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When it comes to Baton Rouge pest control, the do-it-yourself spirit is alive and well. Many otherwise careful business owners think they can eradicate invading rodents or bugs with a few traps. Commercial pest control experts know otherwise. They know that pest control is notoriously tricky, complicated by pests’ prolific reproduction rates and their ability to thrive in the most surprising and hard-to-reach places. Business infestations are especially challenging. The types of large retail spaces and sprawling warehouses common to commercial businesses are some of the best habitats for everything from spiders to mice. It can be a big job, and it’s tempting for company owners to try to cut costs or save time by tackling pest control on their own. If your business is infested but you’re unsure whether to hire commercial pest control specialists, consider these top reasons you should leave pest control to the pros.  1. Effective pest control may be a lot more time-consuming than expected A common misconception is that pest control is reactive. That is, many people think that controlling pests is about trapping them when you see them. Good pest control is actually more proactive, focused on eliminating both the signs of a current infestation and the means for future infestations. That means not only trapping present pests, but sealing up cracks, fixings leaks and taking other potentially sophisticated steps to eliminate the chances that pests can come back. If this sounds like a heavy time investment, that’s because it is. It can take weeks and even months to get rid of some of the worst mice infestations, for example. Do you really want to shift your or your staff’s focus for that long? 2. Doing it yourself can cost you big in the long run One of the top reasons that do-it-yourself pest control appeals to homeowners and businesses alike is the notion that it will cut costs. Many people consider the costs of a commercial pest control consultation and the numerous visits it typically takes to eradicate a pest problem and figure the expense will be less if they try to handle things themselves. What they often don’t consider are the full costs of all of the supplies it takes to truly combat pests. Good commercial pest control experts employ sophisticated lights, ladders and even heavy-duty lifts just to identify a problem. Even more supplies, from traps to special removal equipment, are employed to actually eliminate the problem. Then there’s the matter of the safety equipment needed to remove certain pests and their potentially dangerous waste. Unless you have comparable equipment on hand, trying to match the level of a commercial pest control company could quickly cost much more than simply calling the pros in the first place. 3. Your infestation might be a lot bigger than you think You see a spider or two, spray them and don’t see anymore. The problem is gone, right? Commercial pest control experts know that bug and insect infestations are a lot more extensive than the public thinks. In fact, the roach or two you see are likely to be the outliers, representative of hundreds or thousands more. This is particularly true in large commercial business spaces, where rodents and insects can have thousands of square feet of walls and ceiling space in which to take up residence. Infestations in restaurants and other food service businesses are particularly prone to being larger and more complex due to continuous food storage. Mice, for instance, can thrive in commercial walk-in freezers, living only on frozen food, or take up residence in a food storage closet. Meanwhile in warehouses, piles of dark, damp pallets can be ideal places for insects to breed. Because many insects and pests come out at night, when the business is closed, it can be hard to identify the issue. By the time you see mouse droppings or live insects, the problem has likely be growing for months if not longer. It all adds up to a pest problem that can be exponentially larger and more sophisticated than anything you or your staff wants to take on. 4. The stakes are higher if you fail Pests in a private residence can be a nuisance. Pests in a commercial business, however, can be a major liability. For a food service business, the risks are obvious. Mouse damage in a kitchen or roach droppings in a storage facility are all it takes to get your restaurant shuttered indefinitely. The risks are high for non-food service businesses, too. Consider what might happen if a customer spots evidence of pest damage in goods you have sold, or worse, sees live insects in your business? If you operate a hotel, the impact could be devastating. Even a business that’s not open to the public can suffer brand damage if workers encounter pests or if mouse droppings make an employee sick. When thinking about what’s best for your business, it’s easy to see that the risks of refusing to hire commercial pest control experts aren’t worth the rewards. 5. You aren’t an expert Commercial pest control specialists are experts for a reason. They offer years of experience battling all kinds of nuisance insects and vermin and typically have a large arsenal of skills and tools to get the job done. They know what works and what doesn’t, what will last and even what is too dangerous to try. For instance, a professional exterminator will know when and where chemical sprays would be safe and practical to use. Trying to figure this out yourself can put you, your staff and your customers in danger, not to mention allowing your pest problem to flourish while time is wasted. It’s not surprising that businesses would want to try to handle pest control on their own. It can seem to be a cheaper solution to an expensive problem, and if you have little experience in the area, it may not even appear that difficult. There are several reasons why it’s not typically the best idea. Consider these potential pitfalls as you decide whether to hire commercial pest control experts for your business.
