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.

Zika virus is a relatively new disease that has spread very quickly and made it’s footprint across the world. As it becomes more and more widespread, there is more research being done, more action being taking, and more reporting to the public about how to protect themselves. Learn the latest on Zika including what we already know, what the CDC is doing to help, where it can be found, and the potential risks in relation to the upcoming summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

What We Know About Zika

In the beginning, there was very little known about Zika. Now, there are a few facts that the professionals have learned and can be sure of related to the disease. First of all, a pregnant woman with Zika can pass the virus on to her fetus. When the infection takes place during a pregnancy, there is also a stronger risk for various birth defects.

Researchers have found that aggressive daytime biting mosquitoes from the species called Aedes are where most of the infected bites come from. These insects can bite at night as well.

The Zika virus is also most commonly found throughout tropical areas making it unlikely that it will ever reach certain parts of the United States. However, there are some areas that do have the mosquitoes that carry Zika already.

What Action is the CDC Taking?

The CDC is taking action against the Zika virus to try and keep everyone safe. They are doing what they can to track Zika along with other mosquito-borne viruses throughout not only the United States but also the rest of the world. They are training as many people as possible to know the disease, find it, and accurately report it.

Healthcare providers are also being educated by the CDC on how to identify the virus. In the event the virus is believed to have been found, it is sent to laboratories for diagnostic testing. Experts are trying to find a link between Guillain-Barre syndrome and Zika as well. Furthermore, schools are educating the public about Zika and travelers are being provided with details and information from the CDC about exposing themselves to the virus when visiting areas known to carry Zika.

Areas with Zika

Worldwide

When considering leaving the country, you should be aware of what parts of the world have the Zika virus already reported. Several countries in Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Asia have cases on record of the Zika virus. The Caribbean, Central America, and South America all have active Zika travel notices as well.

US Territories

The US Territories have reported a total of 1,305 cases of Zika. All but four of those were acquired locally. Seven of the cases on file have been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome.

US States

The United States does not have any locally acquired Zika cases, but as of June 8, 2016, there were 691 travel-associated cases reported. Eleven of those were sexually transmitted and two were related to Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Zika and the Olympics

Zika is spreading in Brazil making many people apprehensive about the upcoming Summer Olympics taking place in this region. It is recommended that pregnant women do not visit the area because of the risk the virus poses to an unborn baby. Those that are traveling are asked to remember a few safety tips to protect themselves and prevent the disease from being brought back to the United States.

Bug Bite and Zika Prevention Tips:

• Any exposed skin should be treated with an effective and safe insect repellent
• Long shirts and pants should be worn as frequently as possible to cover the skin
• Stay inside in either screened in rooms or air conditioning as much as feasible
• If traveling and staying to an area where there are no screens or air conditioning, use a bed net to cover yourself while sleeping

Unfortunately the threat that this virus poses is uncomfortable for most, and very harmful to those who are pregnant. If you would like to protect your home from any impending threat, the experts from Dugas Pest Control are prepared with our 3 flexible solutions. We offer a mosquito suppression treatment which can reduce populations up to 90%, we offer automated misting systems which can kill and repel mosquitos, and large area fogging. Being in the midst of summer when families are spending more time enjoying the outdoors, know that you can contact us to protect you against pesky mosquitos and the threats they can bring.

Summer brings warm weather and fun outdoor activities for you and your whole family. Unfortunately, it also brings with it pesky mosquitoes. Whether you are biking, swimming, or just sitting around a campfire, chances are you are going to be bitten at least once. In order to cut down on the potential risks that come along with mosquitoes, discover some effective ways to prevent them from taking over your backyard.

Eliminate Breeding Grounds

The most common place for mosquitoes to hatch is in open water. Eliminate the breeding ground of these insects by making sure there are no buckets, boats, low ground areas, pet food bowls, or rain gutters that sit with water in them for longer than 7 days. A week to 10 days is all it takes of the eggs of these bugs to hatch.

Keep Mosquito Predators

There are animals that eat mosquitoes that you can keep on your property to help in cutting down the population. Ducks and chickens will eat the bugs and so will fish and frogs. This may not eliminate all of the mosquitoes, but it will definitely help in keeping the population in control.

Keep Mosquito Repelling Plants

Geraniums with a rose scent contain citronella oil, a natural mosquito repellent. Lemon balm plant, catnip, and basil plant also ward off the annoying bloodsuckers. In fact, research has shown that the oil found in catnip is more effective than DEET. Plant some marigolds, horse mint, or ageratum around your property to help with avoiding a mosquito takeover as well.

Citronella Candles

Citronella candles are also effective when it comes to keeping the mosquito away. These can be found at just about any retailer for a reasonable price. Light a few up and set them around the perimeter of your deck or sitting area and the critters should leave you alone while you enjoy the warm summer nights.

