10 Interesting Facts About Spiders

Learning about spiders in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlOver the years, our spider exterminators have helped out many arachnophobes around the Baton Rouge LA area. While there are a few species of spiders that you should have a healthy fear of, the vast majority of spiders around us are harmless. We believe that less people would be afraid of spiders if they knew more about them, so we’ve laid out 10 fun spider facts for you to read through. We hope you leave with a new appreciation for these creatures!

10 Interesting Facts About Spiders:

  1. They’re all over: Recent research shows that you’re very likely to be no more than 10 feet from the nearest spider at any time. There’s nothing to worry about, though—spiders would much rather hide than confront anyone.
  2. Spiders are diverse: There are over 35,000 identified species of spiders in the world, and scientists believe that many more are yet to be discovered.
  3. Spiders like to dance: Many male spiders’ courting practices involve an arm-waving, scuttling dance routine. The process can last for up to 50 minutes in some cases!
  4. Male spiders are generous: Another common courtship tactic that some spiders practice is gift-giving. They will capture a small insect and wrap it in silk as an offering to a female of their liking. However, some spiders cut corners by wrapping up leaves or other junk.
  5. Female spiders get violent: Varying by species, many female spiders will kill or eat the male spider before, during, or after copulation. The motive spurs from anything from an unsatisfactory courtship attempt to creating a source of nutrition for her future offspring.
  6. Most spiders are harmless: All spiders are venomous, but it takes a considerable concentration of venom from a spider bite to seriously harm a human.
  7. Spider silk is liquid: Before it is spun into a web, spider silk sits as a liquid in their spinning gland. It solidifies upon contact with the air.
  8. Spider silk is stronger than steel: Although they seem weak, spider webs are actually 5 times stronger than steel! They are only easily broken on account of how thinly they are spun.
  9. Silk has multiple purposes: While spider silk is most famous for its use in webs, spiders also use silk as transportation, whether walking across long stretches of it or using it to float through the air. Some spiders also build tunnel-like nests with it.
  10. Spider muscles are strange: Unlike us, spiders can only retract their muscles, not extend them out. To push their limbs out again, spider pump a special fluid through them. It is this same fluid that some spiders utilize to jump long distances.

Expert Spider Exterminators in Baton Rouge LA

While most spiders in Baton Rouge want to leave you alone and can’t cause you any harm to begin with, there are a few spiders to watch out for around here, like the black widow and the brown recluse. Even if you’re only dealing with harmless house spiders, we understand that it can be unsettling to have them all around your home. If you need to get rid of spiders, reach out to our spider control team at Dugas Pest Control today for a free estimate!

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!

How Does Caulking Prevent Pests?

Caulk can be used to keep pests out of your home in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlThere are many little things you can do around the home to help prevent pest problems. One of the quickest, easiest, most effective ways to pest-proof your home is to use caulk around your windows and doors. Over time, cracks and crevices show up in our property, which are then used by pests to access your home! By sealing these cracks and crevices, pests will be forced to look elsewhere. With pest season just around the corner here in Baton Rouge, now is the time to learn how to prevent pests. The experts at Dugas Pest Control are here with all you need to know about how caulking can help pest-proof your property.

How to Pest-Proof Your Property With Caulk

Caulking prevents pests by closing off the access points through which they could easily enter previously. Learning how to caulk is easy and can provide you with relief from small ants and bugs in the spring and summertime. Our top tips for caulking are as follows.

  1. Thoroughly inspect your property. Look at your window and door frames both indoors and out, as well as your baseboards, crown molding, and more. If you have major issues with your door or window frames, you may consider using weather stripping or replacing them entirely.
  2. Choose the correct caulk. When you get to your store, you’ll notice several types of caulk. In general, silicone caulk is the most commonly used caulk for this purpose as it is resistant to moisture. It’s also a low-cost option. If necessary, purchase a caulking gun as well.
  3. Thoroughly clean the area. Before you apply any caulk, make sure to clean any areas you will be applying caulk to. This includes removing any old caulking, old paint, dirt, and anything else that could jeopardize the adhesion of the new caulk.
  4. Apply the caulk. When applying caulk, begin in one corner of the crack or gap and tilt the applicator at a 45-degree angle. Steadily apply the caulk in a smooth, slow line while applying steady pressure.
  5. Let the caulk dry. If needed, smooth any bumps or fill any gaps with a small spoon. Remove any excess caulking. For best results, let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours.

