? Would you like to create a quiet sanctuary at home? TAP Pest Control Insulation is highly effective at cutting down on the noise that often comes in through the ceiling of your home. How? Sound flows through solid materials just as easily as heat does. For this reason, the small air pockets found in the interconnecting fibers in the insulation can reduce the amount of noise being transmitted. When installed in the ceiling at a level of R-60, especially across your attic, typical outdoor sounds are almost 100% eliminated!

Keep Pests Out

On top of thermal and acoustical benefits, TAP Pest Control Insulation acts as an active form of pesticide for your attic space. How does it keep pests out? A unique borate material is added to the paper fibers to eliminate bugs. You may have heard of the material as it’s also commonly found in cabinets, baseboards of homes, and even on the perimeters of homes.

The producers add this borate material onto paper fibers during the manufacturing process. Paper fibers are naturally adhesive, which allows for the borate particles to stick to the fiber lightly, distributing them evenly all throughout the insulation. Once insects come in contact with borate, the particles attach to them. Ultimately, the insects ingest the particles as they groom themselves, disrupting their digestive process, and starving them to death.

This helps to reduce the amount of pests that make it into your living space, as well as preventing any from nesting in your attic.

Dugas Provides TAP Pest Control Insulation

Dugas Pest Control is now offering to install TAP Pest Control Insulation safely and professionally in your home. Not only will you be able to benefit from the multipurpose uses of TAP, but you will also be able to take advantage of the tax credit through Dec 31, 2016. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

5 Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your House this Winter

Keep Pests Out of Your House this Winter Winter is upon us which means we start up the fireplace and enjoy some time indoors. The unfortunate part, we’re not the only ones who enjoy doing so! Pests are drawn to the warmth and refuge of our homes, finding their way in through cracks and holes under sills, around the foundation, and along eaves.

Don’t want to share your space with pests? We don’t blame you.

Follow these five simple tips to keep pests out.

#1 Inspect Your Home

Check every nook and cranny of your home to make sure that there are no enticing holes or openings that a pest can wriggle its way through. Be systematic about it: start from the foundation and move up from there. Look out for signs of animal activity, such as small tunnels or chewed wood.

#2 Seal Up Any Openings

Keep any holes blocked up by caulking them, especially around pipes and the foundation. For larger openings, use low-expansion polyurethane foam. You can seal chimneys and flues with high-temperature caulk or aluminum flashing. Look out for holes or tears in window screens or over attic vents – repair or replace them where necessary. You can also seal drafty doors by weather-stripping them or using a door sweep.

#3 Remove Moisture

Moisture attracts pests, so it makes sense to keep areas clean and dry. Leaky pipes under sinks and in walls need to be sealed or replaced. Allow air to circulate to dry those areas out. Alternatively, use a dehumidifier to wick away naturally-occurring moisture. Leaky roofs also need to be tended to and repaired.

#4 Clear Out Things That Attract Pests

Pests look for food and bedding in the winter, so remove anything from your home that could be attractive to them. One obvious place to start is the trash can. The potent smell of rotting garbage is appealing to hungry pests. You can deter them by spraying the can with bleach or ammonia. Pet food is also another natural source of food for them. Make sure you seal your pet food and store it away from the doors if stored inside.

Pests such as stink bugs, termites, and Boxelder bugs will use firewood for bedding. They love to make their homes within wood piles, building a warm and cozy residence there. However, they will most likely want to move into your home after setting up camp in your wood pile, so it’s advisable to keep the pile as far away from your house as possible. Storing the wood off the ground and away from trees is also advised.

#5 Get Professional Treatment

Making sure you cover all your bases when it comes to keeping your house pest-free can be a time consuming and involved process. However, a professional treatment can make it significantly easier. Professionals are trained to look out for signs of infestations that are often hard to spot while creating an environment that keeps pests out for the long term. It’s a proactive solution that keeps your home protected so you can enjoy time inside pest-free.

