​Most homeowners experience a problem with pests at some point. Finding nuisance insects, rodents, or other bugs or critters in your home can be disturbing, and it is natural to want to get rid of them as soon as possible. However, while a pest problem needs to be addressed quickly, you shouldn't call the first company you find in the phone book.

It takes time for pests to cause extensive damage. Mice can reproduce quickly, but their gestation period is 21 days. You have a few days in which to do your due diligence and find a knowledgeable pest control company with a good reputation, such as Bug Ninjas. It is crucial to find a company you can trust. Otherwise, the treatment could be ineffective at best or harmful to you or the environment at worst.

What Do You Need To Do When Looking for a Pest Control Company?
​Due diligence is vital when you are looking for a pest control company, but what exactly does that mean? Take the time to investigate several companies fully to make sure that the one you ultimately choose can perform an effective treatment while keeping you and your family safe from harmful exposure to toxic chemicals.

You should look into several companies before making your final decision, and here are some things you should keep in mind as part of the process.

1. Look for Pest Control Companies That Provide Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management is a common-sense approach to pest control based on scientific principles. It is the safest method, the method that is best for the environment, and also the method that is most effective against pests.

IPM involves identifying the pest as specifically as possible and tailoring an approach toward control based on identification. It calls for learning as much as possible about each pest and using that information to formulate a plan for control that will be most effective. Following IPM, professionals identify all the options available for control and start by using the least toxic methods available first in a systematic approach. Only if the initial method is not effective does an IPM technician move on to more toxic options. IPM limits exposure to chemicals by only applying the treatments where they are needed.

2. Understand the Different Pest Control Categories
Not all pest control companies are equipped to handle every type of pest. Some are more specialized while others work more generally. General household pest control can handle most of the nuisance species that you may encounter in your home, such as bed bugs, rodents, and mosquitoes. Some pests, such as termites, require more specialized methods and therefore a different category of pest control. Before you hire a pest control company, make sure that it provides the type of service you need. Bug Ninja provides termite control as well as more general services.

3. Find Out About the Legal Requirements
Every pest control professional has to comply with federal and state regulations on the industry, and sometimes with local requirements as well. Every state has its own laws governing pest control companies, so the requirements vary. However, it is a standard requirement that the company has to be licensed in the state in which it operates, as Bug Ninja is licensed in Louisiana.

You don't have to take a company's word that it is licensed. In the state of Louisiana, you can verify this information with the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry. A representative of the company should also be able to show you documentation as well.

4. Confirm Insurance Coverage
You should also find out about the insurance coverage the company has for its technicians. It should have general liability insurance to cover you in the event that the technician makes a mistake, and workers' compensation insurance to protect you from liability in the event that a technician is injured while working on your property. It is reasonable to ask for proof on paper that a pest control company has adequate insurance.

5. Find Out About the Company's Reputation
Chances are good that you know other homeowners, such as friends and family members, who have had to hire pest control professionals such as Bug Ninja in the past. You can ask them to recommend a company with which they had a good experience. You can also investigate whether there have been any complaints about a company by making inquiries to the state pesticide regulatory agency or third-party organizations such as the Better Business Bureau.

6. Make Sure the Company Has a Working Phone Number
Unfortunately, there are some fraudulent pest control companies operating in the United States. Once you get ready to start calling companies to arrange interviews, you may find that some do not have phone numbers listed, or the phone number list does not work. If you find any of these, stay away from them as they are probably fraudulent. When you do get ahold of a pest control company by phone, ask for its physical address. If you cannot verify its location, that is a red flag, and you should not communicate with the company any further.

7. Interview up to Five Pest Control Companies
When you have narrowed down the list of candidates to around three to five companies, you should conduct interviews with them face to face. During the interview, there are important questions that you should ask:

• How long have you been in business in the area?
• What is involved in your inspections?
• How long will it take to resolve the pest problem?
• What are the terms of your service agreement?
• Can I see copies of the labels of the pesticides you use?
• What do I need to do to prepare the property before the technician arrives?
• Do you guarantee your work?
• Is your company affiliated with professional pest control associations?

