Do Cockroach Infestations Get Worse in the Summer?

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

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

6 Ways to Keep Roaches Out

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

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

Why do Cockroaches Like the Summer?

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

Cockroach Infestation Removal

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

Tips to Protect Your Pets From Summertime Ticks

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

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

5 Ways to Keep Ticks off Pets

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

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

Are Ticks Dangerous for Dogs?

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

Help With Tick Infestations

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

How to Prevent Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Breeding grounds for mosquitoes in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlMosquitoes are a big problem for residents in Louisiana. They are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when they are likely to bite people. Female mosquitoes need a blood meal before they reproduce, and will lay eggs in areas with at least a half inch of standing water. If you’ve noticed an influx of mosquitoes in your backyard, you could be unknowingly harboring mosquito breeding grounds. By eliminating these, you are able to avoid a major mosquito problem and keep you and your family safe. The team at Dugas is here to share top tips for preventing mosquito breeding grounds in your property–read on to learn more.

Where do Mosquitoes Breed Outdoors?

Mosquitoes are opportunistic and can make do with a number of conditions. In order to reproduce, however, female mosquitoes require a source of stagnant water in which to lay their eggs. Even during the summer months, there are many things in your yard that could be collecting standing water. Some of the most common mosquito breeding ground hot spots include:

  • Birdbaths
  • Gutters
  • Mud pots
  • Tree stumps and wood piles
  • Children’s play sets
  • Trash cans
  • Old tires
  • Pools & spas

Mosquito breeding ground prevention in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest Control

How to Stop Mosquitoes In Your Yard

If you notice any of the above items are collecting water, quickly dump them out and check on them on a regular basis. You may wish to consider getting covers for certain items as well. In addition to removing areas with standing water in your yard, there are four other ways to make your property less hospitable to mosquitoes:

  1. Install screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes outside
  2. Avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk
  3. Fix water leaks or drainage issues promptly
  4. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat

Mosquito Prevention in Baton Rouge

No one wants to deal with mosquitoes in the summertime, especially when you plan to spend your evenings outdoors. If you’ve done all you can to keep mosquitoes away and still are experiencing infestations, contact your local mosquito exterminators at Dugas. We have the tools and resources needed to keep our customers safe from mosquitoes year-round!

Keeping Ants Away From Your Home This Summer

Keeping ants away from your home in Baton Rouge LA this summer - Dugas Pest ControlAnts are a common problem all year long, but they tend to spike in activity during the summer. These pests are drawn indoors in search of food and shelter and, once inside, they can spread and become a serious problem. As the number one nuisance pest not just in the Baton Rouge area but nationwide, it’s very important to learn about keeping ants away from your home. No one wants to deal with an ant infestation! Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can keep them out–for good. Keep reading for summertime ant prevention tips from the experts at Dugas Pest Control.

How to Keep Summertime Ants Away

It’s likely you’ve had ants before. If you have, you likely never want to deal with them again! There are a number of ways you can limit ants’ access into your property and make your home less attractive to them overall. Our top tips for keeping ants away from your home include:

  1. Cleaning your home regularly. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
  2. Storing all food items properly. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
  3. Sealing gaps, cracks, and entry holes. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
  4. Avoiding excess moisture or water. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
  5. Trimming back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can grant ants easy access into your property. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!

What Ants are Common During the Summer?

These types of ants can be around all year long, but they tend to be more active as they infest homes in the summertime. Because there are more than 700 species of ants throughout the nation, it’s important to know what type of ant you’re up against! A few of the most common types of ants you’ll likely encounter in our area are odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pavement ants. All of these pose different threats and exhibit different behaviors, but all likely need the assistance of a professional exterminator to control!

Long-Term Ant Prevention in Baton Rouge

Keeping ants away from your home can seem like an uphill battle at times. Even when you’ve done all you can to keep them away, ants may still squeeze their way inside your property. In that case, it’s always best to contact a professional ant exterminator. The team at Dugas has what it takes to control any current infestation and prevent future ones from forming!