Dugas Pest Control is the premier pest control professional in southern Louisiana. From residential to commercial, we provide top-quality service that can put a permanent stop to unwelcome visitors. Our professionals are trained to locate and eliminate infestations, remove nesting sites, and close up entry points to keep pests from setting up base in your home.

Is it a lady bug or an Asian ladybeetle?

Harmonia axyridis

By Daniel Hill, Service Supervisor

Aka harlequin, multicolored Asian, or Asian ladybeetle. Let’s go with that.

It’s time to shed some light on the bugs you’ve seen flying all over the place in and out of your home. I’d also like to be the factual authority on all the rumors about them, as well as offer advice. But first things first, Lady Bugs and Asian ladybeetles are two different things! According to their biological classification, neither are actually bugs, they’re beetles. For that reason you may hear them referred to as ladybird beetles. The one you’ve been seeing is a similar species native to Asia that has been gaining a reputation faster than their population. The difference in the Asian Ladybeetle and the Lady Bug is in the color, while some can be red, most have an orange color. The biggest difference can be seen in the markings on the head, does it look like a tiny black ‘M’? It’s an Asian lady beetle.

Let’s go over the big news story that went viral where about 30-40 were in a dogs mouth and everyone was worried. Long story short: When this insect is stressed, it secretes a small amount of stinky fluid. The dog ate a bunch, the bugs got stressed, and it caused them to stick in the dog’s mouth. Vets now say just to remove the bugs with your finger (with a glove if that grosses you out!). This wasn’t ever going to harm the puppy, even if he ate them!

There are a few important points you should know that will dispel a lot of the rumors. So let’s get the facts straight!

– They aren’t structure or fabric damaging insects.

– They can’t multiply or lay eggs in your home. They lay eggs on the underside of leaves. They can’t sustain life inside your home. They aren’t looking to mate right now, but I’ll get into that further down.

– They aren’t a protected species so we are okay to treat them.

-They do not transmit diseases but they’ve recently been found to cause allergies and trigger asthma in large numbers as they secrete that yellowish liquid. You also can’t get pink eye from them!

–They have been reported to bite when agitated. I have 5 I caught for this article and I couldn’t get any of them to bite me even after I got them to secrete the stinky fluid. I even applied pressure to my skin and they just wouldn’t bite. This doesn’t mean they won’t bite anyone, they probably just know I’m a bug guy!

– In the spring and summer, these bugs are developing from one life cycle to the next by eating other bugs. They are generally labeled as beneficial insects because they feed on the bugs that damage your plants. In the fall they leave their homes in the trees, wooded areas, etc, and become a nuisance by entering your home by the hundreds to hibernate. Your house is warm so they try to get it, first by congregating on an exterior wall or other surface. In Feb-March they will emerge again to go back into the wild.

– Basically they come in because they’re confused. The best defense is to caulk up the windows and seal any place you think they could fit. Once they’re inside the best remedy is to vacuum them. Having us do an application inside will help. By the time you’re seeing them inside it won’t reduce them to zero but it will accelerate the process.

– They have strong pheromones (aka bug perfume) that will tell their colony and the generation next year that anywhere they’ve been is a safe place to go. It’s best to get a preventative service done nearing the fall if your home is prone to infestations. The bugs must hit the wall first for it to be effective so you may still see a few inside. Pressure washing rarely works because the pheromone is within your walls and it’s highly detectable.

What your buyers need to know about termite damage

Termites can do some incredible damage to wood structures. Worst of all, they do this quickly, efficiently and without many homeowners even knowing that it is happening.

Termites are present in 49/50 states

These insects are found throughout the United States, excluding Alaska as they cannot live in extremely cold conditions. And they are a serious problem. In fact, it is estimated that termites cause over $50 billion worth of property damage in the United States annually.

