Keeping Pests Out Over the Holidays

A cockroach found in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlThe holiday season means family gatherings, good food, and sharing gifts—it’s a time of the year that so many of us look forward to. However, many different kinds of pests in Baton Rouge look forward to it, too. With so many new opportunities for pests to spread and proliferate associated with the holiday season, it’s important to stay diligent about pest prevention. To learn how to prevent pest infestations this holiday season, read on for advice from the expert technicians at Dugas Pest Control!

How Do Pests Spread During the Holiday Season?

Pest infestations definitely aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the holidays, but many people here in Baton Rouge LA can associate them with each other through past experiences. Here are the main ways pest outbreaks start during the holidays:

  • Plants: Trees, garlands, wreaths, and other decorative plants are all popular decor options during the holidays. They make easy hiding places for all sorts of insects, and sometimes even mice.
  • Packages: Bugs like cockroaches and beetles like to chew their way into cardboard packaging for shelter. They can end up being transported somewhere and multiplying in their new home.
  • Decorations: We’ve heard many stories of homeowners pulling their decorations out from storage to find them teeming with insects.

3 Ways to Prevent Holiday Season Pests

It’s important to take extra precautions against pests during the holiday season. We’ve asked our technicians to provide their three most essential tips to prevent pest problems around this time of year:

  1. Check your storage space and boxes for pest damage before bringing your decorations out for the season. There could be scratches and bite marks on boxes or droppings nearby.
  2. Store your firewood outside, off the ground, and away from your home if you can. Make sure to inspect your woodpile for pests before bringing wood inside.
  3. Shake out your tree or similar greenery before setting it up inside your home.

Need Pest Control in Baton Rouge LA this Holiday Season?

No one wants to deal with pests during the holidays, especially if you’ve already experienced how frustrating it can be. If you’re looking to get a head start on pest prevention this holiday season, ask your local pest control company how they can help. Our licensed and certified technicians at Dugas Pest Control are trained to conduct all-encompassing pest control services that include inspections, extermination, and preventative maintenance work to keep your home pest-free through the holidays and all year long. Contact us today for a free quote!

What Are Those Bugs in the Bathroom?

What silverfish look like in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlSometimes, even when we think we’ve kept our bathrooms as clean as we can, we still find that they’ve become a home for unwanted pests. The moisture and humidity that build up in our bathrooms provide essential needs for many kinds of pests in Baton Rouge LA. Whether they’re looking for drinking water, hospitable environments, or other bugs to eat, there’s something for every critter in your bathroom. To find out what pests you might find in your bathroom and how to prevent them, learn from the technicians at Dugas Pest Control!

What Pests Infest Bathrooms?

There is a long list of Baton Rouge LA pests that could find their way into your bathroom, but these three are some that we deal with all the time:

  1. Ants: These critters are attracted to excess moisture in our bathrooms for drinking water. The scent of our perfumes, soaps, body washes, shampoos, and other hygiene products are also likely to draw ants in, looking for food.
  2. Cockroaches: Infamously easy to please, roaches are comfortable eating toothpaste, soap, and grime that they find in our bathrooms. The warm temperatures, moisture, and dark cabinets keep them around.
  3. Silverfish: These insects love humid environments, which are easily created by a poorly ventilated bathroom. If you find silverfish on the floor of your shower or tub, you probably have a humidity issue that you need to address.

Humidity is also known to draw in drain flies, centipedes, and certain kinds of spiders.

What Can I Do to Keep Pests Out of My Bathroom?

You will have a much better chance of avoiding pest problems with a clean and dry bathroom. Add these measures to your cleaning routine to help keep pests out of your home:

  • Wipe down your countertops to remove any standing water and excess filth
  • Keep your bathroom well-ventilated, especially during and after a shower, to reduce humidity
  • Inspect your plumbing fixtures regularly to look for leaks or pest activity
  • Clean up any toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, or other hygiene products that spill

Whatever you can do to remove excess moisture and mess from your bathroom will contribute to a pest-free environment!

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Baton Rouge LA Bathroom

When pests are taking over your bathroom to the point where you can’t shower in peace, it’s important to let your local pest control company know. At Dugas Pest Control, we take pride in our expert ability to identify pest vulnerabilities and eliminate active populations swiftly and safely, restoring our customers’ bathrooms to proper conditions. Don’t hesitate to get rid of pests in the bathroom—contact us today for a free quote!