8 Bed Bug Myths Debunked

Debunking common bed bug myths in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlBed bugs are a feared pest, and it’s easy to understand why. Not only do bed bugs bite, they can spread easily and be a pain to get rid of without a professional. As cases rise, more and more information is spread about bed bugs–and not all of it is true! In order to better prepare yourself for a bed bug problem, it’s crucial to learn how to separate fact from fiction. With Bed Bug Awareness Week upon us, the team at Dugas Pest Control wants to dispel common bed bug myths. Keep reading to learn more.

Bed Bug Myths That Simply Aren’t True

The following list explores common myths about bed bugs that we want to set straight:

  1. Bed bugs are nocturnal.
    • Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This obviously means they are active at night, but they can also adjust their schedule to fit yours.
  2. Bed bugs are only found in your bedroom.
    • Bed bugs gather near areas where people rest. This includes sofas, chairs, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets.
  3. Bed bugs are too small to see with the naked eye.
    • Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and can definitely be seen. Nymph bed bugs are much smaller and translucent, making them more difficult to spot.
  4. Bed bugs jump and fly.
    • Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs cannot jump or fly. They have underdeveloped wings, and move from one area to another by crawling.
  5. Bed bugs are attracted to messy or dirty homes.
    • This is one of the most common myths about bed bugs. Whether your home is clean or dirty, a bed bug infestation can happen in any property.
  6. Bed bugs latch onto or bon people.
    • Although bed bugs are known to hitch a ride on your purse or suitcase, they do not attach to people as fleas or ticks do.
  7. Bed bugs transmit dangerous diseases.
    • Bed bugs definitely bite, but they do not transmit diseases as mosquitoes do.
  8. Bed bugs can live a year without feeding.
    • While they definitely can survive months without a meal, it is very unlikely for bed bugs to survive an entire year.

What to Do About Bed Bugs in Baton Rouge

If you have a bed bug problem, it’s important to act quickly. DIY bed bug extermination is out of the question–trying to get rid of them yourself can actually make things worse. The team at Dugas is committed to keeping our customers safe from bed bugs all year round. To learn how we can keep you bed bug-free, contact us today!

Are You Prepared for Mosquito Season?

How to prepare for mosquito season in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlEveryone loves the summertime in Baton Rouge. Warming temperatures means more time spent outdoors. Unfortunately, mosquitoes also love warmer temperatures and infamously put a damper on outdoor activities this time of year. To prevent a mosquito problem ruining your next barbecue or picnic, it’s crucial to learn how to prepare for mosquito season. The mosquito exterminators at Dugas Pest Control are here to help with mosquito prevention tips and tricks. Keep reading to learn how to keep mosquitoes out of your yard this summer!

5 Ways to Prepare for Mosquito Season

There are several ways you can make your home or property less appealing to mosquitoes. Implement the following tips now to hopefully reduce the amount of mosquitoes in your yard this summer:

  • Eliminate all standing water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
  • Install screens on windows and doors. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
  • Place fish in ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
  • Keep a tidy yard. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
  • Use fans in your outdoor area. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.

Avoiding Mosquitoes When Outside

You don’t want to let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor activities this summer. Whether you have a camping trip planned or a barbecue, there are several things you can do to protect yourself against mosquitoes. In general, try to avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn. In addition, wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. To protect yourself and your family even further, consider applying insect repellent containing DEET. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult your pediatrician before use on children.

Seasonal Mosquito Protection

If you’ve done everything you can to keep mosquitoes from inhabiting areas in your yard but still have them, it’s best to contact the team at Dugas. In addition to mosquito repellents, we can help safeguard your property against mosquitoes in the summer. Contact our expert mosquito exterminators today to learn more.