They can cause serious damage

If undiscovered and left unchecked, termites can be extremely destructive. Because of their small size and the fact that they eat wood from the inside out, they are also very difficult to spot. This is especially the case if you do not know what you are looking for and can’t recognize evidence of their handiwork. This can have significant consequences for a homeowner, especially if they are found in major structural points within the home.

Many lenders require a termite inspection

Because of the damage these and other wood boring insects can cause, many lenders across the United States insist that a thorough inspection is carried out on a property before any sale is finalized and before any mortgage is agreed to.

A wood destroying insect inspection can help

This is where a thorough wood destroying insect inspection can help. Carried out by registered pest control company professionals who generate a relevant report, this inspection can identify current invasions or evidence of previous ones that have already been dealt with. This inspection and subsequent report will offer peace of mind to all important parties in the sale of a property; the seller, buyer and realtor. Contact us today.

Resource for Realtors: What You Need to Know About the Wood Destroying Insect Report

Although not always a requirement, having a house checked for termites is an extremely good idea, especially when the house is in the process of being sold. As a realtor, you have probably witnessed a few cases where problems were uncovered after a sale goes through… and it can be ugly.

In the case of termites, these insects are found in practically every state in the United States and can cause havoc if not dealt with promptly. Being so, it is good to take preventative measures such as having the home undergo a wood destroying insect inspection (WDIR).

What is the Wood Destroying Insect Report?

In order to identify the presence of wood destroying insects such as termites, there is a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection that can be conducted which is reported on an official form. This inspection is actually required in order to get certain types of loans so you may have heard your buyers talking about this or having it conducted.

In our guide written specifically for those in the real estate industry, you can learn more about what exactly this inspection entails and who to contact in order to request it.

Why it’s important?

This inspection and report is important in order for a transparent sale to go through. Each home undergoes an inspection for plumbing, electrical, etc., but oftentimes the presence of wood destroying insects isn’t automatically included.

This can leave disgruntled buyers coming back to you and the seller after the sale ready to file a lawsuit because they weren’t aware of the issue. To prevent any issues and to ensure all your sales go through seamlessly, recommending the WDIR is a good idea. This will prevent problems, and increase the amount of happy clients that refer you to their friends and family.

Crazy Ants Arrive in South Louisiana!

To paraphrase Indiana Jones – “Why’d it have to be ants?” And not just any ants. An invasive species of crazy ants, of course!

After a very trying couple of months that included massive flooding and widespread damage, residents of South Louisiana are coping now with another problem: invasive tawny crazy ants, which can cover an entire lawn and house faster than you can say “kudzu.”

“This species is also known as Rasberry crazy ants, named after the Texas pest professional who discovered them in 2002,” said Laura Simpson, President of Dugas Pest Control. “We’ve been watching this species in Texas for quite some time, and it is now a growing concern for our area. They seemed to disappear right after the flooding, but they are definitely back.”

One call came to Dugas Pest Control from a frantic homeowner after an entire neighborhood of six homes was completely covered by millions of the ants – not just the houses, but the yards as well. This was no ordinary Argentine ant invasion, and it called for an innovative response.

“Our service supervisor Daniel Hill knew he was dealing with something special so he started working out the best way to eliminate this shockingly huge infestation of ants,” said Simpson.

These ants eat protein, have more than one queen, and coat themselves in acid as a defense against other ants. Their sheer numbers can short out electrical and air conditioning systems, and when that happens, they send out alarms to other ants targeting those systems.

“This is a unique pest control problem,” says Simpson. “But at Dugas Pest Control, we have identified and implemented a professional broadcast treatment that works against these tough ants, as they make their way into our area.”

Simpson recommends calling a professional pest control company with any questions about this invasive species, but advises doing so before your entire neighborhood is covered with them. “The sooner we can get in there and start treating, the easier it’s going to be for us to get rid of those ants,” she says.

Are Termites Active During the Fall and Winter?

One thing you should know about termites is that you can never let your guard down.

Even in the fall and winter?

Yes, even in the fall and winter.