7 Common Household Bugs in Louisiana

There are many wonderful things about living in Louisiana, but the bugs usually aren’t at the top of the list! The warm, semi-tropical climate is favorable to pests, which is why Louisiana is known for its readily available supply of bugs and insects. Some insects are harmless, even though they may look fierce, while others carry disease. Nevertheless, all insects are a nuisance, and no family wants to share their home with them. At Dugas Pest Control, we get many calls for many types of pests. In this blog post, we’re sharing the most common household bugs and pests in the Baton Rouge area. Read on to learn more!

Common Pests in Louisiana

Termites are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

1. Termites >>

There are two types of termites in Louisiana: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites like to chew through the interior part of a wood structure. They then cover their tracks by filling holes with dirt or mud. By the time the damage is discovered, it’s too late. There is probably hundreds to thousands of dollars of damage. Drywood termites feast on dry wood and leave feces behind, but they don’t fill holes with dirt.

Carpet beetles are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

2. Beetles >>

There are many species of beetles, but the most common in the Baton Rouge area include carpet beetles and powderpost beetles. Interestingly, carpet beetles in their adult stage aren’t much of a problem, but as larvae, they are quite the nuisance. They feed on household items such as clothes, linens, and food.

Powderpost beetles can be just as severe as termites as the larvae create tunnels on the inside of wood structures. It won’t be until these beetles chew their way out as adult beetles that you will see signs of damage.

Mosquitoes are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

3. Mosquitoes >>

The wet, humid summers create the perfect environment for mosquitoes. Although mosquitoes are synonymous with Southern living, these insects can carry deadly diseases that can be transmitted to humans. With the recent threat of West Nile, it’s crucial to have professional mosquito repellents applied to your yard before mosquito season, which starts early Spring here in Louisiana.

Cockroaches are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

4. Roaches >>

Between flying roaches and cockroaches, the roach population certainly shows its face in Louisiana. Roaches thrive off warm, moist environments, and some, such as cockroaches, are found in high-filth areas. They can also carry diseases such as E.coli and salmonella. Baton Rouge is home to many types of roach, including the Smokybrown cockroach, American cockroach, and German cockroach.

Spiders are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

5. Spiders >>

Spiders are versatile insects that can be found in just about any climate, but the fact that Louisiana is warm and sub-tropical makes it a great location for all breeds of spiders. They especially prefer dark, moist places like underneath flowerpots or garbage can handles. Some of the most common spiders found in Baton Rouge include your typical garden spiders, fishing spiders, and bold jumping spiders. However, some have poisonous venom that can cause serious reactions in humans, including the brown widow spider, black widow spider, and brown recluse spider.

Fire ants are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

6. Fire Ants >>

With a warm climate and close proximity to Central America and Mexico, Louisiana is known for its colonies of ants, more specifically, red fire ants. Fire ants can have up to 700 colonies per acre that can include up to 250,000 crawling members. Fire ants are also fierce predators, carry disease and destroy property. If you are noticing an excess of fire ant mounds, be very cautious and reach out to your local ant control experts.

Silverfish are a common household pest in Louisiana - Dugas Pest Control

7. Silverfish >>

Silverfish have small pinchers, and although they are not poisonous, their pinchers will hurt. They have a fish-like shape and are a gray or silver color. They prefer dark, moist areas and are most commonly seen at nighttime when they leave their nest. Homeowners are accustomed to seeing these tiny bugs in kitchens and bathrooms, where there is excess moisture.

Need Help With Louisiana Insects & Pests?

Pests are a fact of life in Baton Rouge and all of Louisiana—all year long. To keep you, your family, and/or your business safe from Louisiana bugs and insects, the experts at Dugas can help. Contact our licensed pest control experts today to see how we can ensure you stay pest-free.

What Just Bit Me? Identify Common Bug Bites

A mosquito biting a person in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest Control

Bug bites of any kind can be worrisome. Especially when you don’t catch the culprit, bug bites can leave you anxious, wondering what got to you and whether or not there are more of them waiting. Many people that wake up with bug bites after a night’s sleep misidentify the markings, which leads to a drawn-out process of catching and removing the biting pests from your home. If you’re wondering what bug bit you in Baton Rouge LA, read on. The pest experts at Dugas Pest Control are well-versed in the habits and attributes of biting pests in the region and can help you identify and remove the ones that you’re dealing with.