During the interview, ask for references, which you should follow up on as soon as possible. You should be able to receive a free estimate of the cost to treat your home from each pest control company during the interview.

8. Inspect Company Vehicles
When you are interviewing pest control companies, you should take a look at their vehicles. In Louisiana, it is acceptable to use a removable sign on the vehicle, such as a magnetic sign. However, an unmarked vehicle is a red flag for a fraudulent company. Not only should the vehicles be clearly marked with the name of the company, but the pesticide containers should be labeled clearly with their contents. The containers should be secure, the equipment should be well organized, and the vehicle itself should be well-maintained and clean.

What Should You Expect a Pest Control Company To Do?
What you can expect from pest control pros varies depending on whether you choose one that performs Integrated Pest Management. Assuming that you hire an IPM company, such as Bug Ninja, you can expect these steps to deal with your problem.

1. Identify the Specific Pest
IPM is based on learning as much as possible about each specific type of pests, including its life cycle, needs, and habits. A pest control company that practices IPM should be able to not only identify the pest but explain the risks that it poses to you and your property and present options for resolving the issue.

2. Perform an Inspection
Effective pest control involves not only identifying the type of pests you have in your home but also where they are hiding and how many of them there are. To do this, a technician must perform a thorough inspection of your home that involves looking around, behind, under, and on top of areas that are likely to be infested. They are looking not only for current nests but also entry points. IPM involves preventing further inspections by identifying and sealing these entry points.

3. Explain Safety Measures
The chemicals used in pest control can be dangerous. The company should be able to explain the safety measures it has in place to prevent unnecessary exposure and reduce risks to the environment. You should ask questions about how the pesticides are applied and whether you have to clean up the residue, which is rare with an IPM approach.

By law, the company should be able to provide you with material safety data sheets and product labels for the pesticides used upon your request. If you do request them, you should review them.

4. Provide a Written Quote
A pest control company should quote you a price for services in writing. The written quote should be itemized with prices for all the services performed as part of the treatment.

5. Explain the Terms of the Contract
You will be asked to sign a contract before the treatment can take place. You have a responsibility to read the entire contract before signing it and to make sure you understand it. If there are any terms that are unclear, you should ask about them, and the company should be able to explain them to you in a way that you can comprehend.

6. Comply With the Law
You can expect a pest control company to comply with applicable laws even if it means not doing exactly what you want. For example, a technician cannot just "spray everything" merely because that's what you ask of them. That would be a violation of the constraints imposed on pest control companies by law.

7. Show You the Damage or Signs of Infestation
A pest control company should be able to show you the signs of infestation and the damage that has been done to your property. If you do not understand what you are seeing, you should be able to receive an explanation upon request.

8. Have Qualified Personnel Perform the Inspection and Application
The people who perform the inspection of your property and the application of the treatment should be qualified to do their jobs. Just bear in mind that the same person doesn't always do both. The one doing the inspection may be a salesperson with the company, while a technician may perform the actual application.

9. Communicate Effectively
A pest control company should be able to explain to you things like contract terms, pricing, and instructions that you have to follow prior to the treatment. For example, you may be asked to leave the premises during the application or not to allow pets in the area. You may have to move furniture out of the way so that the technician has access or dispose of food to prevent contamination. The company should be able to communicate these requirements to you clearly well before the treatment takes place.

However, effective communication also involves listening to your concerns and taking them into consideration. Remember that taking your concerns into consideration is not the same as doing whatever you want without regard for applicable laws.

Pay attention to your feelings when you are communicating with representatives of the company. If you feel that you are being rushed or pressured, or that you are not being listened to or shown the proper respect, this is a red flag that the company may not be trustworthy. In that case, you should cut off contact with the company immediately.