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It’s spring again, the time of year when we shake off the winter doldrums and welcome flowers, romance — and insects. Though the last aren't exactly welcome, they're certainly a part of spring in the city. Like their human counterparts, bugs love to emerge after a long winter’s nap for some fun in the sun. Unfortunately, that can translate to parties on your patio and luaus on your legs. While New Orleans doesn’t exactly go into the deep freeze the rest of the country faces, our shift in humidity and temperature still leads to a very real increase in bug activity come late March. Preparing for the seasonal uptick involves knowing what you’re facing and then talking to a qualified specialist in New Orleans pest control. Here are some ways to recognize the top spring pests in New Orleans. Figure out if they’re what’s bugging you!  Buck Moth
The oak trees of New Orleans are a source of pride. Unfortunately, they’re also the exclusive home to a particularly troublesome spring pest known to New Orleans pest control specialists for its nasty stinging ways. It’s the buck moth caterpillar, and it’s one of the more annoying pests common to spring in the city. These innocent-looking guys are not a problem until they land on you and sting, which they may happen to do more often than you’d expect. These caterpillars are the larval stage of the buck moth, a striking brown and white moth that takes flight mostly during deer season. They lay their eggs around that time in oak trees. By spring, those eggs hatch and out come thousands of tiny, prickly caterpillars. The trouble comes when those caterpillars fall or crawl out of a tree and land on your unsuspecting shoulder. Their bodies are built with spines to ward off predators. These hollow needles release a poison that stings if it pricks your skin. Avoid their nip by staying out of the oak shade when possible. New Orleans pest control experts say if you do find yourself pricked, use Scotch tape to pull the spines out and sooth the pain with an ice pack. Roaches Heat, moisture and humidity — all the things that make a New Orleans spring sticky are the things that make it heaven for flying cockroaches. These classic pests thrive in just about any city, but New Orleans is especially favored due to its climate and the abundance of old buildings with lots of cracks and crevices in which to hide. In fact, Bloomberg named the Crescent City the most roach-infested in the nation in 2017. Experts say the lack of consistent freezing makes it hard to really put a dent in the city’s abundant population of these skittering creatures. They love to live in the leaf litter and bark of the live oaks that are abundant in the city, putting them in the perfect position to creep into a nearby house. Once there, New Orleans pest control specialists say roaches can survive by eating anything from paper to glue from stamps. Even spotless homes can be impacted if they have a leak or some other condition leading to a particularly damp environment. Because roach infestation can be so hard to manage, it’s best to contact a New Orleans pest control specialist when you see the first one, rather than trying to handle these critters yourself. Formosan Termites In New Orleans, Formosan termites have taken wood destruction to a level far beyond that of their native termite cousins. These insects are an invasive brand of the standard wood-chomping pest, first introduced from East Asia. Formosan termites thrive in muggy climates like Florida and Louisiana. In fact, they got so destructive in the French Quarter that the federal government sponsored a program to place termite baits and traps throughout the historic district. New Orleans pest control experts say a single colony can contain millions of termites, compared to just thousands for native subterranean termites. It’s typical to see swarms of these destructive creatures in early spring evenings. If you see them downtown, simply avoid them. However, if you see these pests near your home, it could be a very bad sign. Seal up your doors and windows and make a call to a trusted New Orleans pest control specialist with experience treating these troublesome bugs. Mosquitoes April showers may bring May flowers, but in New Orleans, they can also bring an uptick in those most common warm weather menaces, mosquitoes. The Crescent City has an especially nasty history with these bloodsuckers. In the early 19th and 20th century, yellow fever carried by these insects killed more than 41,000 men, women and children. Nowadays, mosquitoes are linked to West Nile Virus, which they can pass to humans after biting infected birds. Concern also has surrounded Zika virus. This mosquito-borne illness has been blamed for causing serious birth defects in pregnant women who become infected. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which makes the Big Easy,with its low elevation and abundant swamp areas, an ideal site. Add in the increased humidity and rains with the change of seasons, and New Orleans pest control experts can tell you that you have a recipe for mosquito disaster. There’s no way to avoid mosquitos entirely, but there are plenty of smart options to minimize their numbers and impact. Remove standing water in containers around your home and address any drainage issues that can lead to pools of water. Make sure to keep open windows screened and limit time outside during dusk and dawn, when some species are especially active. If they are still a major problem, it may be time to talk to a New Orleans pest control specialist to investigate some of the more serious steps you can take. New Orleans is beautiful year-round, but especially in the throes of spring. Unfortunately, the beauty of the growing season doesn’t curtail the annoyance presented by pests. You don’t have to let insects spoil this time of year. Understanding what signs to look for can help you know when it’s time to call a New Orleans pest control specialist. Store-bought remedies and online videos have many homeowners tackling pest problems in a DIY fashion. An inexperienced homeowner, however, risks improperly implementing removal methods or overspending on pest products. In addition, the process might be time consuming and frustrating for individuals who would rather be doing something else. Unfortunately, the end result of independently tackling pests is often damaging to your home or health. There are warning signs that indicate when it's time to call the professionals. Whether it's cockroaches, ants, spiders or mice, an infestation can get out of hand quickly. If you notice any one of these five red flags, recruit the pros for Baton Rouge pest control immediately.  