The Easiest Mosquito Control System You’ll Ever Own

Have mosquitoes taken over your backyard?

Are you afraid to spend an evening outdoors grilling and watching a football game for fear of being bitten?

As much as you may try to avoid mosquitoes in your outdoor space, these pests are stubborn and have a way of taking over. Mosquitoes leave behind itchy bites and carry disease such as the sometimes fatal West Nile Virus.

When traditional pest control methods are no longer effective, you need a safe, family friendly mosquito system to rely on.

At Dugas Pest Control, we believe The CoastalMister Mosquito System is hands down the best mosquito control system on the market today. This system automatically sprays a fine mist of pyrethrum-based insect repellent at certain times of the day. The system repels and kills mosquitoes around the yard and gives homeowners the peace of mind that their backyard is safe and comfortable.

What Makes the CoastalMister System the Best?

If you’ve tried repellents that haven’t worked, we can understand that you’ll be skeptical with other types of products. The CoastalMister System is a different type of product, and it has been proven to work. The system has been built by some of the country’s finest entomologists and pest management professionals. The equipment included in the system is of the highest quality, and it can only be installed by licensed professionals, such as Dugas Pest Control. This is how the system sets the standards for perfection.

In addition to the actual construction and mechanism of the CoastalMister System, the best insecticides are used. Dugas Pest Control will determine the right product, formulation and dosage based on your needs. Generally speaking, a pyrethrum-based insect repellent will be used, and these repellents kill adult mosquitoes. The mist that goes off not only targets mosquitoes, but also rids the property of flies and gnats, which are also responsible for drawing in mosquitoes.

Does the System Require a Lot of Maintenance?

We know you’re busy, and the last thing you need is another system to work with. Fortunately, the CoastalMister Mosquito System is maintenance free. The spray duration, frequency and timing are controlled by an electronic mechanism so you never have to worry about a thing! If you do want control, there are four operation modes: fully automatic, manual, remote control and timer function. So, if you want more coverage, you can operate the system from indoors and provide yourself and your guests with additional protection.

The CostalMister will need to be refilled, and this depends on how often the system goes through the repellent. Once your individual usage is calculated, your installer can tell you how often the repellent will need to be refilled. The good news is that you can set the system to spray more repellent in the summer and fall when mosquito numbers are worse, conserving the mists in the winter when the threat of mosquitoes is lower.

Benefits to Choosing the CostalMister System

Louisiana is home to mosquitoes, and if you’ve been struggling with them in your yard, now is the time to take control. The CostalMister System can be installed by a professional from Dugas Pest Control, offering the following benefits:

  • Intuitive operation, as the system is set to the size and layout of your yard

  • Effective pyrethrum repellents that kill and repel mosquitoes, gnats and flies

  • System focuses on the areas where you spend the most time

  • Hands-free, no-fuss operation

  • Nozzle and tubing are hidden for a seamless look

  • Peace of mind that your family is protected from mosquito-borne diseases

  • System starts working immediately from the time of install

The CoastalMister Mosquito System is a wonderful option for families, but it also works well for businesses. As we learn more about the types of diseases that are spread from mosquitoes, it becomes more important for everyone to work together to decrease the mosquito population around our homes and businesses. The CostalMister System removes the threat from the equation and offers the unsurpassed peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to protect the people that matter most.

Interesting Mosquito FAQ

Dugas Pest Control provides mosquito control service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana

It’s time to learn about one of our least favorite Louisiana residents – mosquitoes!

Although we look at these pests as nuisances, they are actually quite fascinating and a natural part of our ecosystem. There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, and only a couple hundred bite or bother humans. They’ve been on Earth for over 100 million years, and they live just about everywhere. But, as much as mosquitoes do play a role in ecology, we could fare just fine without them.

General Mosquito Questions

Q: How fast can mosquitoes fly?

A: Mosquitoes can fly about 1 to 1.5 miles an hour.

Q: How far do mosquitoes fly?

A: Mosquitoes prefer breeding around the home, and many have limited ranges of 300 feet. Some species travel further, up to 7 miles from their breeding spots. The farthest we’ve seen mosquitoes travel is 100 miles, but this is rare.

Q: How big are mosquitoes?

A: Mosquitoes are small, weighing 2.5 milligrams on average. The largest mosquito species weighs 10 milligrams.

Q: How much blood does a mosquito suck from a human?

A: A mosquito feeds for repletion, generally taking in .001 to .01 millimeters.

Q: Why do mosquitoes feed on blood?