10. Make Suggestions To Prevent Future Infestations
In addition to identifying and sealing entry points, a pest control company should be able to suggest home maintenance steps you can take to prevent future infestations. For example, clutter inside and out provides cover where nuisance species can hide. Allowing standing water on your property or irrigation that moistens the walls can create conditions conducive to pest breeding and infestation. Allowing the branches of trees and shrubs to touch walls and windows provides a bridge of sorts for pests to access the building.

The professionals may also suggest ongoing inspections and treatments to prevent future infestations. This is part of Integrated Pest Management.

Bug Ninja is a pest control company providing services in Baton Rouge that takes an Integrated Pest Management approach. Contact us today for more information.

​Pests are a huge problem in homes and other types of buildings throughout the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, residents of 14.8 million housing units reported rodent sightings within the last 12 months. A typical home often has many different species of insects living in it, but homeowners may not always be aware of their presence. If you have ever dealt with insects or other pests, you may be able to make your home a less hospitable place for them to dwell. Insulation and pest control are more closely related than many homeowners realize. Here’s what you need to know about the two.

How Pests Get Into Your Home
Like criminals, pests often look for easy opportunities to get into your home. Homes with structural issues are more likely to become infested than those that are well-sealed and structurally sound. But even still, it’s possible for bugs and pests to get into your house when you let the dog out to go to the bathroom, when the kids run outside and forget to shut the door behind them, or when you unknowingly carry a spider inside on the back of your jacket.
Pests can also get into your home through exhaust fans and dryer vents, small cracks or holes in your siding, or through the tiniest access points in your exterior foundation. If you have a natural Christmas tree every year, you’re probably bringing a lot of little bugs into your house that are hidden away in the tree. Some homeowners are surprised to learn of the link between insulation and pest control. The right kind of insulation in the right amounts can deter pests from entering your home.

There are so many ways pests can get into your house that you should expect to see some occasionally. Depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with, you may be able to quickly kill it and be done with it. But chances are, if you see one pest, there are probably others hiding more successfully in your home.

Signs of a Pest Infestation
Seeing an occasional spider isn’t typically something to be alarmed about. But if you develop a pest infestation of any kind, it’s very important to schedule pest control services to come take care of the problem. An infestation isn’t likely to resolve on its own, and depending on the types of pests infesting your home, they could cause extensive damage. Insulation and pest control may help minimize the damage pests do in your home.
To figure out if you’re dealing with a pest infestation, look for these common signs:

• Visible pests crawling around inside or around your house
• Dead insects inside or around your house
• Evidence of a mouse nest
• Damaged plants
• Pest droppings
• Small dried blood spots
• Small openings around your home’s exterior

Additional indications of a pest infestation include tapping, scurrying or other strange noises (especially at night or when things are quiet). If these signs are very apparent, you’re likely dealing with a pest infestation that should be addressed before it becomes even worse. You may also want to look into insulation and pest control.
Most Common Home PestsThe most common types of home pests in Louisiana and other parts of the United States include:

• Mice
• Spiders
• Centipedes
• Cockroaches
• Millipedes
• Ants
• Wasps

Not all of these pests are capable of producing the same level of damage (for example, millipedes are unlikely to cause structural damage to your house but mice are capable of chewing through walls, wires and other important parts of your home). However, they are all an annoyance and don’t belong inside your home. Some can also cause a variety of health issues to you, your kids and your pets.

The Link Between Insulation and Pest Control
It may seem strange, but insulation can help combat pests in your home. Adding insulation won’t get rid of a current infestation (you’ll need to call a professional pest management service for that), but it can help you deter future pests from choosing your home as a living destination.

Spray foam insulation is a unique type of insulation that helps create air-tight reinforcements to the most vulnerable areas of your house (including around door and window sills). Some insulation is also commonly called pest control insulation because it is so effective at keeping pests out. Insulation and pest control are two great tactics you can use to keep your residence and the surrounding property free from unwanted pests such as rodents and insects.