Termites will dwell in and munch away at your home at whatever time/season they see fit.

Here’s everything you need to know:

The Only Thing Termites Change in the Winter is Their Routine

Termites stay active during the winter, but their routine changes. They move deeper into the ground so that they can stay warm. Because summer food sources might die due to cold weather, alternate tunnels are dug. These tunnels are deeper and are used to get termites from point A to B—which is always near or in your home. Make note that if you home is warm during the fall and winter, termites might not deviate too much from their summer patterns.

Queens Lay Fall and Winter Eggs So Colonies Will Continue to Grow

Termite queens lay eggs year-round and at a steady rate. This means that termite colonies will not only stay active but continue to grow during the fall and winter. This is especially true in Louisiana where hot weather can last well into December—we all remember last year when we couldn’t tell the difference between Christmas and Independence Day.

Finding Termites in Your Home During the Fall and Winter is Possible

Termites can be found in your home’s walls, foundation, and other sheltered areas during the fall and winter. It’s possible that you will find them. If/when you do, it’s best to contact a termite control company right away. They are the trained professionals that will know what to do to solve your problem.

One thing that you won’t see during the winter is swarming termites. This is something that’s reserved for the warmer months—usually March-November.

A Mature Colony Can Damage Your Home Regardless of the Season

Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to four-year-old colony can damage your home in the fall and winter. As previously mentioned, the colony can also multiply. This is a problem—termite damage substantially increases with colony growth.

The Most Common Signs of Termite Damage Can Be Seen Year-Round

You should look for the following key signs of termites:

Ceiling/wall discoloration
Sagging sheetrock
Buckling floors
Loose tiles
Bubbled floors
Holes in drywall
Crumbling wood
Hallow windows and/or doors

If you find any of these signs, you should contact a termite control company. They can inspect your home and find out if termites are actually present. If they are, the control company can take steps to eliminate the termites from your home as soon as possible.

Preventative Measures Can Be Taken Year-Round

Termite prevention can be taken year-round. You should:

Seal all water and gas lines
Get rid of all cellulose material—it’s a popular food source
Fix leaky appliances
Make sure no water is pooling in or around your home

While these are great preventative measures, you should know that nothing protects your home more than treatment by a professional termite control company. These companies know everything there is to know about termites and will do what it takes to protect your home.

Conclusion—What You Now Know

Termites are active during the fall and winter. It’s important to take preventative measures to protect your home. It’s also important that you keep an eye out for signs of termites and/or termite damage. If signs are present, contact us as soon as possible.

Is the Zika Virus Still in the United States?

“Is the Zika virus still around?”—that’s a great question.

If you’re concerned about Zika, you want to know the facts.

Zika virus is still in the United States, but only in a very small area around Miami.

Right now, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) is successfully stopping the virus from spreading.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Large Pools of Water Are Being Found and Flushed Out

Tropical storms and hurricanes leave piles of debris, trash, and household items scattered around neighborhoods. This increases the chances of large pools of warm water forming. When they form, large pools of warm water are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. The CDC is keeping a close eye on the areas of Florida where this might be occurring.

The CDC is also coming up with mosquito control plans. They include mass spraying, nets, identifying and eliminating breeding grounds, and educating residents. The final precaution the CDC is taking is to familiarize people with the signs and symptoms of the virus and how they can get help should they think they have it.

The Signs and Symptoms Are More “Normal” Then You Might Think

The signs and symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the flu or even a cold. They are:

Fever
Muscle and/or joint pain
Rash
Red eyes
Headache

It’s important to note that if the symptoms are present in non-pregnant women, no testing will be done. A physician will be able to accurately diagnose the presence of the virus based on how the symptoms present themselves.

With pregnant women, a series of blood tests will be conducted and then sent to local and federal laboratories. This is done to help the CDC know where the virus came from, how they can stop it from spreading, and how they can develop a vaccine.