A: Female mosquitoes are the ones that feast on blood because they need it to mature their eggs. The blood itself serves no nourishment or function. Males do not feed on blood.

Q: How long do mosquitoes live?

A: Most adult female mosquitoes live for 2-3 weeks. There are some species that can live up to 6 months, but these ones overwinter in garages and attics.

Mosquitoes’ Role in Our Environment

Q: Do we really need mosquitoes in our ecosystem?

A: Mosquitoes are sources of food, and they pollinate plants. But, if mosquitoes eradicated, chances are high that other species would fill their niche rather well. That said, don’t expect mosquitoes to be going anywhere soon. They have been here since the Cretaceous Period and acclimate well to all temperatures and environments.

Q: Which states have the most mosquitoes?

A: Texas has the most species of mosquitoes while Virginia has the least.

Q: Can mosquitoes survive in cold climates?

A: Yes! When they do survive cold winters, they are hibernating and overwintering eggs. Mosquitoes are found in just about all parts of the world, including cold places like Alaska.

Mosquitoes in Our Homes

Q: How do mosquitoes get into my house?

A: Mosquitoes can get in through any portal, such as a hole in a screen or a gap in the attic. Garages are some of the most popular spots.

Q: How can I avoid getting mosquito bites?

A: Avoid going out during dusk and dawn, wear insect repellent when outdoors and remove standing water from around the home. Since mosquitoes are weak fliers, you can place a fan outside, as well as candles that blow smoke to keep some pests away. Yellow lights are better than incandescent light bulbs as well.

Q: Should I consider a backyard misting system?

A: Misting systems can be highly beneficial at targeting specific places, such as your patio or around the pool, targeting mosquitoes and other small pests. Still, it’s important to take good care of your yard to prevent mosquitoes from breeding; we can’t leave everything up to misting systems.

Q: What types of preventative tools are available?

A: In addition to mosquito misting systems, there are also mosquito traps, ultrasonic devices and bug zappers.

Mosquito Bites

Q: Why does my friend get bit more than I do?

A: There are several theories about why some people get bit more than others. They have to do with the human blood type and odors of the human. It’s believed that mosquitoes are attracted to the type of carbon dioxide that we exhale. When we breathe out, the mosquitoes zoom in and decide if they want to make a meal out of us.

Q: Do mosquitoes transmit AIDS?

A: No.

Q: How should I treat a mosquito bite?

A: Your best bet is to leave the bite alone. You don’t want to keep itching it, otherwise it could lead to infection. There are some effective ways to ease the itch and pain, such as by placing a cold pack on the bite, adding a drop of honey or tea tree oil or applying basil, peppermint or witch hazel.

 

 

 

Avoiding Mosquito Problems in the Summer Months

Dugas Pest Control provides mosquito control service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they carry disease and health risks that can be especially dangerous for elders and young children. And in case you didn’t know it, mosquitoes LOVE summer!

While you can’t stop the plague of mosquitoes in southern Louisiana all together, you can make smart decisions that will protect your home and your family from bites and other problems. The most important factor is that you prevent the pests from breeding, as this will greatly reduce numbers around your home while also reducing the risk of being bitten and spreading transferable diseases.

Tips for Preventing Mosquitoes from Breeding

If mosquitoes don’t have water, they can’t breed. Water is necessary for all stages of the breeding process, so eliminating this source is highly effective.

  • Empty out all outdoor things – watering cans, bird baths, swimming pools, barrels – that can hold water. If possible, turn them over so water can’t pool in them, or continue to dump out the standing water.

  • Maintain your swimming pool. Small plastic kid pools should be emptied regularly and stored inside when not in use. Larger pools should be cleaned and have chlorine levels maintained.

  • Prevent outdoor leaks. Window air conditioning units tend to leak, and the water will pool on the ground. Plumbing that runs outside can also be affected by the temperature, resulting in small leaks. Have these repaired immediately; it conserves water, too.

  • Empty and clean plant pans. These tend to collect excess water from the plants, and they are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Empty and clean the liners at least once a week.

  • Clean bird baths. We understand that you may enjoy having native birds come to your home, but bird baths are breeding grounds for pests. If you choose to have a bird bath, change the water and scrub down the bath at least once a week.

  • Mow your lawn weekly. Not only will your neighbors appreciate it, but also it will prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in tall patches of grass.

Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites

By preventing mosquitoes from breeding, you’re doing your home and family a big favor. By working together, a community can make a real difference in mosquito problems! Unfortunately, the Louisiana weather and rains still produce a great place for mosquitoes to live, so you must continue to practice good habits when outdoors to protect yourself from bites. Here are a few helpful pointers for preventing mosquito bites.