Other Ways to Prevent Pests

Caulking is something most homeowners can easily do to prevent ants, beetles, spiders, and other pests. Other pest-proofing methods include clearing your yard, cleaning your property, avoiding excess moisture, and working with a professional pest control company. To learn more about how caulking prevents pests or need assistance with pest-proofing your Baton Rouge property this year, give the pest prevention pros at Dugas a call today!

Tips to Prevent Spooky Pests This Halloween

Spiders are a common fall pest problem in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlHalloween is just around the corner, and you’re likely pulling out bins of decorations. You may be putting up fake spider webs and plastic spiders to celebrate, but chances are you don’t want the real ones crawling through your home this time of year. Unfortunately, fall pest problems are common here in Baton Rouge as pests and insects begin to make their way indoors for warmth and shelter. They also can be brought indoors when you unpack your seasonal decorations. It’s important to be aware of the potential pest problems you could encounter this time of year. Keep reading for our top tips to prevent spooky pests this Halloween.

Halloween Pests To Keep an Eye Out For

Fall pest infestations can be frustrating because many of these pests are looking to cozy up inside your home through the winter. Whether you’re about to unpack a box of decorations or want to clean up your property, here are the pests to look for:

  1. Rats. Rodents infamously squeeze their way inside this time of year for warmth, food, and shelter. They could be nesting in your boxes of decorations.
  2. Stink bugs & boxelder bugs. These seasonal bugs appear on the sides of homes and could crawl indoors if given the chance.
  3. Spiders. Spider populations are abundant in the fall and many get indoors. They may be lurking in your box of decorations!
  4. Bed bugs. While common at all times of the year, traveling or college students lead to an increase in infestations. They also could be found on second-hand costumes.

Tips to Prevent Seasonal Pests

You may be putting fake rodents or bats out as decorations, but you definitely want to prevent the real ones from getting indoors! As you would any other time of the year, it’s important to know how to keep pests out of your home. Some of our top tips include sealing all cracks and crevices in your home with caulk, installing a new window or door screens, cleaning up your yard’s foliage, keeping a tidy kitchen with sealed food containers, and storing all seasonal decorations in airtight plastic bins. If you are having trouble sealing off your home to pests this fall, it’s best to reach out to your local exterminator for assistance.

Need Help With Pests this Fall?

It’s nearly the holiday season, and the last thing you want to deal with is a pest problem. Always be extra cautious when unpacking your decorations or buying secondhand items. If you find yourself with an infestation or want to further protect your Baton Rouge home from pests this fall and winter, the Dugas Pest Control residential exterminators are here to help.

Is Fall the Season of Spiders?

Dangerous spiders in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlAlthough spiders are a common pest year-round, many people consider fall to be the season of spiders because of how abundant they seem. Spiders hatch in the springtime—by the time August and September roll around, they’re definitely in full force. These eight-legged creatures are attracted to food, water, and shelter that your home provides them with. Thankfully, most of the spiders in your home are harmless and will, for the most part, avoid you altogether! That said, there are two spiders in particular that you should keep an eye out for: the black widow and the brown recluse spider. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about spiders during the fall months here in Baton Rouge.

Black Widow vs Brown Recluse Infographic - Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge LA Identifying Black Widows and Brown Recluse Spiders

It can be difficult to differentiate between your common house spider and the more dangerous black widow or brown recluse. Because these two spiders can bite and potentially cause dangerous side effects, it’s important to know how to differentiate them: 

  • Black widows
    • These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body.
    • They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground.
    • They can bite when they feel threatened.
  • Brown recluse spiders
    • Brown recluse spiders have a darker brown violin-shaped spot on their bodies.
    • They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter.
    • A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.

Preventing Spiders During the Fall

To keep spiders out, there are several ways you can make your property less attractive to her in general. Our top spider prevention tips include:

  1. Maintain your yard and lawn. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
  2. Regularly clean your home. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
  3. Seal any cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
  4. Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Tight-fitting screens are the key to keeping insects, spiders included, out.
  5. Inspect items before bringing them indoors. Egg sacs and adult spiders are known to be inside old boxes you may be transferring.

What to Do When You Have Spiders

We all know that seeing the occasional spider in your property is completely normal. But what do you do when you’ve spotted a dangerous species or are dealing with endless webs? It’s likely time to call your local spider exterminators here at Dugas. Our spider pest control experts can control current infestations and make sure you don’t have to deal with spiders in the future!