Spray foam insulation can also improve the energy efficiency of your home by slowing down airflow. It is dense enough to keep air from flowing into and out of your house, which means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home at your specified temperature. If saving money while simultaneously making it harder for pests to get inside sounds appealing to you, it may be time to learn more about pest control insulation.

Some types of pest control insulation also degrade more slowly than typical fiberglass insulation, which means it will last longer and you can go longer before you need to enhance or replace it. Ultimately, this means lower costs for you as a homeowner. Some types of pest control insulation even contain borates, which are present in nature and are poisonous to insects. Borates are safe for humans and can provide additional pest control to give you peace of mind in your own home.

Use Insulation and Pest Control to Combat Your Pest Problem
When combined, insulation and pest control can help you finally get rid of unwanted pests that are infesting your home and property. They can also help you take care of minor pest problems before they become bigger issues.

If you have any signs of pests, Bug Ninja Pest Control can help you get rid of them. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services or to schedule your pest control appointment.

Do you have signs of pests in your house or on your property? Common indications of a pest problem include itchy bites on your skin after sleeping at home, chewed-through electrical wires, scratching sounds in your walls (especially at night), and visible droppings around your home or property. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to locate an exterminator in Baton Rouge right away, before the problem gets worse.

Steps To Find a Good Exterminator in Baton Rouge
Pests can multiply at an impressive rate. What begins as a minor problem can quickly morph into a full-blown infestation if no action is taken in the early stages. Even though they are small, bugs and critters can cause a lot of damage to your home and property in a short amount of time. To keep your property safe from this type of damage, here are steps you should take to find a local exterminator in Baton Rouge.

Use the Right Search Terms
When you’re searching for a local exterminator online, use local search terms. Otherwise, you could get results for exterminators who are hours away from you. Be sure to include your city in your search query so that you will primarily get results for Baton Rouge.

Check Out the Company’s Reviews
Once you locate an exterminator in Baton Rouge, it's a good idea to check out the company’s reviews. If you know anyone near you who has used the services of the exterminator you’re considering hiring, ask them how their experience went. Look online for reviews as well, but keep in mind that it’s more likely for someone to leave a review if they’re upset. Many satisfied customers across all industries fail to leave reviews even when they have a great experience.
Another great source for information about a particular exterminator is the Better Business Bureau. It’s important to note that not all businesses are listed with the BBB. For those that are, a rating is given based on the company’s overall product quality and customer service.

Make Sure All Licensing Is in Order
Just like other states, Louisiana has laws and regulations regarding pest control licensing and permits. It’s always a good idea to ask an exterminator in Baton Rouge if you can see the appropriate licensing or permits before you decide whether to use their services.

See if the Company Can Solve Your Pest Issue
When you’re looking for a local exterminator, make sure the company you’re interested in can handle your particular pest problem. Ask the company what services it offers and if its exterminators have experience successfully dealing with your issue, whether it's termites, ants, rodents, or other critters.  
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Contact Us When You Need an Exterminator in Baton Rouge
If you have bugs or other pests on your property, you deserve an exterminator in Baton Rouge who has the skills necessary to solve the problem. Contact Bug Ninja today to schedule your consultation and to learn more about the leading pest control services we offer.

​Pest control is a service used by a wide variety of people. A variety of pesticides including fungi are used to help stop pests, but how do they work?

The primary group of fungi used to control pesticides is called hyphomycetes. Some hyphomycetes have the ability to be mass-produced. The large production process makes it possible for pesticides to be used in several ways. You chose to can use pesticides on larger or smaller scales due to the product's commercialized availability.
Fungi in the group Hyphomycetes usually reproduce rapidly when conditions are favorable. They can be found in soil and can infect many types of pests. Certain fungal strains in pesticides can attack aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, ants, weevils, and more. Other types of fungi used as pesticides may be harder to produce and use for commercial purposes which may lead to higher prices to treat your landscape.