Dealing With Springtime Allergies? Pests Could be Making Them Worse

Springtime allergies in the Baton Rouge LA area may be triggered by pests - Dugas Pest ControlAre your allergy symptoms in full force right now? This time of year in the Baton Rouge area, blooming trees and springtime weather can bring an onset of spring allergies for many people. But what if it’s more than just the spring causing your allergies this time of year? With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the team here at Dugas Pest Control wants to shine light on the dangers of pest allergens in your home. There are several household pests that can trigger your allergy symptoms, and the key to preventing them is to prevent the pests themselves. Read on to learn our top tips for keeping your family safe from pest allergens this spring and all year long.

6 Steps to Remove Pest Allergens

To avoid the frustration of dealing with pest-related allergies, you need to learn how to keep pests out in the first place! Some of the best pest prevention tips that double as pest allergen prevention include:

  • Storing food in sealed containers and cleaning kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Disposing of garbage regularly and using a tight-fitting lid.
  • Sealing cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Keeping your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Washing blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or getting them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuuming and dusting your property on a regular basis.
  • Keeping pet food sealed in a tight container and washing food bowls.

What Pests Trigger Allergy Symptoms?

You may be wondering what types of pests cause allergies in the first place. A lot of research has proven that cockroach droppings, skins, saliva, and more contribute to allergies and asthma, particularly in children. A roach infestation is often known to exacerbate allergic reactions. In addition, stinging insects such as yellow jackets and fire ants can cause allergic reactions for certain individuals. These symptoms are often different than your typical seasonal allergies.

In any case, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from an allergic reaction. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, swollen throat, and wheezing.

Year-Round Pest Allergen Prevention

Staying safe from pest allergens means staying away from pests in the first place! Basic pest prevention methods can greatly reduce the amount of pest allergens in your home. If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests and still have them in your home or business, the team at Dugas is here to help. Our experts are committed to keeping you and your family safe from the many dangers of pests, allergies included!

6 Ant-Proofing Tips

Cleaning your counter tops can help keep ants away in Baton Rouge LA. Dugas Pest Control.Ants: we’ve all dealt with them at some point. As one of the most common household pest problems, and also the most frustrating, it’s important to learn what you can do to prevent ants. Unfortunately, with the weather warming up here in the Baton Rouge LA area, ants are about to be in full force. Especially after a wet winter, worker ants will be leaving their nests in search of food and water. The last thing you want is for them to take up residence in your home, which is why it’s important to know about ant prevention. In this blog post, the experts at Dugas Pest Control are sharing their top ant-proofing tips for homeowners.

6 Ant-Proofing Tips and Tricks

If you have had an ant infestation, you know that the problem can get worse before it gets better. To avoid having to deal with ants whatsoever, there are a few ways you can protect your home from them. Our top ant-proofing tips include:

  • Inspect the foundation of your home and seal any cracks or crevices using a silicone-based caulk.
  • Keep any pet food bowls clean and always clean up after messes and spills. Pick pet bowls up off the floor after meal times.
  • Make sure downspouts and gutters are all functioning properly so that water is flowing away from the foundation.
  • Regularly check under sinks for excess moisture problems and repair leaky pipes promptly.
  • Wipe down any countertops and sweep floors regularly to clean up spills and remove crumbs.
  • Keep all food (pet food included) sealed in airtight containers in a warm, dry place.

You Have Ants-What Now?

When people see their first trail of ants, many will rush to their store to pick up ant bait and traps. This is never a long-term solution to your ant problem. Ant colonies can grow in size exponentially, and more ants are often in your property than you want to believe. Ant control requires determining where each ant colony is, and using techniques that will prevent ants from coming back. This is best accomplished by an ant exterminator.

What to do When You Have an Ant Infestation

Ants can seem like a never-ending problem, but they don’t have to be! If you’ve done all you can to prevent ants in your property and are still dealing with a growing number of trails in your property, it’s time to call the team at Dugas. We will work with you to ensure you stay ant-free all year long.

