Does Home Mosquito Control Work?

Mosquitoes swarming around and biting a person's legs.Warm weather is back here in Baton Rouge, which means longer days and more opportunities to get together with friends and enjoy the sunshine. At the same time, the moist and warm conditions of our spring and summer climate create the perfect breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes.

These blood-hungry pests can render your backyard virtually unusable. And any amount of research will bring up a variety of DIY mosquito traps and deterrents that you can implement on your own – but do they actually work? Which home mosquito treatments are worth money, and when is it better to call a professional?

DIY Mosquito Repellents that Don’t Work

Some mosquito repellents on the market aren’t nearly as effective as they would have you believe. Others work to an extent, but don’t address the root of the problem. Many say to remove standing water, which can limit opportunities for mosquitoes to lay eggs and reproduce. But this is difficult, as mosquitos can lay eggs in water droplets as small as a thimble. Other home mosquito repellents that may not work are: 

  • Mosquito repellent wristbands
  • Portable mosquito traps
  • Citronella candles
  • Wearable sonic devices

What You Can Do for Home Mosquito Control

Now that you know that many DIY mosquito control methods don’t live up to expectations, you may be wondering  – what can you do to combat mosquitos at home? The answer, in many cases, is easier than what you may expect.

An inexpensive box fan can keep you comfortable in hot weather, but it can do more than that. It can also circulate air on your porch or patio, creating a man-made wind current that mosquitoes naturally want to avoid. Mosquitoes are poor flyers and tend to stay away from areas with strong winds.

You can also enjoy the pleasant weather by planting a garden of herbs and flowers that mosquitoes naturally avoid, such as: 

  • Basil
  • Marigold
  • Peppermint
  • Geranium 
  • Lavender
  • Lemon Balm

Dugas Pest Control for Mosquito Extermination in Baton Rouge

You’ve planted your garden and left your fan spinning – you even removed all the bigger bodies of standing water around your property, and yet you are still overrun by mosquitos. That means it’s time for you to call the professionals. If you’re looking for a mosquito exterminator in Baton Rouge, you can get the best of the best in Dugas Pest Control. 

Since [founded], we’ve been combating mosquitos in properties across Baton Rouge. We believe our friends and neighbors should be able to enjoy the spring and summer in comfort. If that sounds good to you, contact us today to get started!

How Dangerous are Kissing Bugs?

A kissing bug rests on a red flower in Baton Rouge LA.Despite their name, kissing bugs are anything but romantic. These tiny pests are notorious for leaving tiny bites on people in the middle of the night – typically near the mouth, hence their nickname. While it’s unsettling enough to wake up covered in bites, are kissing bugs actually dangerous? The experts at Dugas Pest Control explain why the kissing bug is potentially dangerous and share tips that can help keep your home kissing bug-free.

What is a Kissing Bug?

Triatomine bugs – commonly called “kissing bugs”, “conenose bugs” or “vampire bugs” – are parasitic insects that feed on blood. They are oval-shaped, dark in color, and typically grow to around ½ to 1 inch in length. Though juveniles do not have wings, adults do and are capable of flying. Their most defining feature, however, is a long, prominent beak that they use for feeding. 

Since kissing bugs are nocturnal, they tend to hide near sleeping humans or animals. Most stay in small nooks or crannies such as cracks in floorboards, walls, or furniture. Adults are solitary and generally do not live in large groups, though females may leave eggs behind.

Are Kissing Bugs Dangerous?

As with any blood-feeding insect, kissing bugs are dangerous. While their bites are not particularly painful, they could lead to infections or serious diseases. Triatomine bugs are most known for spreading Chagas disease, which could have chronic effects lasting a decade or more after the initial transmission.

What’s Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease is the result of a parasite called Typanosoma cruzi, which is stored in the digestive tract of kissing bugs after they feed on an infected organism. The parasite doesn’t spread while the kissing bug is actively feeding; rather, it enters the wound of the bite through feces, which the insect typically leaves behind after feeding. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Chagas disease is potentially life-threatening. Early signs of the disease include:

  • Body aches
  • Fever and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Swelling of eyelids
  • Swelling around the bite
  • Recurring headaches
  • Swollen glands

If you suspect you’re suffering from Chagas disease or another illness, seek medical attention immediately. Other animals may also suffer from this disease, so contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has been bitten. 

How Can You Prevent Kissing Bugs?

The last thing you want is to discover bite marks on your face first thing in the morning. Keeping triatomine bugs out of your home is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this pest. Here are some ways you can prevent kissing bugs (and other insects) from entering your home:

  • Seal any gaps, cracks or openings around doors, windows, or your foundation
  • Repair any ripped screens or broken weather stripping
  • Keep your landscaping tidy and remove any debris near your house or in your yard
  • Place landscape lights (if you have them) farther away from the base of your house
  • Let pets sleep indoors during the nighttime
  • Check sleeping areas in your home periodically for signs of bugs

What to Do if You Find One

It’s never pleasant to find a pest in your home – especially one as potentially dangerous as a kissing bug. While your initial instinct may be to squish the insect immediately, the CDC strongly recommends that you do not come into contact with the kissing bug. 

Rather than squishing it, place a clear container on top of it and then, contact a pest control professional.  They’ll be able to confirm the bug’s identity and inspect your home for signs of more insects.

Whether you’re worried you found a kissing bug in your home or just want to ensure your space is completely free from pests, Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge can help. We’ve been providing exceptional pest control services in Louisiana since 1957. Give us a call today for a free quote!