  • Wear insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing. The best ones are EPA-registered, so look for this label.

  • Cover up sensitive areas. We know the LA summers are hot, but if you’ll be camping, there’s no reason not to wear a long sleeve shirt or pants at night.

  • Avoid mosquito prime times. This includes dusk and dawn, so avoid them when possible. If you are out at this time (we know how Louisiana residents love their fishing!), wear long sleeves and pants, a hat and insect repellent.

  • Support local programs in your area. You can learn a lot about what your community wants you to do to protect your neighborhood, such as by applying insecticides.

  • Know the symptoms of West Nile. By identifying West Nile early on, you can treat the symptoms. The most common effects include a fever, stiff neck, headache and disorientation. Seventy to 80 percent of people have no side effects, however.

Mosquitoes may be pests, but we have to share the environment with them. Thankfully, proactive measures go a long way in keeping your family protected. In addition to keeping mosquitoes away from the home, keep them out of your home. Make sure that all screens are tight-fitting and secured, with no holes or gaps. This will prevent other pests from staying out of the home as well.

If you need the help of professional help with mosquito control, don’t hesitate any longer.  Dugas Pest Control offers cutting edge technology using the Coastal Mister system to rid your property of mosquitoes.

Post-Isaac Aftermath for Pests in Louisiana

As Hurricane Isaac slammed into the Louisiana coast as a Category 1 storm at the end of August, we were reminded just how unpredictable life can be. Isaac left behind plenty of rainfall, adding to the existing problem of pests, mosquitoes and West Nile.

West Nile: Already a High Threat

As you may already know, West Nile has reached a peak this year, with hundreds of confirmed cases in the southern states alone. Residents have been encouraged to take preventative measures that include avoiding the hours of dusk and dawn, wearing insect repellent on the skin and clothing and dumping out standing water.

With the rainfall from Isaac, standing water has become an even greater problem. Puddles and ponds of murky water have been left in some of the most unlikely places, and while residents may notice standing water in flower pots, gutters and wheelbarrows, there are many other places that are getting missed. These murky waters are the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and could therefore increase the threat of West Nile, especially as we’re still in the height of the season.

Cleanup Efforts after Isaac

So far this year, there have been 145 cases of West Nile and nine deaths reported in the state of Louisiana. With the high number of mosquitoes, high threat of West Nile and plenty of rainfall from Isaac, there is the potential for swarms of mosquitoes thanks to new breeding areas.

Fortunately, proactive measures from volunteer crews and rescuers to improve flood protection and clean up after Isaac have been effective. Still, there are many areas where standing water sits undetected. As always, health officials remind residents to be proactive by dumping out standing water and being on the outlook for potential mosquito breeding grounds. Some of the larger parishes have professional spray treatments as well to help cut down on these pesky insects. For those who want added protection on their property, a mosquito misting system could prove beneficial, especially after such a rain-heavy storm like Isaac.

September 2012 West Nile Update for Louisiana

As we say goodbye to the summer and approach slightly cooler temps and shorter days in the fall, many wonder where the West Nile virus stands in Louisiana. Is there still a moderate threat? Should residents still be taking preventative measures? Are there still confirmed cases of the virus in Baton Rouge?

The Centers for Disease Control released another West Nile virus update that was updated during the week of September 10. The CDC has updated us with the following information:

–      A total of 2,636 cases across the U.S.
–      118 deaths
–      1,405 neuroinvasive cases
–      1,231 non-neuroinvasive cases
–      Two-thirds of all cases have been reported from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Michigan, Oklahoma, South Dakota

For the Baton Rouge area, West Nile poses a unique threat because there are no cold temperatures in the near future that will wipe out mosquito colonies. As long as mosquitoes are a threat, so is West Nile. And this year, it seems as if the virus is back with a vengeance. The virus reached new heights in 2002, but continued to drop over the years. In 2002, there were 328 cases in Louisiana, and this year, there have been 176 reported so far. To put these numbers into perspective, there were only 12 reported cases last year.

Some parishes have also been struggling with getting the proper proactive measures in place. Spraying treatments can be costly and in turn raise taxes, and not all parishes have passed these proposals, especially rural parishes. The good news is that even though this has been one harsh year with the West Nile virus, the number of cases is expected to drop.