The Downfalls of DIY Pest Control

Mouse traps are a common DIY pest control method in Baton Rouge LA. Learn more from Dugas Pest Control.One time or another, all of us have tried DIY pest control. Whether you’ve applied a vinegar solution to a trail of ants or went out to buy pesticides for roaches, there are many pest control products and methods that claim to be effective. But is that true? While DIY pest control may work to control small problems for a while, it never provides long-lasting relief from pests.

At Dugas Pest Control, we want to make sure our customers make informed decisions when it comes to keeping pests out of their homes. Read on to learn why DIY pest control is not a long-term solution!

Is DIY Pest Control Reliable?

Oftentimes, DIY pest control seems like the best choice. Although it may work for a small problem, it won’t control larger infestations. There are several disadvantages to DIY methods:

  1. Many store-bought products are filled with chemicals that can be dangerous for you, your family, and your pets. Reading the label doesn’t always guarantee the product will be applied perfectly and safely.
  2. Some types of pests, including bed bugs, rodents, termites, and carpenter ants are more dangerous and destructive. Getting rid of these infestations will be a challenge for any novice.
  3. DIY or store-bought products don’t come with a guarantee or warranty as often as professional services. This can lead to you having to buy more products down the line.

What About Professional Pest Control?

To get rid of pests quickly and effectively, a professional exterminator is always your best bet. This may be a bigger investment of your time and money, but it’s always worth it. A professional pest control company can develop a custom plan to keep pests out all year round. Exterminators have the knowledge required to understand the unique habits and behaviors of all types of pests. This better equips them to control infestations and keep pests from returning. Lastly, a pest control professional will always apply top-of-the-line pest control products in a way that is safe for your family!

How to Choose

Pest control is an essential part of keeping your home safe and healthy. A professional pest control expert is equipped to take care of the difficult treatments for you. DIY pest control is never a long-term plan to protect your property from pests. Contact the team at Dugas today to learn how we can help!

Spring is Here! How to Prevent Springtime Pests

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your Baton Rouge LA home! Tips from Dugas Pest Control.It’s officially springtime in Baton Rouge! Many celebrate the return of warmer weather and blooming trees. Unfortunately, pests do as well. Now is the time to safeguard your home against the many types of pests that become more active this time of year. Whether you want to prevent ants in your kitchen or rodents in your garage, it’s smart to implement pest prevention into your spring cleaning routine. Read on for expert tips from the team at Dugas Pest Control.

How to Stay Pest-Free this Spring

If you want to avoid a pest infestation this spring, summer, or even fall, it’s important to know how to keep them out. There are several ways to lessen the risk of getting pests in your property, and you can start with these spring cleaning tips:

  1. In general, deep-clean your home. Clean areas under furniture, wipe down surfaces, and inspect areas of your home that need some fixing up.
  2. Clean your windows and doors thoroughly. If you find any cracks or crevices make sure to securely seal them.
  3. Deep-clean your carpets and rugs. Vacuum, shampoo, or even steam cleaning works well.
  4. Sanitize and clean your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids welcome all types of insects and pests.
  5. Remove debris from your yard, and trim any shrubs or tree branches away from your home. Clear out your gutters and downspouts.

Common Spring Pests in Louisiana

There are many pests that are active year-round, but spring sees a peak in pest activity. The most common pests homeowners throughout the state deal with this time of year are:

  • Ants. With warmer weather comes hoards of ants in your home.
  • Termites. It’s swarming season. Termite infestations often start in the spring.
  • Rodents. Although they’re active year-round, rats and mice are a problem in the spring.
  • Stinging insects. Wasps and hornets are gearing up to build nests this time of year.
  • Stink bugs. After overwintering, people report a resurgence in stink bugs.

What to Do About Spring Pests

If you already have a pest problem in your home, it’s important to act quickly. Your best bet at stopping the infestation and preventing future problems is to work with a professional exterminator. At Dugas, we understand the unique pest problems faced by residents in the spring and will work with you to prevent them all year long.