Pests that Draw Blood

Some blood-sucking pests might not appear as menacing as other biting bugs but are able to transmit dangerous diseases to humans. Because of this, it is important to be able to identify which kind of bite you’re dealing with. Blood-drawing pests in Baton Rouge LA include:

  1. Mosquitoes: Mosquito bites start out as a raised, white welt and turn into an itchy, red bump, usually no more than 1/2“ across. They usually don’t come with any side effects besides pain and itchiness, but mosquitoes in tropical regions can carry deadly diseases like malaria and the Zika virus.
  2. Ticks: Depending on the species, tick bites can look like a mosquito bite or a smaller, darker mark. They can develop a light red ring that circles the bump at a distance. If you catch a tick bite early, they will still be latched onto your body. Ticks are known for spreading the dangerous Lyme disease.
  3. Fleas: Fleas bite our pets more often, but they bite humans, too. It won’t often result in initial pain, but it will be itchy. The worst outcome of a flea bite is an infection caused by excessive itching.
  4. Bed bugs: If you wake up in bed with tiny, red bites aligned in a zigzag pattern on your skin, you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs do not pass on diseases through their bites, but they can pick up and carry diseases on their bodies through their travels.

Other Biting Pests in Baton Rouge LA

There are other kinds of biting pests in our region, but the aforementioned pests are the ones that you should be more worried about. Some kinds of pests in Baton Rouge LA either rarely bite or cause nearly negligible symptoms. Ants, cockroaches, and centipedes fall into this category. Some ants, like fire ants, bite someone that’s threatening them only to latch on to deliver a more acute sting, similar to a wasp. Bites from these pests are very rare, though.

A few spiders in the area are able to deliver painful bites, but again, only in rare circumstances. Wolf spiders, brown recluse spiders, and the feared black widow fall into this category. If you experience a black widow bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Need Protection from Biting Pests?

If you are worried about bug bites this summer, reach out to your local pest control company to see how they can help. Our technicians at Dugas Pest Control have experience identifying and removing all of the biting pests in Baton Rouge LA and can teach you exclusion efforts to help you keep them out of your home once we’ve dealt with them. For a free quote, contact us today!

Should I Insulate My Home With TAP?

TAP Insulation in Baton ROUGE LA - Dugas Pest ControlTAP® Insulation is one of the best home insulation options for homeowners here in Baton Rouge and nationwide. This is because TAP not only outperforms traditional insulation in noise reduction and energy efficiency, but it also acts as a form of ongoing pest control for your home. Infused with borate, TAP wards of insects and pests that are common in Louisiana homes. Its pest control properties aren’t the only benefit of TAP, either. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of insulating your home with TAP!

What Makes TAP Insulation Different?

There are several home insulation options, but TAP Insulation has proven to be a game-changer for several reasons. TAP is energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and controls pests in the home. The many benefits include:

  • As an energy-efficient option, TAP can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.
  • TAP is environmentally friendly by using recycled paper diverted from landfills to create the product.
  • This insulation is capable of filling the nooks and crannies that are unreachable with traditional insulation.
  • TAP Insulation is the only insulation registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • More cost-effective than traditional insulation, TAP is a one-time investment with no need for re-treatments.
  • TAP can be installed over existing insulation and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pests Controlled with TAP Insulation

TAP is infused with a borate. When ingested by pests, the borate will stop their metabolism. Some of the many pests controlled with TAP include: 

Home Insulation Services in Baton Rouge

Bottom line: you can’t get a better home insulation product than TAP. Dugas is proud to be your local installer of TAP Insulation. Our certified technicians are licensed to install TAP in homes. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our team today!

Guide to Seasonal Pests

Rodents are a seasonal pest in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest Control

We all know that pests are a common problem in Baton Rouge in the spring and summer, but what about the fall and winter? Even though you may not see them as frequently during certain parts of the year, pests are common all year long in Louisiana. Mosquitoes in the summer and rodents in the fall are two of the most common seasonal pest problems, but there are others to worry about as well. With help from the NPMA, the team at Dugas Pest Control is sharing all you need to know about seasonal pests in your community. We hope that this information will help prepare you for pest threats throughout the year.

Fall and Winter Pests in Baton Rouge

With warm and drier conditions predicted in the coming months, ants and roaches may be more active than usual this time of year. With their need for water in order to survive, these two insects in particular will crawl into your home to seek out moisture. There are other pests to keep your eye out for in the fall and winter months, including house mice, spiders, silverfish, and flies.

Winter pests in the South Central United States map
Rodent
Fly
Mosquito
Ant
Cockroach

What Pests are More Common in the Spring and Summer?