West Nile is most commonly seen in the late summer and early fall, and we’re starting to get past that point. While it’s still critical that you take preventative measures – dumping out sources of standing water, wearing mosquito repellent and avoiding dusk and dawn hours – the threat will be subsiding over the next few weeks.

Mosquito Control: It’s Not Just a Backyard Problem

Dugas Pest Control provides mosquito control service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana Living in Louisiana, you’re used to seeing mosquitoes cross your path. Yet this year, state and health officials are urging residents to be on guard due to the increased risk of infected mosquitoes. The West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes and spread to humans when they are bitten.

There has been an increasing number of West Nile cases reported across the country, Louisiana included. Protecting your home and your family is the first step to preventing the West Nile virus, but the community must take an active role as well.

Working Together as a Community

The first step in working toward a solution for mosquito control is to see if there is already a group organized for your community; many neighborhoods already have a mosquito control plan in place. Here, residents can participate in the control efforts and make a difference in their community. These efforts include hiring a professional pest control company such as Dugas Pest Control and notifying local residents of what they should be doing to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. When everyone is informed, neighbors can do their part to remove standing water while the community can schedule regular spraying from a professional company. When individual neighbors and the community come together, the best defense in preventing the spread of West Nile is formed.

Hiring a professional pest control company is helpful because they can target an area at large, identify potential breeding grounds and ensure that future infestations are avoided. It can also help to have a professional survey the area so that there is a neutral party instructing neighbors of what to do to avoid the spread of West Nile. After all, if one neighbor has a standing water in their backyard, the whole neighborhood will experience a mosquito infestation. Prevention is a community effort, and it requires everyone to work together for one solution. Notifying neighbors of what they can be doing in their own backyards – dumping out standing water, tightening screens on doors and windows and perhaps investing in a misting system – is an effective strategy for making sure that everyone is doing their part and has the correct information at hand.

Mosquito Control Beyond the Backyard

Dugas Pest Control provides mosquito control service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana Pest control companies are also urging residents to protect themselves anytime they are outdoors, not just in their backyards. People are often diligent about protecting themselves near their own homes because that’s when they tend to be outdoors the longest, but it’s important to take the same precautions any time you head outside. Mosquitoes are everywhere – not just your backyard.

That is why health officials are stepping up, spraying parks, hiking trails and other public places in an effort to reduce mosquito infestations. Even though mosquitoes are a nationwide problem, working together is the most effective way to fight the heightened threat of West Nile.

Why Mosquito Misting Systems are So Popular

If you’re tired of drenching yourself in insect repellent just to keep the mosquitoes at bay, it’s time to reconsider your pest control tactics. Mosquito misting systems are excellent options for home and business owners who are dealing with mosquito problems, a common occurrence in Louisiana. These systems are designed to spray pesticides in a fine mist and are mounted around the perimeter of a home, fence or building. Misting systems can be turned on using a remote, a switch or a timer to meet the needs of its environment.

Are Mosquito Misting Systems Safe?

Mosquito misting systems are certainly a brilliant idea, considering they’re effective and do the work for you to rid the area of mosquitoes. However, there have been some concerns over the safety of these systems since they release insecticides. The good news is that these insecticides are low-risk for residential and business use and include agents such as permethrin and pyrethrin’s found in insect repellent products.

The EPA has assessed the health and environmental effects of misting systems and believes them to be safe for both. With the small amount of insecticide used and the short time they are released into the environment, the EPA considers misting systems to be low risk for both humans and pets.

Advantages to Choosing a Misting System

There are many wonderful advantages to having a mosquito misting system. These systems are reliable and effective and focus on the areas where you spend most of the time. With misters, the environment is controlled instead of the person, and it’s a nice perk not to have to spray yourself in insect repellents to keep the bugs away. Unlike other pesticides, misting systems are safe for people, pets and the environment, especially as the insecticides break down easily and won’t cause a lasting effect like other pesticides that can linger on plants and grass.

Mosquito mister systems are easy to maintain, and once they are properly installed, they can be turned on using a remote or timer. All parts and components are built for outdoor use and feature a rugged construction. These completely independent machines take the hassle out of having to mosquito-proof the backyard using bug sprays, citronella candles and pesticides of your own.

If you’re not sure which type of mosquito misting system to use, put your trust in the Coastal Mister System exclusively offered by Dugas Pest Control. This system uses advanced misting technology to remove mosquitoes and other insects from the space. It relies on the natural insecticide Pyrethrum to repel bugs and can be controlled manually, with a remote or by setting a timer. You can’t ask for any better way to protect your home or business and bring comfort to those around you than by using a misting system. Contact the mosquito exterminators at Dugas Pest Control for more information.