Screens

To completely avoid mosquitoes altogether, you can sit inside of a screened in room. Make sure that all of the windows and doors of your home are fitted correctly with a mesh screen. They keep mosquitoes and other insects out and your fresh, cool air in.

Close Gaps

If you do have screens, it is essential to make sure that there are no gaps anywhere. Even if these spaces are very small, a mosquito will be able to seek them out and sneak in. There are screen patches and silicone that can be used to effectively close up any open areas.

Mosquito Netting

As an extra safeguard, you can use mosquito netting over the top of beds and cribs to protect yourself and your kids from getting bit during the night.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

Look around your property to see if you have anything lying around that you are not using. Things like old tires, unused kid’s toys, and other junk as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They will hold water making it a perfect habitat for the insect. Throw out what isn’t being used and they will have nowhere to lay their eggs.

Treat the yard

There are several different treatment options when it comes to applying something to your yard to keep mosquitoes and other insects away.

If you would rather let someone else do the work, our professionals at Dugas Pest Control can come and take care of the lawn treatment for you. Not only will we apply a treatment, we are experts at dealing with mosquitos and can minimize their presence around your home. We can come and reduce your mosquito population by up to 90% for a party, on a monthly basis, or every 6-12 months. We can also install automated mosquito misting systems customized to your home which spray at a pre-set times each day to kill and repel mosquitos. We can even treat entire neighborhoods if you and your neighbors would like to team up against the mosquitos. Simply give us a call.

With the Zika virus infecting many people around the globe, now more than ever you should be proactive in protecting yourself and your family from being bitten by these disease carrying insects. If you cannot control the problem on your own, there are professionals out there that can help. Contact us today to learn more about how to properly prepare for the upcoming mosquito season.

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.

If you ask a longtime resident what the state bird of Louisiana is, they’ll usually tell you that it’s the mosquito. In Louisiana and most other southern states, especially ones with a warm, humid climate and a lot of precipitation, like Louisiana and Florida, mosquitoes are as ubiquitous as they are annoying.

Prevention, and chiefly habitat destruction, is paramount to combating this nuisance. Of course you are residences vigilant around your property, but maybe the guy across the street who is running an unofficial junkyard thwarts your efforts. However, even if mosquitoes are everywhere, it doesn’t mean that they have to ruin your outdoor gatherings.

It can be confusing to distinguish between the hundreds of treatment solutions out there of all kinds for mosquitoes and other insects. One innovative, and particularly good, treatment we’ve found is called the Coastal Mister System, available from your local pest experts at Dugas Pest Control.

We get many questions from our clients about the Coastal Mister System – what makes it unique, how it works, and how effective it is at curbing the populations of mosquitoes in a wide area including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.

The Coastal Mister System

The Coastal Mister System takes a somewhat different approach to pest control than most mosquito treatments. Most treatments are focused on killing adult mosquitoes and then removing their breeding grounds. While effective, this is a more general approach.

The Coastal Mister System instead focuses on the areas where you spend the most time, preventing mosquitoes and other insects from reaching those and therefore reducing the majority of your contact with them. The system uses high-tech sensors and misting technology to repel mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other pests from your home or place of business over a long period of time.

After the initial treatment, the Coastal Mister System uses a natural Pyrethrum insecticide that works to reduce their contact with you and your guests in the long run. Although it doesn’t treat breeding habitats that are distanced from your property, it doesn’t need to, because the protection is constant.

How it works

The Coastal Mister System is installed by setting up misters at regular intervals around your designated ‘bug-free zone.’ These dispense natural Pyrethrum insecticide over the area through misting lines, which are a series of tubes, nozzles, and risers that allow the insecticide to be released almost as a vapor rather than a liquid. This insecticide not only kills mosquitoes and other bugs that might be in the air, but also leaves residue on plants that are close by.

This means that more bugs that will use those plants for shelter will be affected by the insecticide. The system mists at regular intervals, meaning that the protection from the system is constant.

Mosquitoes spend a lot of their time living and breeding on plants and other locations near their sources of food, which means that the Coastal Mister System does a great job of curbing their populations.

The misting nozzles can be set up almost everywhere that they can connect to the rest of the system, too, meaning that you can attach them to trees, the side of your home, perimeter fencing, or a lot of other things.

Features

A typical Coastal Mister System covers about 10,000 square feet of area around a home or workplace. A normal contract also includes inspection overviews and details for maintaining the low-mosquito populations that will be the result of installing the system.

The Coastal Mister System can be purchased in 6-12 month packaged deals, but it’s also available for a one-time-use such as a party or other gathering. Contact Dugas Pest Control to get rid of mosquitoes around your home today.