Warmer weather in the spring and summer brings about all types of pests. With our warm, moist environment, Louisiana can be a haven for pests this time of year. The most common pests we deal with include:

  1. Termites. Our climate is ideal for termites, who swarm in the spring and are at full force in the summertime. Subterranean termites are especially dangerous this time of year.
  2. Mosquitoes. With the amount of rainfall we get, mosquitoes love warmer temperatures in the spring and summertime.
  3. Stinging Insects. Wasps, bees, and hornets are very active this time of the year. They can build nests near residential areas.
  4. Cockroaches. Heat, moisture, and humidity in the summer months brings about roach activity, especially in more urban areas.
  5. Ants. Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.

Pest Seasonality in Louisiana

Due to our climate and weather patterns throughout the year, Baton Rouge residents and business owners experience a lot of pest problems. It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. At Dugas, our residential and commercial exterminators can work with you to ensure you are protected from pests all year long.

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.

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!

Benefits of TAP Pest Control Insulation

TAP pest control insulation is energy efficient and protects your Baton Rouge LA property against pests - Dugas Pest ControlThe most successful, long-lasting form of pest control is pest prevention. That’s where TAP® Insulation comes in! This industry-changing home insulation service not only surpasses traditional insulation, it also works to control pest problems in homes throughout Baton Rouge LA. Made out of more than 80% recycled paper, it is environmentally friendly and is an informed investment for any property owners looking to prevent pest infestations.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of TAP pest control insulation, a service proudly offered by the team here at Dugas Pest Control.

Pests Controlled by TAP Insulation

At Dugas, we want to provide our customers with pest-free living all year long. The biggest selling point of TAP pest control insulation is, of course, its pest management features. Within the TAP Insulation, a borate product designed to kill off pests is embedded. When some insects come into contact with the insulation, they will die off as they groom themselves and ingest the borate. Although TAP pest control insulation will not kill rodents or wildlife, there are many insects that it does kill, including:

Why Get TAP Pest Control Insulation?

TAP Insulation doesn’t just control pest infestations—it has many other benefits as well. This home insulation can be installed right over any existing installation in your home. Even better, once it’s installed, it never needs to be replaced! Additional benefits of TAP pest resistant insulation include:

  • Reduces energy bill costs
  • Reduces outside noises
  • Improves indoor air quality
  • Mold & mildew resistant
  • The borate serves as a fire-retardant
  • Made of recycled, eco-friendly materials

Our TAP Insulation Installation

TAP pest control insulation is a smart choice for any property owner. It provides long-lasting pest control, not to mention outperforms traditional home insulation in a number of other areas. Whether you own a new home or are looking to upgrade your current insulation, the TAP Insulation experts at Dugas Pest Control can help. To learn more about this game-changing service or to set up an appointment, call Dugas today!

What is TAP Insulation and How Does it Work?

Dugas pest control provides Tap Insulation service for residents in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana TAP Insulation is a type of green insulation that is used in both new and existing homes and buildings. In addition to the standard functions of insulation, TAP also controls pests such as cockroaches, ants and termites. When you combine both the eco-friendliness of the insulation and its ability to ward off common household pests, TAP Insulation becomes an optimal choice for homes and buildings.

 

How Does TAP Insulation Work?

TAP is made from recycled paper, and a borate-based pest control product is embedded in the insulation, which allows the insulation to function as it does. Pests cannot build up a tolerance to the borate product, which means that once the insulation is installed, it never needs to be replaced. As long as the insulation remains in the structure, it will continue to repel pests.

What happens to these insects is that when they crawl through or nest in the insulation, they ingest the boric acid. Many household pests are self-grooming, so at some point, they groom themselves and end up ingesting the boric acid. Once in the body, the boric acid accumulates in the gut and leads to death through means of dehydration or malnutrition. Thankfully, boric acid is not toxic to humans, so you can enjoy a truly safe product that repels pests.

How Is the Installation Done?

If you choose to have TAP installed, it can be laid right over your existing insulation. The only time that you would need to replace the insulation is if it were already damaged from pests. Otherwise, TAP is very easy to install and typically takes one day. Consider that TAP Insulation can absorb odors, reduce noise and help your home to become fully insulated; approximately 65% of American homes are under-insulated.

Isn’t My Current Insulation Enough?

Probably not. First, your home may be under-insulated as it is, and installing TAP will reduce your energy bills, reduce noise and properly insulate the home to where it should be. More importantly, it takes a certain formula of borates to ward off household pests, and TAP is specifically designed to accomplish this, unlike traditional cellulose insulation that works to reduce fungus and act as a flame retardant. Only products like TAP can be sold as pest control products because they have been thoroughly tested in a lab.

To learn more about how TAP Insulation can prevent pest problems in your home, contact Dugas Pest Control.