The Number One Preventative Measure You Can Take—Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

The virus is widely spread by mosquitos. You should always protect yourself from them by:

Wearing anti-insect clothing that covers your arms and legs
Spraying yourself with strong repellent
Using mosquito nets while sleeping
Screening your windows
Turning your air conditioner on

It’s also recommended that you use mosquito nets to cover your children’s beds and strollers.

In addition, it’s advised that you take precautionary measures if you travel to Miami or surrounding areas. If you’re a woman planning to travel to these areas, it’s strongly advised that you not go.

There Are Other Preventative Measures Taking Place

Get your home treated to keep mosquitoes away with any of our mosquito control programs:

Mosquito suppression treatment
Automated Mosquito Misting Systems
Large Area Fogging

Conclusion—What You Now Know

Zika virus is still present in the United States, but only in a very small area. This doesn’t mean that it can’t spread. You should take comfort in knowing that the US CDC has things under control and is working well with other countries where the virus is more prevalent. Use the information presented in this article to make sure you’re extra protected from the virus.

The Lifecycle of the Mosquito

There are four life stages a mosquito goes through before reaching maturity. Gaining an understanding about these life stages can help you to effectively prepare for and prevent a mosquito problem within your home. The life cycle is the same for almost every mosquito, but there are a few variations depending on the species and other factors such as climate and water temperature.

Eggs

Mosquitos lay hundreds of eggs every few days, usually after a blood feed. They usually do so at night and the eggs can be nearly impossible to see because they are dark in color. The most important factor when a mosquito lays a set of eggs is that there is a watery environment nearby.

This could be a swimming pool, bath tub, shower or pond. Typically, when a mosquito lays her eggs, the eggs attach themselves together to form ‘rafts’ which then float on water. These rafts are about ¼ inch long. There are, however, a few species of mosquito such as Ochlerotatus and Aedes that lay eggs one by one on wet soil or similar environments. Within 48 hours, the eggs hatch into larvae.

Larvae

Larvae is what occurs after the eggs hatch and they are approximately 5mm in length. These are sometimes referred to as ‘wigglers’ due to the style of movement. Larva inhabits water, hanging upside down under the surface to breathe via their siphon tubes located within their tails. Anopheles larvae are devoid of a siphon, so lay just underneath the surface of the water to get an oxygen supply.

Coquillettidia and Mansonia larvae fix themselves to plants. They do this in order to gain an air supply through the plant. The larvae consume microorganisms and organic matter to survive. They are cold blooded, so rely on heat from the water to grow. The warmer the water, the more rapidly this stage develops. They shed their skin 4 times, and each time they increase in size. After the fourth shedding, the larva changes into a pupa. This is a good stage within the life cycle to use poisons and insect killers as they prevent the larvae from being able to breathe. The stage of the cycle lasts about 10 days.

Pupae

The pupal stage is when a mosquito transforms into an adult. It is also referred to as the ‘resting stage’. The pupal are mobile, and respond to light and movement, but do not actively feed. Often they are referred to as ‘tumblers’ due to the way they fall into deep waters whenever a predator (such as a fish or bird) is nearby.

As they are lighter than water, the majority of their time is spent just above the surface of the water. They breathe through two tubes called ‘trumpets’. This stage of the life cycle takes about two days to complete, although it depends on the species and climate. After the resting stage, the pupal skin (or cocoon) comes apart and the adult mosquito emerges and goes to the surface of the water to sit for a while.

Adult

After the pupae have metamorphosed into an adult mosquito, it’ll rest on the surface of the water for a time allowing its skin to harden and dry out. Its wings will begin to spread and after a day or two, it’ll be able to fly and feed. Male mosquitos are able to breed as soon as their reproductive systems have developed, and die a few days after mating. From maturity to death, a male mosquito will only live about a week, with an aim to breed as much as possible. A female will live for over a month in ideal climates and will lay a batch of eggs after each blood feed.