1. Property Damage You invested a lot to make your home look great. Pests can cause permanent damage to your walls, floors and furniture, however. Tunnels along walls, chewed-up fabric or wood, and gnawed wiring are all indications that you have a large infestation on your hands. If left untreated, pests can even affect the very structure of your home. Electric fires and foundation crumbling have been known to been a result of nasty critters doing what they do best. These pests may eventually force homeowners to spend a small fortune replacing their carpeting, re-insulating their walls and getting new furniture. Thus, if you notice excessive or even minor property damage, don't hesitate to consult with a Baton Rouge pest control company before things get worse. 2. Droppings and Urine Finding droppings and urine in your home is enough to offend anyone. Excrement can be unsanitary and foul-smelling. In addition, it can be a significant health risk to you, your family and your pets. Usually, it is found in an area with a lot of food such as a kitchen or pantry. Mice and rats often snack late at night, leaving their mark as they rip open packaging or feast on exposed food. Cockroach droppings are smaller in size, looking like ground pepper, but also shouldn't be ignored. Baton Rouge pest control experts can identify the type of pest and where it's hiding, as well as eliminate the infestation with minimal damage to household members and your possessions. 3. Scratching and Rustling Sounds If you hear strange sounds from across your ceilings or walls, your house hasn't been invaded by ghosts. Rather, there is a pest outbreak on your property that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Rodents, carpenter ants and termites in your walls can eat away the foundation of your building. To prevent costly repairs, a Baton Rouge pest control treatment should be applied by experienced professionals. 4. Pest Sightings Unfortunately, pests are excellent at hiding. Spotting one might be an indication that there are more nearby. In fact, in certain termite or cockroach infestations, seeing any scuttling around could mean that they have been forced out of their overflowing nest. Don't assume that seeing vermin is an isolated incident or typical during a change of season. Rather, schedule a home examination to determine if Baton Rouge pest control can restore order to your living space with no time wasted. 5. Large Rodents Sometimes, homes get invaded by mammals much larger than mice or rats. Squirrels, Moles and raccoons can wreak havoc on your house. If you try to capture or handle these animals yourself, you risk being harmed by sharp claws or becoming infected by a disease. No matter how cute you might think these critters are, you should avoid approaching or feeding them. Call for Baton Rouge pest control instead and let professionals skilled in animal removal take the lead. They're trained to safely relocate the creatures to their natural habitat and can recommend methods to prevent them from returning to your living space. Types of Pest Control Adequate pest removal involves more than spraying chemicals. Professionals must first carefully examine your home to determine the source of the infestation and how the pests are reproducing. There are several types of Baton Rouge pest control methods that tend to be much more effective than store-bought remedies. Although initially more expensive, often just one application is needed to permanently resolve the problem. Educate yourself on these popular removal methods and how they can benefit you if you're in the midst of a nasty outbreak. Natural and Organic There are plenty of products derived from plants and natural extracts. These appeal to health-conscious homeowners or people who prefer to limit their pets' chemical exposure. While sometimes not as quick-acting as their chemical compounds, they are nonetheless rising in popularity. If you're concerned about the type of chemicals that might be used to eliminate vermin or insects, don't hesitate to consult with your Baton Rouge pest control expert. A quality exterminator should be knowledgeable about the effects of the products he or she is offering. Chemical This is the most popular type of pest control. There are many different types of chemical compounds that target specific types of pests. They are made from synthetic materials that vary in strength. While possibly poisonous to other organisms and plants, they get the job done. Only a qualified Baton Rouge pest control expert can determine which chemicals to use to treat your infestation. If you follow the directions given by the professionals, there's a good chance you and your family won't experience any negative side effects. If your pest problem has gone untreated for a long time, a chemical option might be the fastest way to eradicate the problem. Thanks to the internet, it is easy to do a web search on pest control methods. Some homeowners attempt to tackle an infestation by themselves. Despite promises of a miracle cure, however, many products sold in stores or highly touted natural remedies simply don't live up to their name. Rather than wasting time fighting an army of ants or scary-looking cockroaches, call for Baton Rouge pest control instead. Hopefully, learning about these five warning signs can help you determine if it's time to pick up the phone. With the aid of experienced pros, you can save money and find peace of mind. |
AuthorI really enjoy researching and writing about pests. The more we know about bugs, the easier it becomes to control them. 
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