There are several advantages to using fungi-based pest control products. As mentioned previously, some fungal pesticides can be made in massive amounts fairly easily. They also have similar prices to bacterial pesticides. Additionally, some fungal pesticides usually do not harm humans or animals.
Predominately, spray rigs are used to apply fungal pesticides because they usually are produced in the form of spores. These types of pesticides can also affect several types of pests with the same products.
While there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. Since fungi can eliminate a plethora of insects, it could also mean that they could potentially harm insects that help your landscape. There are also factors like sunlight that can limit the effectiveness of the product that you are using.​

One of the types of rats you could expierence in your life time is called a roof rat. They will find shelter in your home, most likely near your roof like their name implies. After they make a home in your home, they have the ability to spread disease and damage your home. 

Roof rats are usually found in the southern part of the united states. They are small that can be a variety of colors including white, black, brown, or grey. They can even be a mix of colors. They are usually around 7 inches in length and they have large ears. They usually do not have a long life span but can reproduce rapidly. Roof rats are usually nocturnal animals. They usually travel in groups when they go looking for food. They like to live in hidden and sheltered places like attics, bushes, and piles of debris. 

Roof rats are omnivores and they prefer to eat in well hidden places. Roof rats typically prefer seeds, berries, nuts, and fruits. They also eat slugs, snails, cockroaches, and other insects. They have the ability to eat fish and shellfish, which they will eat if they are near bodies of water. Additionally, they like to store as much food as possible.

There are several indicators that you could possibly have an infestation. Some signs of roof rats include: 

• Rat Droppings 
• Noises in the Walls 
• Indicators that food was eaten such as small bite marks 
• Seeing rats dead or alive 
• Bite marks around your home

Rat infestations can cause many problems. However, there are many ways that can help you fix the problems and the infestations themselves. 
For instance, if you have any holes or cracks then it is possibly to seal them with silicone caulk. Keeping trees and tree limbs can also help stop invasions from above. Having screened in doors and windows can help stop rats from entering your home. Other things you can do to help stop infestations is making sure food is sealed properly and your home is clean. 
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If the pest problem persists then it is always a good idea to call pest control to help you deal with the infestation. 

Carpenter ants break down your house rather than building it up. They will make their presence known at your house. At first, you might notice small wood shavings and tiny holes. If you don't catch them for a long time then your house might be victim to structural damages. It makes you wonder what they look like, how they do it, and what you can do to stop it.

Carpenter ants can be an array of colors. Some colors including yellow, brown, red, orange, and black. Most carpenter ants are black, but the color differs depending on what species you're looking at. In the United States, they are one of the largest ants that you can find.
​Additionally, carpenter ants can grow wings, which is unsettling but cool to think about. If you see a carpenter ant with wings, then that is an indicator that there is a large colony nearby.

Carpenter ants, unlike termites, do not destroy wood. They simply create tunnels, and those tunnels weaken wood. The more tunnels you have in your wood, the more unsound it becomes. If the colony grows or the wood continues to be damaged then the house's structure can be damaged.

Do you ever see wet, soggy, or broken-down wood? Damaged or moist wood is a perfect place for carpenter ants to build their nest. They could be located in damaged wood, debris, or on top of that overhanging limb that touches your roof.

​Carpenter Ants can live inside or outside. Those dying decaying tree stumps? They can live there. The doorway in your home and your windows? They can live there too. It is important to remember that moist or damaged wood is a part of their optimal living conditions. Those woodworkers also will search for food, make rustling noises as they walk through your house, and pull shavings from the dusty wood along with them.

​​They colonize in two different ways. They can be parent or satellite colonies. The parent colony is where workers and queens live. In satellite, colonies reside workers, larvae, and pupae. Satellite colonies exist because they need more space, food, or water.

Carpenter ants are capable of biting as well as releasing a chemical to protect themselves and their colony. Not only that but carpenter ants will fight other insects as well. For instance, they will fight termites. Termites and Carpenter Ants both use wood to live but in different ways. It only makes sense that they would eventually encounter each other. When they do encounter each other, carpenter ants would kill and sometimes eat enemy termites.