It is important to have some awareness of the life cycle of a mosquito so that you can kill off a population before they reach maturity. It is usually during the larvae stage that effective extermination can take place. If you would like to learn more about our mosquito control services, contact us today!

The Perfect Solution for Flooded Properties – Wood Preservation Treatment from Dugas Pest Control

Claimed as the worst disaster to strike the U.S. since super storm Sandy, the recent flooding in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas has brought about much devastation. If your home has been flooded, you may be wondering what the next steps are. There are dangers present when water enters the home at these levels from mold and structural damage to contamination from sewage. Before returning, it is important to ensure risks are removed and your wood is protected. Here’s what to do:

Check the Moisture Content. Have a Professional Pest Control Company Treat Your Wood.

You need to check the moisture content of your structural wood which is behind the sheetrock of your walls, roof, and sub floors. Depending on how much moisture has been absorbed, you will need to take different actions. Regardless of the moisture content of your structure, a Wood Preservation Treatment can be applied to protect your wood.

We use Bora-Care with Mold-care and are licensed to treat wood destroying insects and organisms (please note that mold remediation contractors are unable to do so). This spray on treatment can be applied to all affected structures as soon as studs are open and floors are clean. You DON’T have to wait for walls to dry. Wood decay and mold can begin to grow almost immediately, so it is important to treat the wood as soon as possible

If the Moisture Content is Between 20%-25%

If the moisture content is between 20%-25%, you will need to immediately clean, remove and repair any visibly damaged materials as well as those with mold. In order to prevent wood destroying organisms, fungi, and insects such as termites, beetles, and carpenter ants, a wood preservative should be applied. We at Dugas Pest control can spray all exposed wood framing according to our Wood Preservation Treatment product which is labeled to protect against mold fungi.

Over 25% Moisture Content

Over 25% moisture content is considered flooded and requires a bit more work. You will need to remove the water as soon as possible along with any materials in the home to a height of 2 feet above the flooded area. This will include curtains, mud, sewage, carpet, furniture, etc.

Once cleaned out, the home needs to be pressure washed which can cause harmful materials to be airborne so protective equipment may be needed. Then, all sheetrock and insulation will need to be removed, again, up to at least 2 feet above the area that has a 25% moisture content reading.

You can then remove visible debris and mold and clean and disinfect areas as needed. Then, all structural components will again need to be treated with an EPA registered and labeled wood preservative like Dugas’ Bora-care with Mold-care which is labeled to protect the home from wood destroying insects and mold fungi.

Bora-Care and Mold-Care can be applied as a one-time preventative application that penetrates into the wood, creating a buffer zone and providing years of residual protection. When used together, Bora-Care and Bora-Care with Mold-Care create a highly effective, residual solution to insects and fungi.

Once the moisture content is below 20%, sheetrock and insulation replacement can commence.

Dugas Pest Control Can Help

Dugas knows the devastation that our community is experiencing as this has been our home for many years. If you need help, call us and we can provide our wood preservation treatment. Note that it is not mold remediation but our product is labeled for the prevention of mold. In order for us to treat your home, ensure the following steps are taken:

Remove kitchen and bathroom cabinets if applicable
Remove necessary flooring
Remove appliances, debris, and furniture
Remove sheetrock and insulation at least 2 feet above the flood line
Ensure all standing water and mud has been removed

Our cost for treating a house starts at $400.

About Bora Care

We have chosen Bora-Care (http://nisuscorp.com/homeowners/products/mold-care) to treat our customer’s wood because it has proven to provide long-term protection for homes. It has been used since 1990 and is the only borate-based termiticide backed by product research and registered by the EPA for treating foundation penetrations as well as creating a termite barrier.

It also provides protection against other wood destroying insects, mold, and decay fungi, which is critical when a home has been exposed to water damage. Bora-care with Mold-care is only able to be applied by registered companies, and Dugas Pest Control is ready and able to apply it to your home.

We will help you get your home back to the safe environment you need. Once you have taken the preparation steps, contact us to schedule an appointment.