Smart Tips for Avoiding the West Nile Virus

Many of us don’t imagine getting the West Nile virus, especially because mosquitoes are are a regular part of living in the south. However, there are effective ways to protect yourself and your family, and everyone should be doing their part. Just as you would wash your hands and cover your mouth to prevent the spread of germs while having a cold, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid the West Nile virus. While the best thing to do is try to avoid getting bit altogether, we know this can be extremely difficult in the south, and it takes more diligence than just spraying on your favorite bug spray. Let’s take a look at the best way to prevent these itchy bug bites and your risk of the West Nile virus.

The Correct Use of Insect Repellents

Any time you step outdoors, you run the risk of getting bitten by a mosquito. If you’re going to be outside for any length of time, apply insect repellent to the exposed skin and spray your clothes with an EPA-registered repellent. Most EPA-registered repellents have an agent called permethrin in them that prevent mosquitoes from biting through the clothing. However, you should never place these repellents directly on the skin. Also never spray repellent underneath your clothes. When choosing bug sprays, don’t think that just because the spray has a higher percentage of the active ingredient means that it’s stronger. Instead, it means that the repellent will last longer. With this in mind, select a product that will provide you with enough protection for the time you’ll be outdoors. If the weather is cool enough, wear long sleeves or pants, and always place bug nets on infant carriers and strollers. Dawn, dusk and early evening are when mosquitoes bite the most, so exercise extra caution when out during these times.

Preventing the Spread of Mosquitoes

Not only should you avoid getting bit by a mosquito, but also you should prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Since mosquitoes like standing water, draining sources that collect water will prevent them from laying eggs. Look for standing water in flower pots, buckets, barrels, cans, water dishes, bird baths and swimming pools. Clean out clogged gutters and remove items lying in the yard that could collect water, such as old tires or wood logs. Even trash items that blow under your bushes can collect water, so do a regular sweep of the yard and look for recyclable containers and plastic bags that may have blown over from a neighbor’s yard.

Place Tight Fitting Screens on Windows and Doors

You may be careful to avoid mosquito bites when you’re outdoors, but we often forget about bug control when we’re indoors. Be sure that you have well-fitted screens on both your doors and windows. These tiny insects can easily get through screens that have holes or are loosely positioned onto doors and windows, coming into the home and serving as a potential threat for West Nile. Having adequate screens also provides additional perks, such as keeping dirt and standing water out of the windows. If you feel that your mosquito problem is severe, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company. Dugas Pest Control has their own unique mosquito control system that will rid these stubborn insects from your work or outdoor space – for good.

Image c/o: umaa.org

Serious health issues that come from mosquitoes

While mosquitoes may merely seem like an inconvenience to some outdoorsy types, they are actually a major source of serious diseases worldwide.  Here are a few facts you may not know about mosquito-spread illness:

  • It is estimated that mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases to more than 70 million people every year!
  • Worldwide, malaria is a leading cause of premature mortality, particularly in children under the age of five, with around 5.3 million deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
  • The viral diseases Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever are transmitted mostly by the Aedesaegypti mosquitoes.
  • Other viral diseases such as the Epidemic Polyarthritis, Rift Valley Fever, Ross River Fever, St. Louis Encephalitis, West Nile Virus (WNV), Japanese Encephalitis, La Crosse Encephalitis.
  • Several other encephalitis type diseases are carried by several additional types of different mosquitoes too.

Health threats in the United States

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) occur widely within the United States. Together they contribute disease to humans, horses, and even some bird species. Because of the high mortality rate, EEE and WEE are regarded as two of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to Encephalitis, coma and unfortunately, death. West Nile virus was introduced into the United States in 1999. As quickly as 2003 it had spread to almost every state with over 3,000 cases reported in 2006 alone.

Mosquito Control Recommendation

While the facts are considerably downbeat, there are preventative and treatable options available on the market to help eliminate these pests and help curb the spread of diseases – and the one we prefer at Dugas Pest Control is the Coastal Mister system.

CoastalMister™ is an Outdoor Solutions, Inc. product and service dedicated to the prevention and relief of Malaria. With years of expert research and development by experienced scientists, chemists, and tntomologists, Dugas Pest Control is proud to offer the current Version IV to the CoastalMister System™. This system is an automatic, reliable mosquito control alternative with advanced misting light sensor patent-pending Dusk-Dawn technology.

Coastal Mister offers not only the top of the line mosquito control, but also reliable customer support and service.